Our client is a division of a global leader in the development and manufacturing of steel industry equipment. The parent company has more than 9,000 employees worldwide with more than $4 billion in revenues annually. The company is profitable and is well positioned to continue its strong track record of international expansion. The Northeast operation has been driving the company’s North American services business, acting as a central provider of services and solutions in plant construction and mechanical engineering for the industrial processing of steel, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals.
The parent company’s mandate is for the services business to double its revenues during the next several years. It currently has 30 people serving more than 300 customers throughout the U.S. Strategically, the company is promoting the growth of the company’s e-commerce platform in the U.S. because the States have a greater level of internet savvy talent that the company can leverage to create a more dynamic, technologically progressive business. As part of this strategic business roll-out, our client seeks a Director of E-Commerce to develop and implement a state of the art global e-commerce platform to manage the sales, supply, and distribution of commercial spare parts / MRO parts (maintenance, repair and operation replacement) worldwide to their customers and partners throughout the steel industry.
This position requires an experienced e-commerce operations leader with strong overall business acumen and experience developing and leading the creation and implementation of e-commerce platforms for industrial, equipment and/or aftermarket suppliers. Our client requires a leader with a strong blend of both strategic and technical acumen to meet or exceed corporate objectives. The Director of E-Commerce will serve as the key architect in developing the division’s North American e-commerce solution and will lead the division’s business planning, strategy and operations components. After establishing the e-commerce platform for the U.S., the successful candidate will enjoy the opportunity to grow the division’s global e-commerce platform.
Challenge:
The division is seeking a tenured e-commerce professional to conceptualize, develop, and implement an e-commerce platform targeted at key accounts and customers in the U.S. initially, and ultimately on a global basis. The director will be responsible for evaluating specific software programs, vendor selection, and the management of content and deliverables for this new service offering and business line. The selected finalist will have demonstrated an ability to work in a fast-paced, highly entrepreneurial, collaborative environment and to deliver results consistently.
Job Scope:
- Reports to the Vice President of Operations for the U.S. service organization.
- Develop a three-year strategic roadmap for the growth of the e-commerce business.
- Conceptualize, develop, and implement an e-commerce platform for the service business.
- Lead the coordination of all e-commerce development activities, including the integration and implementation of appropriate software in cooperation with a third party solution provider.
- Develop standards, and processes for the supply chain and logistics.
- Establish internal and external support structures for suppliers.
- Optimize internal procurement processes.
- Deploy industry best practices.
- Implement international e-commerce strategies with local subsidiaries.
Experience / Education Required:
- Ten plus (10+) years of total experience in developing and leading e-commerce businesses.
- Proven track record successfully developing and implementing e-commerce solutions.
- Industrial and/or manufacturing company experience is preferred.
- Experience working across the complete supply chain.
- Extensive knowledge of SAP or other major ERP software and other related e-commerce software and tools.
- Strong financial acumen is required.
- Respected management and professional development experience mentoring leaders and other staff members.
- Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
- Self-motivated problem solver with the proven ability to lead and collaborate with international teams.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to work across various cultural dynamics and develop effective working relationships with colleagues and clients across different geographies.
- Undergraduate degree required.
