Country Director France in Croissy-Beaubourg

MS-search is an executive search firm specializing in recruitment of managers and senior executives on the Franco-Nordic market.

Our client, Produal, is a leading Finnish group in the building automation market, known for its innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.

They make the invisible visible and measurable for the building automation and HVAC industry.

With their team of 170 people and about 45M€ turnover, the group operates in eight countries and with their partners globally.

Produal is owned by Bemsiq AB, a business area within Investment AB Latour.

Produal France is currently a team of 8 people and is based in Croissy Beaubourg.

As the Managing Director has now left the company to continue his career, we are actively seeking a successor to lead the team forward.

POSITION: Country Director France

The Country Director is fully responsible for the development and profitability of Produal France.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on commercial and operational management and has full accountability for sales growth, profitability, customer satisfaction, people development and execution of the company's strategy in the French market.

The Country Director will report to the Area Director, South‑Continental Europe

Essential tasks and responsibilities

• BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
• Own the overall business performance of Produal France, ensuring achievement of the budget, forecast and profitability targets.
• Develop and implement strategic annual and long-term business plans to achieve goals and objectives, with a primary focus on increasing sales and market share and on delivering sustainable and profitable growth.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare and present regular reports on business performance to the Produal Group and Bemsiq Group.
• TEAM LEADERSHIP
• Lead and manage the France sales and backoffice team, providing guidance, support, and development opportunities to drive performance and achieve sales targets.
• Oversee daily operations of the local office, improving operational processes and ensuring efficiency and effectiveness
• Build a high‑performing sales culture and drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Coach and develop employees, conducting performance reviews and fostering collaboration across functions (included internationally)
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
• Full responsibility for P&L, budget preparation, forecasting, cost control, working capital and cash flow
• COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP
• Define and execute the sales strategy in accordance with the strategy of Produal Group
• Monitor and analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to identify opportunities for growth
• Develop key account relationships: build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and suppliers, to enhance sales
• Expand market presence, identifying new business opportunities and enhancing profitability
• Develop and execute pricing strategy
• Decision‑making authority and possible management responsibilities

In accordance with Produal Group policies and limitations, responsible for operational and commercial decisions within Produal France, including pricing within approved limits, budgeting, recruitments, resource allocation, customer negotiations and local investments.

Frequent travelling in France, occasional international travelling and regular presence in the office in Croissy Beaubourg is required.

• PROFILE
• Preferably bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Business / Economics
• Proven track record of leading profitable business growth and 10+ years’ experience in a senior management role preferably within the building automation, HVAC or related industry.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing budgets, P&L and financial performance.
• French (native), English (business fluent)
• Strategic and analytical thinking, business acumen and results orientation.
• Knowledge of the France market and industry trends.
• Customer orientation, strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Proficiency in using business software and tools
• Decision making, problem solving and change management skills
• People leadership, coaching and cross-cultural communication skills
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