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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive commercial success and operational excellence in the agricultural sector.
- Company: Join GEA, a global leader in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and lead a passionate team towards sustainable growth and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business; proven leadership and commercial expertise required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
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.
Responsibilities / Tasks
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.
Commercial & Financial Performance
- 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.
Service Performance & Utilisation
- 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.
People & Leadership
- 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.
Your Profile / Qualifications
- 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.
Leadership & Collaboration
- 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.
Did we spark your interest? Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.
Business Unit Director in Holsworthy employer: GEA
Contact Detail:
GEA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Unit Director in Holsworthy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GEA and understanding their values and goals. We want to see you shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with the role of Business Unit Director. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’ve got a guided application process that makes it super easy for you to showcase your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Unit Director in Holsworthy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Unit Director role. Highlight your experience in commercial and operational performance, as well as any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals at GEA!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Business Unit Director, strong leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and driving performance. We love to see candidates who can inspire and engage their teams while achieving results!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you access to our guided application process, making it easier for you to showcase your skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at GEA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Unit Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial performance. Brush up on key metrics like Order Intake, gross margin, and cost targets. Be ready to discuss how you've driven these numbers in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight your approach to setting objectives, managing performance, and building engagement within your team.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with GEA's position in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors. Research current trends and challenges in these industries, and think about how you can contribute to GEA's growth and market development strategies.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making under pressure. Prepare scenarios where you've had to analyse KPIs, implement process improvements, or manage customer relationships effectively. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.
