General Manager - China

​COMPANY INFORMATION:

GWA is looking for a GENERAL MANAGER – CHINA for its client, an international industrial group specialized in technologies and integrated solutions for the construction, maintenance, and efficiency of infrastructures related to energy transmission and distribution networks, railways, and underground utilities sector to be based in Beijing.

The General Manager China is responsible for the overall management and development of China’s operations of the group, ensuring a strong commercial and strategic presence in the Chinese market while supporting all Business Units in business development, market intelligence, sourcing, and trading activities.

The position serves as the primary link between the Chinese subsidiary and the Italian Headquarters, ensuring alignment between local activities and the Group’s strategies, financial objectives, and priorities.

The General Manager is also responsible for ensuring the effective management of the company from an organizational, administrative, financial, and compliance perspective, in full accordance with local regulations and the group’s Corporate Policies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Commercial Growth 

• Define and implement the commercial development strategy for the Chinese market in coordination with Headquarters and the group’s Business Units;
• Identify new business opportunities, customers, partners, distributors, and potential industrial collaborations;
• Support Business Units in defining market entry and growth strategies within China;
• Coordinate local Sales and Business Development activities;
• Develop and manage relationships with key customers, commercial partners, institutions, and local stakeholders;
• Support the preparation of commercial proposals, negotiations, and strategic initiatives;
• Monitor commercial pipelines, business opportunities, and major projects, ensuring regular reporting to Headquarters.
  

Market Intelligence & Strategic Analysis

• Coordinate market research and analysis activities supporting all Group Business Units;
• Monitor developments in the group’s target markets, identifying trends, opportunities, risks, competitors, and relevant regulatory changes;
• Analyze the competitive positioning of the group’s products and solutions in the Chinese market;
• Provide Headquarters with structured information regarding competitors, customers, pricing, emerging technologies, and industrial trends;
• Prepare business cases and strategic analyses to support investment and growth decisions in the region.

Procurement, Sourcing & Trading

• Coordinate supplier scouting and sourcing activities in China on behalf of the Italian Headquarters;
• Manage and supervise trading activities related to materials, components, products, and services procured in China for the Group companies;
• Monitor pricing, commercial conditions, lead times, and supply-chain risks;
• Ensure effective communication and information flow between local suppliers and Headquarters functions, including Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Operations.

Company Management

• Ensure the effective operational management of the company and achievement of assigned objectives;
• Develop and manage the company’s annual Business Plan and budget;
• Oversee the company’s financial performance, monitoring costs, revenues, cash flow, and key performance indicators;
• Ensure compliance with decisions and directives established by the Board of Directors and Headquarters;
• Coordinate local administrative, financial, and corporate activities in collaboration with advisors and corporate functions;
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, internal procedures, and Corporate Governance principles;
• Establish and maintain an effective periodic reporting system to Headquarters.

People Management

• The General Manager will directly lead the local organization with the objective of:
• Coordinating and monitoring the activities of team members;
• Developing the skills, capabilities, and autonomy of the local team:
• Evaluating individual performance and supporting professional growth;
• Promoting collaboration and integration between the China team, Business Units, and corporate functions.

REQUIREMENTS

• Resident in China – Beijing;
• Fluent English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Mandarin Chinese proficiency is strongly preferred. Fluent Italian is an important plus;
• Degree in Economics, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field;
• Significant experience in General Management, Country Management, Business Development, or Commercial Leadership roles within international industrial environments;
• Previous experience in B2B companies operating in infrastructure, industrial, railway, energy, utilities, automation, or machinery sectors is highly preferred;
• Proven experience managing commercial and industrial relationships with Chinese companies;
• Strong knowledge of sourcing, international procurement, and supply-chain processes;
• Experience managing budgets, P&L responsibilities, and business planning activities;
• Ability to manage a local legal entity while interacting effectively with an international corporate organization;
• Experience leading and developing multicultural teams;
• Strong business and results-oriented mindset;
• Strategic vision combined with hands-on operational capabilities;
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills;
• Ability to develop commercial and institutional networks;
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn market insights into business opportunities;
• Leadership and people management capabilities;
• High degree of autonomy and ability to work effectively within a matrix organization;
• Excellent communication and cross-cultural relationship skills;
• Integrity, reliability, and strong sensitivity to compliance and Corporate Governance matters.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Opportunity to join a growing international group expanding its presence in the Asian market
• High level of autonomy and career growth potential

INTERESTED?

If you are interested in and qualified for this position, please send your resume to Anastasia Del Prete adp@gwa-asia.com and Filippo Sticconi fs@gwa-asia.com

Suitable candidates will be contacted within a few days upon application.