President 3678297

Location: Greater Chicago, IL. Relocation assistance available.

Reporting to: Group Leadership, European headquarters

Industry: Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Manufacturing

Role Summary: Our client is an established international manufacturing group that designs and produces precision mechanical products for the metalworking industry. Following the planned retirement of the current President, the company is seeking an experienced leader to succeed him at the head of its U.S. subsidiary. The U.S. organization combines sales, engineering, technical support, product customization, and manufacturing of custom components, supported by the Group's main production sites overseas. The President will restore and grow profitability, strengthen processes and accountability, and build a solid organization for the next phase of growth, in close alignment with European headquarters. The role requires a hands-on, decisive leader with proven business and people management experience and a solid technical or industrial background, ideally in machine tools or mechanical manufacturing. International experience is mandatory.

Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & GrowthDefine and execute the U.S. business strategy in alignment with Group growth and profitability objectives. Translate priorities into actionable plans, measurable goals, and resources to support expansion.

Business & Financial Management: Own U.S. business performance and profitability, partnering with the Controller on budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash flow, and cost management. Guide investment and resource allocation through financial and operational analysis.

Organizational & People Leadership: Manage and support department managers, setting clear goals and responsibilities. Hire, train, and develop employees, address performance issues, and ensure departments work well together.

Commercial & Market Development: Provide strategic oversight of national sales activities, market development, and key customer and partner relationships. Align commercial priorities, pricing, and customer commitments with profitability and operational capabilities.

Engineering & Operational Leadership: Oversee Engineering, Technical Support, product customization, and manufacturing of customer-specific components. Improve productivity, quality, and service levels through effective coordination between Sales, Engineering, and Operations.

Global Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison with Group leadership and Finance Coordinate with European manufacturing and technical teams on business priorities, product requirements, and customer needs.

Candidate Profile: Proven senior leadership experience as President, General Manager, Managing Director, Business Unit Leader, or in a comparable role with broad business responsibility. Experience leading a small to mid-sized industrial business or business unit, including people management, financial performance, and organizational development. Strong technical and industrial background in machine tools, mechanical manufacturing, automation, aerospace, automotive, cutting tools, industrial equipment, or related engineered products. Experience in machine tool, machine tool accessories and work holding is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to grow a business, develop managers, and deliver sustainable improvements. Solid understanding of P&L, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, margins, and cost control. International business experience is required, including collaboration with overseas headquarters and cross-cultural teams. Strategic yet hands-on leadership style, with strong communication skills, fluent English, and constructive decision-making. A record of sustained contribution and professional continuity. A Sales background is valuable but not required: Engineering, Operations, and General Management backgrounds are equally relevant when supported by broad business leadership experience.

Benefits: Medical insurance with 80% employer-paid premiums, plus an employer-funded HRA.Dental and vision insurance.401(k) with a fully vested 3% employer contribution; eligibility after one year, subject to plan enrollment dates.20 days of PTO annually to start, prorated for new hires and increasing with tenure, plus 12 paid holidays. Company-paid life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Optional supplemental insurance coverage.