Director, Refinish Coatings China

About the role

Surventis is looking for a seasoned Local Business Management leader (head of Refinish Coatings China) from the automotive refinish, coatings or broader aftermarket industry to lead a business turnaround and transformation agenda in China. The role drives profitable growth, strengthens commercial execution, leads integrated commercial and functional teams and provides strategic direction to the China organization. It is a permanent position in Marketing & Sales, with a hybrid work model.

Key responsibilities

• Drive profitable growth, strengthen commercial execution and lead integrated commercial and functional teams
• Provide strategic direction to the China organization
• Develop and optimize distributor, dealer, bodyshop, MSO and strategic partner networks, and drive channel transformation and indirect sales growth
• Lead large-scale change initiatives, align stakeholders and manage resistance
• Build high-performing organizations, develop leaders and foster an engaged culture during change
• Maintain executive-level relationships with customers, distributors, OEMs, MSOs and market partners

Required profile

• Proven business turnaround leader with a track record of reversing underperformance and restoring growth
• Minimum 12 to 15 years of progressive commercial leadership in automotive refinish, coatings, automotive aftermarket or adjacent B2B sectors
• Minimum 5 years in a senior sales, commercial, country or business leadership role
• Bachelor's degree or above in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Marketing or a related discipline; MBA, EMBA or equivalent preferred
• Fluent in both Mandarin and English

Required skills

• Strong understanding of China market dynamics, distributor networks and channel economics
• Experience managing or influencing P&L, including sales growth, margin improvement, pricing discipline, forecasting and budgeting
• CRM, sales pipeline management and data-driven business reviews preferred