Managing Director

Kienbaum; Gent; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client seeks an entrepreneurial leader to manage a major Belgian production site with two affiliated sites in France. You will drive strategic priority execution, lead senior management teams and translate group strategy into local operations to achieve profitability and sustainable growth.

The role requires strong technical and operational background, proven P&L ownership, and the ability to foster cross-country collaboration while developing talent and ensuring safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience as Managing Director, General Manager, Operations Director or Plant Manager.
• Background in continuous manufacturing and technical roll goods such as nonwovens, technical textiles, paper, films, laminates or hygiene materials or comparable production processes.
• Proven P&L responsibility and a sound understanding of production, engineering and supply chain.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to develop teams and lead change.
• Entrepreneurial, analytical and hands-on management style.
• Fluent Dutch/Flemish and English; German and/or French would be an advantage.
• Willingness to travel regularly between the Belgian and French sites.

Responsibilities

• Full P&L responsibility for the Belgian entity and two French sites.
• Lead and develop the management teams across operations, supply chain, engineering, finance, HR, quality and safety.
• Translate group strategy, commercial priorities and innovation projects into effective local execution.
• Drive profitability, operational excellence, customer focus and continuous improvement.
• Optimize production processes, capacities, technologies and cross-site collaboration.
• Establish transparent KPI and performance management.
• Inspire and empower teams, creating enthusiasm and providing clear direction.
• Promote accountability, engagement and cooperation across functions and countries.

Skills

P&L leadership

Operations leadership

Change management

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

People management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Engineering/Business degree

Job description

Our client is a successful, growth-oriented and family-owned international manufacturer of technical roll goods and nonwoven solutions. Its diversified portfolio serves attractive markets including hygiene, filtration, automotive, construction and living. Strong customer relationships, innovation capabilities and an international production network provide a solid foundation for further profitable growth.

As part of a planned succession, we are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to manage a major Belgian production site employing more than 200 people and to oversee 2 affiliated sites in France. In addition to sound technical and operational expertise, the role requires strong leadership and general management skills. The successful candidate will provide clear direction, develop the management teams, foster cross-functional collaboration and translate strategic priorities into effective execution.

Family-owned group | Technical roll goods and nonwovens | Greater Ghent Area

Your Responsibilities

• Full P&L responsibility for the Belgian entity and the two French sites
• Lead and develop the management teams across operations, supply chain, engineering, finance, HR, quality and safety
• Translate group strategy, commercial priorities and innovation projects into effective local execution
• Drive profitability, operational excellence, customer focus and continuous improvement
• Optimize production processes, capacities, technologies and cross-site collaboration
• Establish transparent KPI and performance management
• Inspire and empower teams, creating enthusiasm and providing clear direction
• Promote accountability, engagement and cooperation across functions and countries

Your Profile

• Technical, engineering or business degree
• Senior leadership experience as Managing Director, General Manager, Operations Director or Plant Manager
• Ideally strong background in continuous manufacturing and technical roll goods such as nonwovens, technical textiles, paper, films, laminates or hygiene materials or comparable production processes
• Proven P&L responsibility and a sound understanding of production, engineering and supply chain
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to develop teams and lead change
• Entrepreneurial, analytical and hands-on management style
• Fluent Dutch/Flemish and English; German and/or French would be an advantage
• Willingness to travel regularly between the Belgian and French sites

The Opportunity

This highly visible role offers broad entrepreneurial responsibility for a major Belgian production site and 2 affiliated operations in France. The successful candidate will have genuine scope to shape the businesses, develop experienced management teams and drive operational excellence and sustainable growth. Local autonomy, short decision-making paths and the long-term perspective of a family-owned international group provide an attractive environment in which to make a tangible impact.

Discretion and the observance of blocking notices are a matter of course.

For further questions, please contact Laureen Koch T.: [phone].

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