I’m recruiting on behalf of a family-owned industrial SME based in Brittany, France, specialized in the manufacturing of wooden furniture. Behind its team of around twenty employees lies a multi-generational craftsmanship, recognized well beyond French borders, reaching into palaces and luxury hotels worldwide.

The company is now looking to structure its industrial operations by hiring a Managing Director.
 

🎯 Your role

Reporting directly to the General Management, you will take full ownership of the company’s operations. Your dual mission: organize the industrial activities with a process-driven approach, and support the company’s commercial expansion in France and abroad.
 

You will be responsible for:

Overseeing all operations: production, sales, supply chain, maintenance, quality, HSE compliance, continuous improvement.

Structuring the industrial organization around clear performance indicators (productivity, quality, safety, OEE, waste) and Lean routines (5S, Kaizen…).

Leading and supervising the operational teams (~20 people), fostering skill development and autonomy.

Gradually taking over responsibilities currently held by one of the owners, ensuring a smooth and structured transition.

Driving business development, especially internationally (architects, hotels, designers, brokers), in close collaboration with trade shows, technical offices, and key influencers.

Exploring new growth opportunities: launching complementary product lines, expanding export activity, forging strategic partnerships (e.g., with luxury brands).

Proposing a strategic vision through an actionable business plan (1-2 day immersion planned), including resource planning, budgeting, and identifying quick wins.

Observing, structuring, and optimizing operations: flow management, contract handling, legal insight, and financial oversight.

Acting as a custodian of the company’s heritage and values, while driving it toward sustainable, modern growth.

👤 Ideal profile

Proven experience (10–15 years) in a leadership role within an industrial environment, ideally in a family-owned or heritage-based business.

Demonstrated track record of managing organizational transformation, process optimization, and business development.

Strong grasp of industrial fundamentals (planning, quality, flow management, Lean tools), with the ability to structure long-term, scalable operations.

Solid commercial mindset: capable of building relationships with architects, designers, brokers, and hotel groups, and representing the company at trade shows and international events.

Hands-on leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, results-driven, and personally invested in long-term success.

Native French speaker. Fluency in English is essential (oral and written communication with international clients and partners). Arabic is a plus (B1/B2 level appreciated).

You understand the importance of legacy and long-term continuity. You will carry forward a unique savoir-faire, while positioning the business for the future.