The company has acquired a decommissioned industrial site located in Blendecques.

During the initial phase, the candidate will be responsible for overseeing the site refurbishment, the installation activities and the start-up of production operations, and subsequently for managing the plant’s day-to-day operations.

At full capacity (within a 2–3 year timeframe), the plant is expected to employ approximately 80 people.

The role will primarily focus on Operations, as commercial activities will continue to be managed by the Italy's existing sales structure.

Should the candidate have the appropriate profile and experience, they may also be appointed Managing Director.

Reporting to the Board of Directors in Italy, the Blendecques Plant Director will be responsible for the start-up, development and full management of the Blendecques production facility. The site will host newly installed production equipment and machinery for the manufacture of semi-finished and finished products, as well as the logistics infrastructure required for their distribution.

• The Plant Director will operate in order to achieve the objectives defined by the parent company and will play a key role in ensuring alignment between the site’s operations and the Group’s overall strategy, acting as the main interface between the French subsidiary and the parent company. In this context, availability for business trips to Italy and other European countries will be required.
• The Plant Director will have full P&L responsibility for the site.
• He/she will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, particularly in the areas of environment, health and safety, and labour law.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Acting in accordance with the guidelines provided by the parent company and with the support of its technical and operational managers, the Plant Director’s main responsibilities will include the following:

PLANT START-UP

• Manage the plant start-up phase, including the construction of new buildings at the production site and their outfitting with production and storage facilities and equipment.
• Define project requirements, select suppliers, negotiate supply agreements and ensure compliance with assigned timelines and budgets.
• Manage relationships with authorities and institutions, obtain the permits required for construction activities and business operations, ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations.
• Ensure compliance with current laws and regulations, particularly in the areas of environmental protection and health and safety.
• Ensure proper administrative management of construction and installation activities.
• Select, build and develop the workforce that will operate at the site.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Manage the human resources employed at the site, foster a positive and high-performing organisational environment, and maintain constructive relationships with trade unions and employee representatives.
• Establish and maintain effective and positive relationships with local and national authorities, institutions and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, particularly regarding environment and safety. Monitor regulatory developments and implement the necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate and manage all site operational activities, with particular focus on production, quality, internal logistics and supply chain.
• Manage procurement activities required for the efficient operation of the site, establishing and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers.
• Manage the site’s energy supply, ensuring in particular the optimal management of energy consumption and contracts.
• Ensure process efficiency, achievement of production and distribution targets, implementation of effective continuous improvement programmes and compliance with the quality standards established by Group policies.
• Ensure an appropriate level of service for customers supplied by the site.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Ensure optimal financial and economic management of the site, with full P&L responsibility.
• Define budgets, forecasts and industrial plans.
• Monitor costs, margins and operational performance.
• Provide all relevant data and information required to monitor the site’s financial and operational performance, ensuring the implementation of a structured, timely, complete and transparent reporting system.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven track record (minimum 10 years) in similar roles, with experience in managing and/or starting up manufacturing plants within industrial environments.
• Previous experience in the manifacturing industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge, gained through professional experience, of French legislation and industrial context (particularly labour law, health & safety and environmental regulations).

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business/Economics.
• Strong managerial capabilities across operations, supply chain, finance and HR functions.
• Proven ability to manage complex industrial processes.
• Experience in implementing optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies for production and logistics flows (OEE, Lean Manufacturing, etc.).
• Open, pragmatic, authoritative and determined leadership style, with a strong focus on results and problem solving.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills. Ability to build teams and collaborate effectively with different functions, both internally and with the parent company.
• Resilience and ability to adapt effectively in highly demanding and stressful environments.

LANGUAGES

• French: fluent (essential requirement)
• Italian: fluent (essential requirement)
• English: fluent

COMPENSATION

Gross annual salary: EUR 100.000 - 110.000
Variable compensation: 10%
Benefits: company phone, laptop, company car, health insurance