The role leads the development and implementation of the NPE cluster strategy, with a strong focus on strategic sales, business development, and driving sustainable growth. It provides strategic and operational leadership across all NPE entities, ensures alignment with BU and BL priorities, and oversees key financial and performance outcomes. The position also builds strong internal and external relationships and may require travel of up to 40% to support cluster activities. The Cluster Head holds full P&L responsibility for all entities within the respective cluster.
Responsibilities / Tasks
Core Strategic Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine the strategy for all NPE entities within the cluster/area of responsibility, including clear business plans for each technology and defined actions within agreed timelines.
- Lead Strategic Sales & Business Development for the NPE cluster by identifying growth opportunities, shaping go-to-market approaches, building market share, and ensuring full alignment with the Business Unit (BU), Business Lines (BLs), and division priorities.
- Drive the execution of strategic initiatives across Sales/Business Development, Operations/Execution, and Market-Driven Strategy to ensure sustained long-term growth.
Cluster Leadership & Integration
- Ensure full integration of all NPE entities within the cluster, leveraging synergies across the Business Unit, NPE BLs, and other divisions (e.g., HRT, SFT).
- Align cluster activities with the company’s strategic direction and translate high-level strategy into clear, actionable objectives for the team and operational units.
- Lead, inspire, and develop people by setting goals, creating structure, managing performance, and building strong collaborative behaviours across the cluster.
Operational & Financial Accountability
- Prepare, deliver, and oversee budgets and mid-term plans, including Sales, Business Development, and People plans.
- Be accountable for delivering all NPE cluster-level KPIs including (but not limited to) Order Intake, Sales, Gross Margin, EBITDA, Working Capital, and ROCE.
- Hold full P&L responsibility for all entities within the respective cluster, including new machines and service.
- Ensure strong governance, compliance, and approval processes in line with GEA guidelines, including PADB and E-approval authority.
- Oversee the implementation of standards, controls, systems, and procedures to support operational excellence.
Cross-Functional Alignment & Collaboration
- Coordinate NPE division operations with the Country or Cluster Managing Director in a matrix organisation.
- Work closely with BL Heads to align on local development plans and strategic focus areas.
- Support global initiatives in Manufacturing, Procurement, and Supply Chain to ensure consistent execution and value creation across regions.
- Build and maintain proactive relationships with internal and external partners, including key clients, industry representatives, and corporate stakeholders.
Strategic Projects & Innovation
- Drive cluster-level improvements based on financial and operational analysis and a deep understanding of business processes.
- Coordinate and implement corporate projects, innovation initiatives, and market development activities within the cluster.
- Support other strategic or corporate initiatives across GEA as required.
Impact on Business
- Operates at a strategic and operational level, shaping cluster direction and ensuring strong execution.
- Directly impacts cluster performance through strategic planning, governance, financial leadership, and market development.
- Sets mid-term plans and prioritises strategic initiatives to ensure growth and competitiveness.
Innovation and Change
- Drives continuous improvement across processes, systems, governance, and commercial strategy.
- Leads innovation and go-to-market initiatives within the cluster.
- Implements BU and divisional strategic initiatives consistently across all entities.
Main Communication Partners
- Business Unit peers, BL leadership, Country Managers/Country MDs, and supporting functions (Finance, HR, Operations, Supply Chain).
- Key clients, industry partners, and external stakeholders when representing GEA at exhibitions, strategic customer engagements, and major contract opportunities.
Decision-Making Power
- Full decision-making authority within the cluster, aligned to GEA governance frameworks.
- Approval rights for PADB, E-approval and other cluster-level governance processes.
- Accountable for ensuring governance, compliance, and strategic priorities are understood and implemented across all entities.
Your Profile / Qualifications
- Demonstrated strategic leadership experience in a technical, industrial, or multi-entity environment
- Strong background in sales, business development, and executing growth strategies
- Proven ability to lead teams, influence across a matrix organisation, and drive alignment
- Confidence managing financial performance and governance frameworks
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and decision-making skills
- Ability to travel up to 40% as needed across the region
Did we spark your interest?
Then please click apply above to access our guided application process.