Managing Director

Founded in 1913, Sumitomo Chemical is a global chemicals company based in Japan, offering a diverse range of products in five sectors: petrochemicals and plastics, energy and functional materials, chemicals and IT-related materials, health and crop science products, and pharmaceuticals. The global company realise a turnover of ca. 20 billion USD and employing ca.:30.000 people worldwide

In the crop science sector, Sumitomo Chemical is the 8th largest company, with a strong R&D focused on both conventional and biorational fields. The EMEA headquarters, Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe (SCAE), is based near Lyon in France. As part of significant investments in R&D, Sumitomo Chemical wants to strengthen its efficiency and responsiveness in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

In this environment, Sumitomo Chemical Agro Europe is searching for its French Subsidiary, Philagro a **Managing Director.**

**Mission**:
Manage and execute the business of Philagro France in alignment with Europe and International organizations of Sumitomo Chemical Agro and other stakeholders.

Focus especially on sales activities in France under Company’s business principles and its business strategies. Make alignment with join venture partners for the strategies for their products.

Manage and liaise with departmental heads to ensure company-wide operational compliance and safety.

Integrate the Sales European team, under the European Sales Director.

**Main accountabilities**: Country strategy

Develop and implement short to long term France strategy, by:

- Analysing internal performance data and preparing recommendation
- Ensuring innovation in accordance with the strategy
- Looking for consumer needs and trends while understanding our customer needs
- Monitoring competitive data and their activities in the marketplace
- Defining 3Y sales strategy on annual basis
- Preparing the budget
- Ensuring that effective distribution channels are developed and supported in the countries to optimize the market penetration

**Business Performance**

Manage budget and P&L in France, i.e. ensure that all Marketing, Sales, Product Development and Financial short and long-term business objectives are met by:

- Ensuring sales targets are met and measure performance
- Following OPEX
- Implementing all necessary corrective actions
- Ensuring accurate forecasts into the S&OP process

Ensure the Country reaches financial targets, by:

- Defining a yearly financial budget, and business strategy, considering local constraints and company objectives
- Defining and following key KPI’s for the country
- Validating the sales and customer strategy, and route to market optimization
- Maintaining strong customer relations and good customer service
- Designing and implementing any necessary actions for demand creations in partnership with EMEA teams of Sumitomo Chemical

**Leadership**

Lead, manage and develop the French team by:

- Providing clear objectives, timelines and ways of working
- Identifying strengths and development areas to be addressed and nurtured
- Following up on performance and providing feedback for improvement and recognition

Take part in the management activities, by:

- Demonstrating and upholding our core values
- Communicating company directives
- Attending local Management Committee and representing the company at official bodies/institutional level
- Making report to all of shareholders of the company under the supervision by the president of Philagro

**Compliance & Administration**

Ensure the business is run according to legal and financial requirements, by:

- Representing business unit in local industry association to support industry interests with the authorities
- Close work with lobby and experts
- Ensuring all processes are in line with local legislation
- Participating in local audits when required
- Informing legal department of any ongoing litigation/procedures with third parties

**Technical and Core Skills**
- Proven ability to deliver results against a changing and difficult business environment
- Leadership : Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team. People management skills, building and maintaining relationships
- Negotiation skills
- Forecasting, strategic planning
- Financial analysis
- Coaching and counseling
- Ability to propose oral, written and group communication
- Knowledge about plan protection product (PPP) market in France
- Knowledge about agronomy or related area should be a plus
- Able to work, write and speak in French and English

**Education**
- Master’s degree in Agriculture, Sales or Marketing

**Experience**
- 10 years in marketing and or Sales in preferably PPP or others sectors (B2B business) in Europe, preferably in France

**Additional information**:

- Starting date : as soon as possible
- Contract : Long term contract
- Localisation : St Didier au Mont d’Or (near Lyon)
- Driving Licence required
- Open for frequent travelling in France