General Manager Spain (Industrial automation, Electrification, Intralogistics & warehouse automation

VAHLE España operates as the official subsidiary of the globally recognized VAHLE Group in the Spanish market. The company is responsible for commercial development, technical consulting, project management, and after-sales service across Spain and, where applicable, additional regional markets. Serving key industrial sectors such as intralogistics and automated warehouses, port and terminal operations, industrial crane and lifting systems, automotive manufacturing, and specialized automation projects, VAHLE España combines the technological excellence of its German headquarters with strong local market expertise and close customer relationships. The Spanish subsidiary plays a strategic role in expanding the Group’s footprint in Southern Europe, with a clear focus on profitable growth, operational excellence, and customer proximity. The Opportunity We are seeking a

Managing Director / General Manager Spain , based in Barcelona, to lead a growth and transformation mandate.

This role is critical to strengthening the local organization, driving commercial expansion, enhancing operational performance, and positioning VAHLE as the leading partner for electrification and automation solutions in the region. Success in this role will depend less on technical depth and more on: Leadership maturity Strategic discipline Change management capability Commercial drive Cultural integration ability

Key Responsibilities Strategy & Business Leadership Translate Group strategy into a clear and actionable Iberian business roadmap. Develop, implement, and monitor the annual business plan and budget. Drive long-term growth initiatives and strengthen market positioning. Ensure alignment with Divisions, Business Units, Group functions, and Regional leadership. Lead organizational, cultural, and system development in Spain. Commercial Leadership Deliver sustainable revenue and margin growth. Lead key customer relationships and support structured market expansion. Implement pricing governance and value-based selling practices. Establish discipline in CRM, pipeline management, forecasting, and tender processes. Promote cross-selling and new business development across strategic segments (ports, intralogistics, automation). Operational Excellence Ensure high standards in supply chain, logistics, and customer service. Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and digitalization of processes. Innovation & Solution Development Foster a culture of innovation in products, services, and processes. Collaborate closely with Application Engineering and Product Lines to deliver customer-specific solutions. Support data-driven decision-making and digital tools implementation. Financial Management Full P&L responsibility for the Iberian organization. Ensure profitability, cost efficiency, cash-flow discipline, and risk management. Oversee inventory planning, pricing discipline, and financial accuracy. Approve CAPEX within corporate guidelines. Leadership & Organizational Development Lead and develop a team of approximately 18 professionals. Strengthen accountability, ownership, and clarity of roles. Manage resistance to change and align middle management. Drive talent development, succession planning, and performance culture. Act as a role model for VAHLE values and corporate standards.

Candidate Profile Education Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, or equivalent experience. Professional Experience Minimum 5–7 years of senior leadership experience in industrial B2B environments. Proven P&L responsibility. Strong background in B2B solution selling (OEM environment preferred). Experience in structured growth strategies and transformation processes. Sales experience within international organizations.

Core Capabilities Commercial & Strategic Strength Market analysis and segmentation expertise. Ability to define and execute a 3-year growth roadmap. Balanced hunter and farmer mindset. Strong negotiation skills and value-based selling approach. Experience selling complex technical solutions (not commodity products). Financial & Operational Acumen Strong cost awareness and profitability management. Experience optimizing commercial organizations. Familiarity with CRM and ERP-driven performance management. Understanding of supply chain and operational excellence principles. Leadership & Change Management Proven experience leading transformation in organizations with strong legacy cultures. Ability to influence strong personalities and build credibility before enforcing change. High emotional intelligence, resilience, and persistence. Structured communication and corporate alignment mindset.

Industry Background Experience in one or more of the following sectors is highly valued: Industrial automation Electrification Intralogistics & warehouse automation Port equipment & container handling Industrial cranes Automotive production systems Energy efficiency solutions

Languages & Mobility Spanish: Native English: Fluent German: A plus Willingness to travel frequently within Spain and quarterly internationally

Location Barcelona, Spain