Job Description
We are looking for a commercially savvy General Manager that is energized by the opportunity to grow the LEGO business in EUC – key markets where innovation will be a critical enabler of our ambition to reach more children around the world!
The journey ahead and ambitions:
The Vice President, General Manger EUC will be responsible to continue the fantastic growth momentum and find creative ways to accelerate growth across several key markets.
This role will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the LEGO business in the three key markets comprising Europe Central: Germany, Austria, Switzerland. You will drive the growth of today’s top-3 Business Unit globally by best catering to the demands of consumers and shoppers. This includes but is not limited too; customers, specialist toys retailers, online retailers, hypermarkets, and drug stores in an environment that is rapidly changing and highly competitive.
As General Manager you will have the unique opportunity to set the strategic direction for the EUC business, which entails translating the Group strategy into EUC-specific sales and marketing strategies (including tangible implementation activities). However, s/he must also put a strong focus on managing the operational business and dive deep where required to challenge or support the operational teams.
You will have responsibility for financial target achievement (sales, cost and profit) of LEGO in the EUC business unit. It will be pivotal to drive profitable growth by establishing new and by further developing existing customer relationships. The new VP & GM shall also be an influencer and pacemaker for the digitalization of the consumer journey and the growth of e-commerce, leveraging the entrepreneurial freedom, which comes with the role.
This position delivers the above with a dedicated and established team of about 120 people, consisting of the commercial functions and of dedicated resources from group functions. Through your leadership, you will ensure EUC continues the strong growth trajectory experienced in the past 10 years while executing a strong strategy to reach more children through play.
A further key task for the new incumbent will be the enhancement of the change journey initiated to take more calculated risks and seek more opportunities, applying also innovative approaches. Part of this is to establish a more experimental, test and learn culture.
This role will report directly to our Senior Vice President for Western Europe and is team member in the Western Europe Leadership Team together with the other General Managers and leaders of regional functional teams.
What will you have in your toolbox:
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Proven experience working internationally or with international companies/brands, coupled with strong commercial acumen.
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In-depth Sales experience in a Consumer Products, consumer-focused E-Commerce, Fashion and Lifestyle, FMCG or Media industry environment.
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Successful track record in leading change towards an agile, entrepreneurial way of working.
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Inspiring, passionate and engaging leader and individual; growth minded and flexible to adapt to changing circumstances.
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Creates clear strategic focus and can get in the weeds to help the team deliver great execution and results.
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Authentic, self-aware and flexible leadership, capable of generating followership with a range of influencing styles to succeed in a matrixed structure.
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Proven track record in leading teams & delivering results consistently.
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International experience, both in highly established & emerging markets.
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Experience with P&L responsibility and longer-term planning (able to work with a 3-year planning horizon).
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Previous leadership experience and track record with building teams and capabilities. Must have strong communication skills and work according to the LEGO Brand Framework.
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Must have strategic acumen coupled with high drive and capability to operationalize and execute against ambitious plans.
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Ability to navigate and leverage full value chain (sales, marketing, operation and leadership) to meet the needs of the market nuances.
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Take ownership and accountability of results in the market even when not in control of all elements, be agile, solution driven and comfortable with uncertainties.
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Support our global brand and global organization through championing ways to standardize where appropriate while taking a pragmatic approach considering local ne