Managing Director Australia

Keywords: entrepreneurial, ownership pathway, autonomy, commission, equity, growth, steel industry leader, trusted partnerships, global backing, high-quality products

An exceptional opportunity awaits for a seasoned professional in the Steel Industry to step into the role of Managing Director Australia, leading the launch and growth of a new business arm in Melbourne. Backed by a globally recognised steel supplier with a proven track record of success across North America, this position offers you the chance to shape strategy, drive sales, and establish operations from the ground up. With a competitive base salary, generous commission structure, and a unique equity pathway that could see you become a significant owner over time, this is more than just a sales role, it's your chance to build something lasting in one of Australia's most robust sectors. You'll enjoy autonomy, direct access to international leadership, and the freedom to create a legacy in the steel industry while benefiting from established supply chain relationships and a reputation for quality.

What you'll do:

As Managing Director Australia, you will be entrusted with launching Melbourne-based operations from inception through growth phases. Your day-to-day will involve setting up foundational business structures while developing strategic plans that ensure rapid market penetration. You'll be responsible for building key relationships across government agencies, contractors, wholesalers, and infrastructure clients, driving both immediate sales results and long-term brand recognition. The role requires hands-on involvement in every aspect of business development: from defining operational processes to identifying new project opportunities in diverse sectors such as mining and marine construction. Over time, you'll transition from operating independently to assembling and nurturing a talented local team. Success in this role means not only delivering profitable growth but also establishing the company as an industry leader in Australia's thriving steel market.

• Lead the establishment of the Australian business entity with support from external legal and accounting partners, ensuring all foundational elements are set up for long-term success.
• Define operational frameworks including warehousing, logistics, and inventory management tailored to local market needs.
• Develop comprehensive market-entry strategies encompassing competitor analysis, pricing models, and go-to-market plans that position the company as a preferred supplier.
• Build an early pipeline of projects with targeted sales expected within the first six to twelve months of operation.
• Drive revenue growth by cultivating relationships with wholesale and retail buyers, government bodies, and contractors across infrastructure and construction sectors.
• Engage proactively with general contractors and nurture connections with mid-sized contractors who represent core market opportunities.
• Identify new business opportunities within infrastructure, foundation construction, marine facilities, and mining projects to expand market reach.
• Differentiate offerings through superior product quality, strong supplier relationships across Asia, and competitive pricing strategies.
• Act as the cornerstone of local operations by transitioning from independent start-up mode to building and leading a small team covering sales, logistics, and administration functions.
• Develop and execute a three-year business plan aligned with international benchmarks to position the company as a leading steel supplier in Australia.

What you bring:

Your extensive background in steel supply or related industries will be instrumental in navigating complex market landscapes while driving sustainable growth. As Managing Director Australia, your proven expertise in business development will allow you to forge meaningful connections across key stakeholder groups (government bodies, contractors, wholesalers) and translate these into tangible commercial outcomes. Your entrepreneurial spirit will empower you to take ownership of every aspect of launching operations: from strategic planning through execution. Your resilience ensures you thrive during independent start-up phases while your collaborative nature supports team-building efforts as operations scale. By combining commercial insight with strong interpersonal skills and regulatory awareness, you'll lay the groundwork for long-term success, both for yourself as an equity partner and for the organisation's presence in Australia.

• Extensive experience spanning ten to twenty years within steel supply, construction materials or heavy industrial sectors is essential for understanding complex market dynamics.
• Proven track record in business development or sales leadership roles where you have consistently delivered profitable growth through relationship-building and commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated ability to manage general operations or hold senior management positions involving P&L responsibility and strategic planning.
• Well-established network across government agencies, contractors (especially mid-sized), wholesalers, and infrastructure clients that can be leveraged for rapid market entry.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with motivation to build a business from scratch while growing into an equity partner over time.
• Resilience combined with hands-on approach; comfortable working independently during initial start-up phase before scaling up local teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills enabling you to collaborate effectively with international leadership while fostering supportive relationships locally.
• Ability to develop detailed business plans that mirror successful international models yet adapt them for Australian market conditions.
• Commitment to compliance with Australian trade regulations including tariffs and import requirements ensuring smooth operational setup.

What sets this company apart:

Joining this organisation means becoming part of an internationally respected steel supplier renowned for its commitment to quality products and trusted partnerships across infrastructure sectors. With decades of experience driving substantial growth, the company brings proven expertise backed by robust supply chain relationships. As they enter the Australian market, you'll benefit from global resources while enjoying full autonomy locally; your ideas will shape strategy without bureaucratic constraints. The compensation package is designed not only to reward performance but also provide genuine ownership potential, with clear pathways towards significant partnership over time. This is an environment where entrepreneurial professionals are empowered by supportive leadership networks rather than restricted by hierarchy. You'll have access to established best practices yet retain flexibility needed for local adaptation, making it possible for you to leave a lasting impact on both your career trajectory and the wider industry landscape.

What's next:

If you're ready to take ownership of your future while shaping the next chapter of Australia's steel industry success story, this is your moment Apply today by clicking the link

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.

To apply please click apply or call Wouter De Vries on for a confidential discussion.