President / General Manager

Title: President/General Manager

Location: Brugnera, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Status: Full-time

Company Overview:

Valenext, owned by an important American holding, is a leading company in Europe in the production of solid wood drawers. It produces over one million drawers per year, customized in all sizes, types of wood, and materials. Valenext also offers a wide range of accessories for the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, including dividers and modular accessories for drawers and baskets.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven President/General Manager with a proven track record in operational excellence and business leadership. This role requires strong business acumen and the ability to develop and execute strategies that enhance efficiency and drive sustainable growth. The successful candidate will be accountable for budgeting, planning, and operational execution to meet performance objectives and long-term goals.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Operational

• Plan & oversee all production operations
• Review, update and continuously improve all company operations and employment policies
• Identify and quantify necessary CAPEX additions to improve manufacturing throughput and efficiency
• Identify areas where resources could best be applied to effect change both within the organization as well as in support of the customer
• Identify areas that improve profit, efficiency, product quality, safety and overall process improvement
• Oversee the quality of all manufactured products
• Lead cross- functional teams (i.e. sales, marketing, IT, HR and production) to ensure alignment and drive cohesive business strategies
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations

Strategic and Financial Management

• Provide input to and subsequently manage the annual sales plan and budget for the business (Manage the financial health of the business)
• Identify and monitor KPIs to drive operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction
• Lead the senior leadership team in long-term strategic planning and growth initiatives
• Identify and manage operational, financial, strategic, and compliance risks across the business
• Inventory management/control

Team Development

• Identify and address any gaps in the company team structure
• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, coaching, development and training of all employees
• Develop key performance goals for the team and individual employees that align with company objectives and strategic initiatives
• Promote innovation, growth, and a customer-centric mindset across all departments
• Foster a high performing culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement

Customer & Supplier Engagement

• Work closely with individual program managers to ensure on time delivery and customer satisfaction
• Manage communications with all primary suppliers
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers to enhance loyalty and drive long-term business growth
• Provide inputs in the development of an effective marketing strategy that includes website refresh, targeting meaningful trade shows and expansion of the existing target audience for the company’s product line

Innovation & trends

• Continuously track emerging relevant technologies and industry trends as well as the company's competition
• Stay ahead of market changes to help position the company for long-term success

Experience / Requirements

• Related experience in a leadership role in the manufacturing industry
• Must be able to provide hands on leadership, coaching and training
• Thorough knowledge of applicable regulations is required
• Lean / Six Sigma training experience preferred
• Higher education degree a plus
• Computer proficiency with both financial and operations planning software
• Must possess keen strategic thinking and forward planning skills
• Must be able to plan and effect change within an organization while simultaneously gaining the "buy-in" from existing employees