We are conducting a confidential search for a CEO / Managing Director to lead an established industrial business based in Nordenham, Germany.
This is a significant leadership opportunity for a proven senior executive with deep experience in complex industrial environments and the ability to combine strategic judgement with visible, hands‑on operational leadership. The business requires a leader who is comfortable being close to the operation, highly present with the workforce, and credible with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will assume full responsibility for the overall leadership and performance of the business, including operational delivery, commercial performance, financial results, organisational capability and stakeholder engagement. This role calls for a strong, practical leader who sets standards from the front, leads by example and is prepared to be fully engaged on site.
A central part of the brief is to provide confident leadership in a business where industrial health and safety, workforce engagement and external stakeholder management are all critical. The incoming CEO / MD will need to build trust across the organisation, maintain high levels of visibility, and navigate a demanding environment with sound judgement and authority.
Key requirements include:
* Proven experience as a CEO / Managing Director
* Deep background in industrial, manufacturing, engineering, metals or similarly complex operational environments
* Fluent German and English — both are essential
* Extensive experience in industrial health and safety, with a strong personal commitment to safe operations and high standards
* Strong experience working with unions and works councils
* Demonstrated ability to lead in a hands‑on, visible and lead‑by‑example manner
* Strong commercial and operational judgement, with a track record of improving performance and delivering results
* Experience managing political and stakeholder complexity, including engagement with politicians, public authorities, employee representatives and external institutions
* The presence, resilience and credibility to represent the business effectively at every level
This is a fully office-based role in Nordenham, five days per week on site.
It will suit a leader who believes that the best leadership is visible, practical and close to the people and operation. This is an outstanding opportunity to lead an established industrial business through its next phase, with responsibility for shaping performance, culture and long-term direction.
For a confidential discussion, please contact me directly.
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