Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the VP Europe, the General Manager is responsible for managing and leading the Oettinger Davidoff subsidiaries in Germany as well as in Austria (Wholesale). They will be fully accountable for the financial performance of both business units. This position will focus on the current and long-term profitable growth of the business, maximizing opportunities in these markets and in particular developing Oettinger Davidoff's Own Brand portfolio to its full potential, led by brand Davidoff.

The position is based in Hamburg, Germany. 
 

• Continue building a successful Oettinger Davidoff business in Germany and Austria, using synergies between the markets and deciding on critical resource allocation
• Lead and be fully accountable for the approved financial budget and demonstrate that through proactive management of the monthly performance, understanding the underlying drivers of performance, course correcting when necessary, and maintaining a "portfolio" of sales/margin generating measures outside of the budget to seize opportunities and manage risks
• Lead the sales, marketing, finance, HR, and supply chain functions and planning for the market cluster to realize our growth ambitions
• Establish business plans and identify required resources (sales, marketing, finance, HR, supply chain) to execute against the plans, monitor and track that execution as well as reporting of financial performance
• Ensure proper brand positioning in line with global guidelines and the execution of the marketing / commercial toolbox on Oettinger Davidoff brands through focused leadership of the sales force and marketing team. Ensure the toolbox is robust and addresses opportunities in line with a clear trade strategy (what activities on what brands for which channels). This includes training & education, merchandising, events, brilliant execution of launches, etc.
• Ensure that the Oettinger Davidoff portfolio is the top priority, and Davidoff the priority within our Oettinger Davidoff portfolio of brands
• Monitor and evaluate economic, industry and market trends and changing conditions to be ready to adapt to take full advantage of changing circumstances and opportunities
• Provide highly engaged, pro-active leadership to ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently, and decision-making is disciplined. Provide continuous management of the organization to orchestrate an efficient organization, coach and motivate
• Develop relationships and work closely with central Oettinger Davidoff functions such as Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, HR and Legal to implement the Oettinger Davidoff vision and values, standards and guidelines and contribute to meeting the overall objectives of Oettinger Davidoff

Qualifications and experience

• Ten years successful progression in consumer marketing and/or sales roles, cumulating in a General Manager or Senior Sales/Marketing role
• A record of effectively leading and managing multiple operating functions, including Sales and Marketing with the ability to also manage Finance, Supply Chain, Human Resources.
• Experience from within the tobacco industry is highly desirable (and with other Luxury brands is a plus)
• An "entrepreneurial" spirit” with the energy, passion, and intellect to lead the organization successfully forward in the competitive and restrictive marketplace in which it competes
• Leadership of an organization demonstrating consistent performance in sales, strong operational experience, strong team building / leadership skills and a track record for delivering results.
• The ability to attract and develop talent, build strong relationships / partnerships, and create a culture of collaboration and teamwork
• An energetic self-starter with strong communication skills to influence and work successfully with colleagues across the organization as well as externally (customers, vendors, industry associations, regulators, legislators)
• A BA/MS degree
• Language skills: Fluency in English and German is a must