Managing Director

Managing Director North America

Reports to:
Group CEO / Board of Directors (Italy) – Group Commercial Director

Location:
Charlotte, NC

Contract:
Full-time, permanent

Our client is one of Italy's most renowned
pasta producers,
blending traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology and a strong commitment to sustainability. The company's signature lines are distributed globally and
celebrated by top chefs and premium retailers
for their exceptional quality and authentic Italian heritage. The U.S. subsidiary represents a key market for the group, serving retail and food service channels with a growing network of distributors and partners. After an initial phase of market entry and structure development, the company is now entering a
strategic consolidation phase
aimed at optimizing operations, strengthening its commercial footprint, and restoring profitability.

Role Mission

The
Managing Director North America
will lead the American subsidiary with a clear commercial and managerial mandate:

• Consolidate the existing business and improve
  profitability
  and
  efficiency
  .
• Reorganize the local structure and ensure
  discipline and control
  across functions.
• Strengthen relationships with key
  distributors and retail partners
  to sustain long-term growth.
• Act as the key liaison between the U.S. subsidiary and the Italian headquarters, ensuring alignment in strategy, operations, and values.

This is a
hands-on leadership role
, ideal for a manager who combines commercial acumen, operational rigor, and strong interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Go-to-Market

• Develop and execute the U.S. commercial strategy across key channels (national and regional retail, distributors, club/specialty, selected food service).
• Build and maintain
  strong relationships with distributors, brokers, and major accounts
  .
• Review and optimize customer/product mix to enhance contribution margin.
• Oversee pricing, promotional planning, and trade terms in line with group policies.
• Monitor market trends, competitors, and emerging opportunities for brand positioning.

P&L, Operations & Governance

• Own the U.S. P&L, ensuring sound management of revenues, margins.
• Simplify and right-size the organization, introducing clear processes and KPIs.
• Implement corporate policies on spending, travel, procurement, and vendor management.
• Supervise logistics and operations, ensuring service reliability and cost optimization.
• Guarantee full compliance with group standards (legal, HR, accounting, reporting).

Leadership & Change Management

• Lead the local team
  through a
  turnaround and cultural alignment process
  , reinforcing accountability, engagement, and performance.
• Ensure proper coordination and transparent communication with HQ teams.
• Act as a credible brand ambassador, embodying the values of quality, integrity, and innovation that define the Felicetti family and its heritage.

Profile Requirements

• 10+ years
  in commercial or general management roles within
  food CPG
  or premium consumer brands; strong preference for candidates with
  Italian or European product background
  in the U.S. market.
• Experience managing
  distributors and retail chains
  (Whole Foods, Wegmans, specialty importers, etc.).
• Proven track record in
  business restructuring
  , cost optimization, and P&L improvement.
• Ability to lead small, cross-functional teams with a pragmatic and human approach.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills; ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
• Fluent in English; Italian language a strong plus.
• U.S. work authorization (Green Card or citizenship) required.

Compensation

• Base Salary:
  Base salary DOE + Bonus
• Annual Bonus:
  20–25%
  tied to profitability (EBITDA), margin growth, and organizational milestones.
• Relocation Assistance
• Standard U.S. benefits package (healthcare, retirement plan, paid vacation, etc.).