Valenciennes
Pacific International Recruitment is a specialist executive search consultancy with over 25 years of experience placing senior and niche talent. Headquartered in London, with additional offices in Düsseldorf and Philadelphia, we support clients and candidates across EMEA and the USA with tailored recruitment solutions. Our client is a global leader in refractory ceramics, recognized for its industrial expertise and commitment to high-performance materials. As part of a strategic initiative to enhance operational efficiency and support future growth, they are seeking a hands-on Plant Manager — a proactive leader who thrives in transformation-driven environments and can deliver measurable results. This individual will oversee the manufacturing operations (around 100 people), drive operational excellence, and ensure the consistent production of high-quality refractory ceramics, building on a legacy of innovation and technical precision in the industry. Key Responsibilities: • Oversee all manufacturing functions (production, maintenance, planning, quality, methods, industrialization, purchasing) to meet internal and external customer needs., • Lead site management rituals, reporting, and KPI tracking for the VP and President., • Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and internal standards., • Develop and engage teams, promoting skills growth and organizational efficiency., • Drive financial performance in collaboration with Finance, preparing regular performance updates., • Strengthen continuous improvement initiatives and support ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 50001)., • Lead modernization, automation, and investment projects, including leveraging public funding opportunities. Ideal Candidate: • Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Logistics, or equivalent experience., • 7–10+ years in industrial operations with significant responsibility., • Strong expertise in SQCDPE, industrial performance, and manufacturing process optimization (Lean/CI)., • Experience managing flows, supply chains, and working capital., • Proven leadership of direct and indirect teams; able to motivate, delegate, and build engagement., • Financial acumen with budget management experience., • Skilled in change management, adaptable, and results-oriented., • Strategic thinker with strong analytical and process optimization skills., • Excellent communication skills in French and English, able to engage across all organizational levels. For further information on this position and a confidential discussion about your career please contact Antonia Ebner, Executive Search Consultant - though we ask you to apply directly through this LinkedIn post to make sure your application is reviewed (English CV). About Pacific International Executive Search: Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams while championing diversity and inclusion. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us in the ever-evolving business landscape. Since 1997, we have been dedicated to building lasting client partnerships based on trust and reliability, and a proven track record of successful C-suite and mid- to senior-level leadership project delivery across many key industries globally. Diversity Statement: At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.