Business Unit Director

GEA is one of the world's largest systems suppliers for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Our portfolio includes machinery and plants as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. Guided by a strong sense of purpose, our more than 18,000 dedicated employees work to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of production processes globally.

Purpose of the Role

The Business Unit Director is accountable for the commercial and operational performance of the Branch, with clear ownership of Order Intake (OI) and margin delivery. The role leads sustainable growth, operational excellence and customer satisfaction in line with the Farm Technologies UK strategy and GEA Group objectives. This role is based at our Holsworthy Branch and requires regular travel to other GEA sites across the South West, as well as to customer locations. The successful candidate must therefore live within a commutable distance of Holsworthy. The Business Unit Director has 3 direct reports and overall leadership responsibility for approximately 30 employees across the Branch. As a member of the GEA FT (Farm Technologies) UK Management Team, the Business Unit Director shapes strategy, sets direction and ensures disciplined execution across all Branch activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Own delivery of Branch OI, revenue, gross margin and cost targets.
• Lead budget, forecast and performance reviews, with a strong focus on margin improvement.
• Convert pipeline into profitable orders through disciplined commercial management.
• Analyse and report business KPIs, providing clear insight and corrective actions.
• Drive high levels of service delivery, productivity and utilisation across Service Engineers.
• Partner with the Service & Installation Manager to optimise capacity planning, scheduling and execution.
• Improve service profitability through efficiency, pricing discipline and utilisation management.
• Ensure service delivery meets customer, safety, quality and contractual requirements.

Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership for Branch operations across sales, service and installation.
• Ensure effective governance across QHSEE, compliance and risk management.
• Establish clear accountability, performance standards and decision-making within the Branch.

Sales, Growth & Market Development

• Define and execute a Branch Sales & Marketing strategy aligned to FT UK priorities.
• Work closely with the FT UK Sales team and Head of Business Development & Marketing to drive lead generation and conversion.
• Build strong senior relationships with key customers and partners to grow market share.
• Act as a senior representative of GEA FT UK within the agricultural industry.
• Lead, develop and engage the Branch leadership team and wider workforce.
• Set clear objectives, manage performance and build succession for key roles.
• Role model GEA values and leadership expectations.

Education

• Bachelor's degree (essential) in Engineering (Mechanical, Agricultural, Industrial), Business/Management/Commerce, or Agricultural Science / Agribusiness.
• Professional certifications (desirable): Service Management, Operational Excellence or Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma).

Commercial & Operational Expertise

• Proven P&L ownership with strong understanding of Order Intake, pricing, margin optimisation and financial reporting.
• Deep knowledge of service operations, field workforce utilisation, capacity planning, scheduling, and QHSEE compliance.
• Track record in sales growth, business development, and building strong customer and dealer relationships.
• Experience designing and improving processes, introducing KPIs and driving continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional teams, set objectives, manage performance, build engagement and develop succession.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration across sales, service, operations and finance.
• Confident, data-driven decision maker with sound judgment under pressure.

Personal Capabilities

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels.
• Strong customer focus with a passion for service excellence.
• High level of analytical and financial acumen.
• Innovative, adaptable and resilient in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong relationship builder with effective project and time management skills.