General Manager, Middle East & Africa

Location: JAFZA, Dubai, UAE DEUTZ is the world's oldest engine company.

In recent years DEUTZ has evolved from a manufacturer of conventional engines into a system provider for innovative and sustainable mobility and energy solutions. DEUTZ solutions are used in a wide range of applications, including construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling equipment such as forklift trucks and lifting platforms, stationary equipment such as generator sets (gensets) and defense applications. DEUTZ is seeking an entrepreneurial and dynamic General Manager to professionalize and scale our business across the Middle East & Africa (MEA). This is a critical leadership role for a "builder" who will set up a new DEUTZ entity in JAFZA, Dubai that functions as the regional Hub for Middle East & Africa. Focused on Engine Sales and Service/Aftermarket across all application sectors. The General Manager is tasked to revitalize our existing regional dealer network, and drive significant growth in key markets, particularly in the Middle East with focus on UAE and Saudi Arabia. This position requires a hands-on leader with a deep understanding of the region and a passion for building lasting customer and partner relationships. You will report to the Regional President, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa. Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a comprehensive business strategy to establish DEUTZ as a market leader across the Middle East & Africa.Lead the end-to-end setup of a new DEUTZ entity in JAFZA, Dubai, including legal registration, licensing, and the build-out of local Sales and Service capabilities to serve as a commercial and logistics hub for the Middle East and parts of Africa.Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities to enable sales and revenue growth across the full product portfolio, with particular focus on engine sales and service/aftermarket, defense and power generation.Re-engage, revitalize, and expand the regional dealer network; foster strong, collaborative partnerships, and establish clear performance targets and accountability structures to drive sales growth and market penetration.Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key customers, OEMs, and strategic partners, positioning DEUTZ as the preferred partner for drive systems and power generation in the region.Ensure capable service infrastructure across the local partner network, delivering reliable technical support through spare parts availability and technical competences while ensuring manufacturer standards.Lead the existing team across various locations in Europe and Africa, that is responsible for markets across the region to ensure further growth.Recruit, lead, and mentor a high-performing local team in Dubai to support the entity's launch and set up supporting structures to enable additional regional growth.Monitor market trends, customer demand, and competitor activity across the Middle East & Africa to continuously refine the regional go-to-market approach.Be willing to travel flexibly across the Middle East & Africa, including to markets with developing infrastructure.Lead a Team of 6 people focused on African markets and 3 people focused on Middle eastern markets with the goal of further expansion. What We're Looking ForProven "builder" profile, with demonstrable experience successfully establishing a business, division, or regional operation from a foundational stage, ideally including entity setup or market entry.Extensive experience and a strong network within the Middle East industrial sector; direct experience and market knowledge of Saudi Arabia is highly advantageous.A background in industrial engines, power generation, heavy machinery, or a related technical field is essential.Experience or familiarity with the defense and/or power generation (PowerGen) markets is a significant plus.A proven track record of developing and managing successful, customer-centric sales and service channels and dealer networks.Self-driven and entrepreneurial, with the drive and autonomy to build a business with strategic oversight, and the resilience and dedication to overcome challenges and drive long-term success.Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with customers, partners, and internal stakeholders across diverse cultures.Hands-on leadership style, comfortable being deeply involved in all aspects of the business, from strategy to execution, in a lean build-up environment.Fluent business English required; Arabic and/or additional regional languages are an advantage. Why Join Us?This is a rare opportunity to build the DEUTZ presence in the Middle East & Africa from the ground up, with real scope to shape strategy rather than simply execute against it. You will lead the establishment of a new regional entity, work closely with senior regional leadership, and have direct influence over how DEUTZ grows across some of its most strategically important markets. In an entrepreneurial, hands-on environment, you will build the team, channels, and partnerships that define our long-term presence in the region. How to applySend us your detailed application including your salary expectation via LinkedIn. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. DEUTZ is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Applicants will be considered regardless of their race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. In addition to complying with all applicable laws, DEUTZ also has a strong corporate commitment to inclusion.