Head of Business Unit (Manufacturing Sector)

A well-established regional paint and coatings group is expanding and seeking a strategic, analytical professional to join its Guyana-based management team as Head of Business Unit, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Overview: Our client is a well-established regional group of companies which manufacture, distributes and retails paint, accessories, and high-performance coatings across the region. Due to expansion of its regional base, they are seeking a strategic and results-oriented professional with strong analytical skills to join the Guyana-based management team.

 The Head of Business Unit will report to the Chief Operating Officer and will be supported by functional line managers in the performance of his/her duties, having regard for the interests of shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the departmental heads in the overall direction, coordination and evaluation thereby increasing profitability for the Guyana operation.
• Take the lead in the development of new business opportunities that supports the company’s overall growth strategy and identifying potential sales leads in new markets.

• Contribute to the Senior Executive Team in strategic decision making.
• Account for the effective use of the business unit’s resources, ensuring that the Unit keeps within its approved financial budget.
• Identifying where cost improvements can occur and ensuring that such improvements are incorporated in the strategic program of the Business Unit. 
• Monitor the progress of the Unit’s performance against its budget and provide the team with guidance and direction for continuous improvement.
• Planning for the Business Unit’s ongoing operational needs, including technology, facilities, and equipment.
• Ensure adequate financial records and internal controls are followed to ensure the accurate preparation of financial statements, including working with the Finance department to obtain an annual in-depth financial analysis and promptly address financial problems.

• Collaborate with the team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the rapid growth objectives of the company.

• Identify where manufacturing process at the business unit should be improved and devise manufacturing improvement plans that are compatible with available resources in conjunction with Vice President Operations.

• Develop new opportunities in both the current Markets and in new Markets (which includes developing and implementing strategies/plans to improve sales in all established markets and provide information on opportunities for new markets).

• Make regular visits to all customers and ensure effective distribution and marketing of products.

• Assist with sales forecast and demand planning for markets using online Sales Operation Planning (SOP) Tool.

• For all markets, provide budget figures for sales volume by market and product type and monitor actual performance and report to the COO any significant variances and submit budget revisions if necessary.

• Prepare for and attend exhibits, conferences, meetings, and other local, regional and national promotional opportunities.

• Work with the Regional Finance Team to ensure that the appropriate control framework is in place and is effective to mitigate business risk and ensure inventory accuracy.

• Present clear and timely reports and proposals to the Board of Directors as may be required.

• Ensure that effective mechanisms exist for professional advice to be available to department managers.

• Ensure that the Business Unit establishes effective links with the press and other Media. 
• Ensure public relations are handled in a courteous and professional manner by management and staff. 
• Plan and conduct meetings with staff to ensure compliance with established practices, implementing new policies and apprise employees of any changes to current standards.

• Observe and monitor employee performance to ensure adherence to the Business Unit’s policies and procedures. 

• Implementation of productivity/quality metrics and of incentive programs designed to minimize costs and enhance efficiency.

Desired Qualifications & Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in business/administration/marketing along with at least 8 years of experience in a business leadership role or
• Master’s degree in business/administration/marketing along with at least 4 years of experience in a business leadership role.
• Track record of success in previous strategic sales and marketing functions. 
• Familiarity with related business modules and technological innovation.
• Knowledge and proven experience of working in the Paint industry.
• Experience in planning, budgeting and forecasting.
• Ability to build positive working relationships. 
• High Creativity, with good initiative and judgment.
• Ability to work independently to be highly organized and have a ‘hands-on’ approach.   
• Ability to motivate teams for high employee engagement.
• Excellent time management skills including managing meetings in person and virtually and simultaneously managing several projects.
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management System and Auditing.