Knauf is the leading plasterboard manufacturer in Thailand. The principle “channels to market” are through distribution outlets. However, Knauf services a range of key influencers including developers, architects, residential builders and plasterers. Knauf has positioned the business as a “provider of solutions” and Knauf is highly regarded in the Thailand market for the extensive range of products, technical capability and support.

Knauf Thailand’s headquarter is based in Bangkok, with five manufacturing facilities located in Saraburi and Songkhla, covering close to 600 employees in the plants and commercial offices.

We are now looking for a new Managing Director, who will be tasked with building a strategy that delivers industry leading performance and business outcomes.

As a member of the Asia Pacific Executive team, the Thailand Managing Director will be expected to contribute to the development of the regional strategy and to share ideas, expertise and resources for the benefit of the region. He or she will need an open and collaborative style working within the wider Asia Pacific region and within the Knauf Group globally to utilize all resources to bring the business to the next level. The Managing Director Thailand reports directly reports to the Member of the Group Management Committee - Asia Pacific and the role is headquartered in Bangkok.

Principal Accountabilities

• Contribute to the overall success of the Knauf Group’s performance, through commercial and operational leadership of the Thailand business.
• Grow revenues, margins and cash generation.
• Drive operational excellence in sales, customer service and manufacturing.
• Maintain a high-performance culture
• Ensure strong governance, risk management practices are in place and adhered to.
• Manage and cultivate the shareholder relationship with our shareholder, Siam Cement Group (SCG)
• Develop close and effective relationships with customers in support of the Thailand business operational and strategic goals
• Represent the Thailand business at Asia Pacific Executive Committee level and at Group level as required, demonstrating openness, commitment, good judgment and personal integrity
• Lead, coach and develop a team of high-quality professionals and cultivate a good talent pipeline

Candidate specification

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in senior business management roles.
• Track record in operations and commercial environments, probably gained within a large and international business
• Influential and persuasive, a good presenter and communicator
• Strong change management and business transformation abilities
• Entrepreneurial yet carefully considered around risk management
• Detail focus whilst maintaining strategic oversight and direction
• Flexible and self-motivating, with natural enthusiasm and inquisitiveness
• Commercially savvy, with broad and deep business understanding
• Polished, assertive, diplomatic, with strong interpersonal skills
• Willing to lead from the front and engage with operational issues and with people at all levels in the company
• Excellent customer relationship management skills
• Strong business leader, people developer and a team player
• Accountable for all decisions
• Ability to make quick decisions where required