Chief Operating Officer (COO) in spe (m/w/d), Wetzlar
CAPERA Gruppe - Personalberatung und Personalentwicklung
Wetzlar, Germany
We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in spe (m/w/d) for a Hidden Champion in the fireplace solutions industry, based in Mittelhessen. Our client combines tradition and modernity in designing innovative and aesthetic fireplaces and pellet stoves, focusing on quality in development, procurement, sales, and service. The manufacturing is outsourced.
The COO in spe will take over responsibilities in procurement and sales, with sourcing primarily from Eastern Europe/Balkans. Key sales channels include DIY stores, large retail, specialty trade, and online platforms across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and France. The current COO will mentor the successor until summer next year, ensuring a smooth transition.
Your Responsibilities:
* Assume overall responsibility for sales and procurement, shaping future company development.
* Optimize business processes, steer sales strategies, and develop supplier relationships.
* Manage and develop sales teams, internal service, and marketing collaboration.
* Negotiate prices directly with key suppliers, optimize procurement strategies, and ensure delivery quality and reliability.
* Build long-term partnerships with external producers, mainly in Eastern Europe/Balkans.
* Work closely with the CEO to develop strategic company goals and improve internal efficiencies.
Your Profile:
* Extensive experience in leadership roles within sales and/or procurement, ideally in trade or consumer goods industries.
* Strategic and operational management experience in trade structures like specialist retailers, DIY, OEMs.
* Negotiation skills with international suppliers, fluency in English.
* Technical understanding, entrepreneurial mindset, hands-on approach, leadership skills.
* Strong communication, assertiveness, and analytical skills.
Our Offer:
* The opportunity to grow into a key leadership role within an established medium-sized company.
* Scope to influence and shape the company's long-term strategy.
* Flat hierarchies, short decision paths, direct contact with the owner.
* Competitive compensation package with development opportunities and performance-based components.
Contact: Reference number: LE150-STA, Alexander Lerch, Personalberater, Phone: 069 9999 806 20, Email: [emailprotected]
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