Managing Director China (m/f/d)

Managing Director China (m/f/d)

Our client, an international industrial group, is seeking a Managing Director China to lead its China business through a phase of commercial strengthening, operational excellence, and strategic transformation. This is a broad executive leadership role with full responsibility across Sales, Service, Operations, R&D, Finance, and Support Functions. The position holds full P&L accountability and drives revenue growth, profitability, and strategic execution in one of the group’s most important markets.

As Managing Director China, you will lead and develop a large-scale organization while acting as the key interface between Headquarters and the China organization. The role requires a strong operator with the ability to improve performance, elevate customer engagement, and enhance operational efficiency in a complex and dynamic market environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Full strategic and operational leadership of the China organization
• Full accountability for P&L, budgeting, financial performance, growth, and execution of corporate strategy
• Leadership and development of an organization of ~200 employees, including 10 direct reports
• Drive operational excellence with a strong focus on continuous improvement across production, technology, and processes
• Build a high-performing, future-ready organization in a complex international environment
• Lead transformation and change initiatives across the organization
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements across the organization and value chain
• Act as the key interface between Headquarters and China, ensuring alignment, governance, and execution

Candidate Profile

• University degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
• Several years of senior leadership experience in the machinery or plant engineering industry within a complex B2B environment
• Strong operational expertise across production, technical processes, R&D, Lean Management, and procurement
• Proven full or partial P&L responsibility, with accountability for revenue, margins, and execution of operational and commercial strategy
• Proven leadership experience in China and/or the broader Asia region
• Strong understanding of Chinese business culture, market dynamics, and working practices
• Excellent English skills: German language skills are an advantage
• Strong communication skills, high initiative, and a strong execution track record
• Proven experience in leading organizational change and transformation
• Global mindset combined with strategic thinking and entrepreneurial drive