General Manager

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of "We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World". The company's product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

Why This Role Matters

Are you ready to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact in the food industry?

Griffith Foods is seeking a General Manager to head our Continental Europe Business Unit. This is a pivotal leadership role with full P&L responsibility, shaping and executing long-term strategies, driving commercial growth through innovation, and ensuring operational excellence.

As a trusted partner to the European Leadership Team and Head of the Unit Leadership team, you will foster integration across regions and countries and champion a purpose-driven culture that promotes collaboration, accountability, and high performance.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Growth: Define and execute CE commercial strategy aligned with global priorities; champion innovation in products, processes, and business models.

• Customer Portfolio Management: Own strategic accounts, lead acquisition and execution of account plans, and optimize product portfolio.

• Operational Excellence: Drive quality and compliance across all sites by partnering closely with Supply Chain and Manufacturing, who own all operations-related activities.

• Change Leadership & Talent Development: Drive cultural transformation, build leadership capability, and support succession planning.

• Financial & Governance: Deliver financial targets, manage budgets and forecasts, and ensure robust controls.

• Communication & Integration: Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and represent CE in strategic forums.

• Strategic & Commercial Expertise: Deep understanding of P&L management, budgeting, and financial forecasting; proven ability to shape and execute growth strategies.

• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the European food ecosystem, including flavor, ingredient, and B2B dynamics.

• Sales & Customer Management: Strong B2B sales leadership and key account management skills; experience in contract negotiation and strategic partnerships.

• Operations & Supply Chain: Knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality standards, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma).

• Innovation & Product Development: Experience in product lifecycle management, regulatory compliance, and driving initiatives aligned with market trends and sustainability goals.

• Leadership: Inspiring leader who motivates teams, resolves conflicts effectively, and fosters collaboration in a global matrix environment. Skilled in talent development, succession planning, and creating an inclusive, high-performance culture.

• A purpose-driven leader who inspires others and fosters a culture of care, creativity, and collaboration.

• Strong relationship builder with the ability to empower teams, nurture talent, and create an inclusive environment where people thrive.

• Proven experience leading complex organizations with full accountability for results, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in dynamic markets.

• Innovative mindset with a track record of turning ideas into impactful solutions that deliver sustainable growth and value for customers.

• Cultural agility to navigate a diverse, multi-cultural environment and connect with people across regions and functions.

• Excellent communication skills in English and Dutch, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

• Commitment to partnership-willing to travel and build strong connections with clients and teams across Europe (approx. 30%).

• University degree in Business or related discipline; MBA is a plus.

• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in commercial operations and organizational development, with strong financial acumen and P&L responsibility.