Managing Director M - F H/F - Approach People Recruitment

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.