Job Began Listed From: 27 Feb 2010
Job Close On: 27 May 2010
Confidential Position Specification
Chief Marketing Officer - Global
- China [Shanghai] -
Client
Our client is a NYSE listed, dynamic and world-leading vertically integrated manufacturer of its own-brand solar photovoltaic (PV) products; from the production of ingots, wafers and cells to the assembly of PV modules.  PV modules are arrays of interconnected solar cells encased in a weatherproof frame which is able to withstand high levels of ultraviolet radiation and moisture.  Their modules provide reliable and environmentally-friendly electric power for residential, commercial, industrial and other applications worldwide.
 
With global headquarters in Shanghai, China and an existing global footprint in both Europe and North America in addition to Asia; this financially strong firm continues to not only build and expand their own brand internationally but are also able to perform at, or above, analyst projections (recent released results confirm continued and sustained growth in revenues, margin, and net income).
 
The company succeeded to increase its market share substantially in Europe, Australia and the US, through strong sales to project system integrators, which currently represent more than half of the company's total sales.  The sequential increase in total shipments was primarily due to improved demand conditions in major European markets, improved customer access to PV system purchase financing and, increase in number of government incentive programs for solar energy projects in Europe, North America and Asia.  
 
In order to continue to solidify their move to become a truly integrated global firm, together with a further significant increase in manufacturing capacity, the decision has been made to further strengthen its worldwide senior leadership structure.  As a result, they are seeking an experienced senior professional for the key global role of Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (CMO).
Job Description
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CMO will lead and manage all commercial aspects of the business operations globally including full P&L responsibility.
  • Key relationships / colleagues: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and VP Corporate Strategy & BD.
  • Direct reports: VP S&M Europe, VP S&M North America, VP S&M China, VP S&M Japan and the VP S&M Asia (Non-China/Japan).
Summary of Responsibilities
With a base in Shanghai, the major responsibilities will include creating sales, securing revenues, driving margins and building up long term relationships with key customers around the globe.
 
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
  • Define and implement growth strategy for the global business.
  • Develop sales structure globally.  Define, agree and implement.
  • Build and lead the Global Sales & Marketing and Customer Service & Technical Support team.
  • Market Development: contribute in developing and managing global key customers with main focus on establishing long term relationships on C-level decisions.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of sales & marketing activities (field marketing programs, key account initiatives and channel strategies, value added services).
Specific tasks:
  • Develop and implement global sales strategy.
  • Decide in coordination with the CEO and supported by the VP's Sales and Marketing, which resources are provided locally, regionally or centrally and enable staff resources accordingly (field sales and marketing, technical support, value added services).
  • Decide solid processes for sales, field marketing and post-sales/technical support, services.
  • Enforce and Ensure that global organization reach/exceed their sales and management result target.
  • Contribute to develop new customers in line with the channel and marketing strategy.
  • Ensure monitoring of competitor prices, activities and strategies.
  • Ensure managing and monitoring monthly and quarterly performance.
  • Establish and ensure a pre warning system in case of deviations from forecasts.
  • Ensure timely and accurate budgeting and reporting processes.
  • Ensure consistent information flow to CEO and other top management functions.
  • Ensure proper cost base in growth process.
  • Ensure excellent relationship with internal clients in Operations, Finance, IT and HR.
Work Experience and Abilities Required
  • Proven track record of 15-20 years with at least the last 10 years as a successful Senior Commercial Leader within an international and dynamic business environment; clearly focused in B to B sales and complex project selling.
  • Ability to design and lead highly effective international organizations and processes.
  • Deep understanding of international and local markets / cultures.
  • Global experience mandated.
  • Experience in Renewable Energy desired but not a must.
  • European (most developed market), US (market with highest growth expectation) citizen with extensive China experience.  Alternatively, Chinese citizen with extensive European and/or US experience.
Personal Characteristics and Skills
  • Strong drive and result orientated
  • Entrepreneurial in both thinking and action
  • Strong relationship management and leadership skills
  • Hands-on mentality and leadership
  • Team player with high level multicultural experience
  • Proven ability to build highly effective and efficient teams
  • Excellent negotiator
  • Able to set and achieve ambitious goals
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good sense for business opportunities
  • Strong analytic skills with ability to innovate and help develop customers
Education
Bachelor degree required, preferably in Electrical Engineering or Business Administration.  MBA desirable.
Language Ability
Excellent skills in both oral and written English; fair language skills in Mandarin Chinese would be preferred; any further European language skills advantageous.
Compensation
The position compensation will be substantial and negotiable to the right candidate, comprising of a very competitive base salary supplemented by a performance oriented bonus opportunity, benefits including restricted equity/stock participation where appropriate.