General Manager - Benguerir

Position: General Manager

Location: Nouaceur, Morocco

Reporting To: Director of project & Head of the Institute of Applied Research & technology

ACME (African Centre of Manufacturing Excellence) is a consortia-based centre of advanced manufacturing excellence led by some of the world’s most progressive companies. ACME leverages this collaboration of companies from different sectors and across the entire value chain to develop novel solutions and create added value for their members.

ACME brings together likeminded companies and group of industry leading experts interested in developing and implementing innovative solutions to provide added value to their customers. The consortium is addressing challenges and opportunities in materials, manufacturing and Industry 4.0.

ACME is unique, and first in Africa, to bring together consortium of industry trend setting companies and their supply chain to collaboratively develop solution to specific sector needs in production simulated environment. The development of the solutions is under supervision of the industry experts that ensure the relevance and exploitation path of the R&D. 

Job Summary:

The General Manager of ACME is a visionary leader responsible for providing strategic direction, driving innovation, and ensuring the successful operation of the centre. The GM will collaborate with the UM6P management, stakeholders, and partners to establish and execute the ACME’s mission, vision, and goals. This role requires a dynamic individual with a proven track record in leading organizations in the manufacturing and innovation sector.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and develop a clear vision for ACME’s growth and impact.
• Collaborate with the UM6P management, the Research Strategy Board, the Industrial Advisory Board of the center to formulate and execute high-quality business strategies and plans, ensuring alignment with short and long-term organizational objectives.
• Build and cultivate trust-based relationships with industry leaders, partners, government entities, and other stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to secure financial resources for research, development, and operations through membership growth or other revenue streams identified.
• Maintain an extensive knowledge of the markets and industry pertinent to the centre, staying abreast of emerging trends and potential opportunities.
• Lead and inspire team members to enhance employee engagement and cultivate a high-performing management and operations.
• Oversee all operations and business activities, ensuring they yield desired results efficiently and align with the overarching strategy and mission of ACME.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence among the ACME’s staff.
• Act as the public face of ACME, representing its mission and values to external audiences.
• Review financial and technical outcomes of the centre’s activities to identify opportunities for improvement and devise strategic solutions.
• Make informed and impactful investment decisions to propel the business forward and enhance profitability.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
• Ensure adherence to legal guidelines and in-house policies, safeguarding the company's legality and upholding the highest standards of business ethics.

Required experience and skills:

• Proven Executive Leadership:
  • Demonstrated leadership with over 15 years of proven experience in executive managerial positions, showcasing a track record of driving organizational success.

• Industry Expertise:
  • Preferably, a background in the automotive, aeronautic or other advanced engineering sector.
• Business Development and Sales Acumen:
  • Preferred experience in business development and technical sales, underscoring a strategic approach to driving revenue growth and market expansion.
  • Demonstrated ability to raise funds and secure partnerships in business.
• Strategic Vision and Profitable Strategy Development:
  • Proven expertise in developing profitable strategies and implementing visionary initiatives to enhance organizational performance.
• New Business Launch and Growth Strategy:
  • Successful experience in launching new businesses or business units and crafting comprehensive growth strategies to ensure sustainable development.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset:
  • An entrepreneurial and visionary mindset coupled with outstanding organizational and leadership skills, fostering innovation and agility.
• Business and Financial Acumen:
  • Familiarity with diverse business functions including marketing, public relations, finance, and other operational areas.
  • Strong comprehension of corporate finance and adeptness in performance management principles.
  • In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and proficiency in implementing general management best practices to ensure organizational effectiveness.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities:
  • Demonstrated analytical abilities and problem-solving skills.
• Effective Communication:
  • Excellent communication in French and English. Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong public speaking skills, facilitating transparent communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Qualifications:
  • MSc/MA in Business Administration or a relevant field (EMBA is preferred)
  • Bachelor degree in Engineering (Diplome d’ingénieur d’état d’une grande école d’ingénieurs is preferred)