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ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions is a global leader in innovative recruitment and workforce solutions. Recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies and by Fortune Magazine as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies, we partner with some of the world’s most iconic brands to deliver top-tier talent.

We are proud to be partnering with our Client, a globally recognized leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry – known for its iconic brands, strong market presence, and continuous commitment to growth and innovation – to appoint a Commercial Director who will drive commercial excellence and implement strategies that deliver sustainable growth across the French market.

Role Overview

As the Commercial Director, you will play a pivotal role in accelerating business growth and driving commercial excellence across the French market. This position directly impacts revenue, market share, and distribution performance, and is key to enhancing the company’s market competitiveness in France.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, France, you will lead both strategic and operational initiatives, overseeing a national sales organization of approximately 200 professionals across key account management, field sales, and regional operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role — ideal for a commercially astute professional who combines strategic vision with strong executional capability, thrives in a fast-paced FMCG environment, and knows how to build and maintain impactful partnerships with France’s leading retailers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive commercial strategies to deliver sustainable growth in volume, revenue, and market share.
• Lead national negotiations with key retailers and distribution partners across modern trade, traditional trade, e-commerce and key national accounts in France.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with France’s leading retail groups.
• Define and execute customer and channel strategies aligned with business objectives and brand priorities.
• Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing commercial and sales organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, and Revenue Growth Management) to ensure commercial alignment and execution excellence.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and category performance to identify growth opportunities and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute to long-term commercial planning, business forecasting, and go-to-market strategy.

Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Management, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years of senior commercial or sales leadership experience within the FMCG industry.
• Proven success in managing key national accounts and leading major commercial negotiations in the French retail landscape.
• Strong understanding of France’s modern trade environment and its key players.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic and operational leadership, managing large and diverse teams.
• Expertise in commercial strategy, financial management, and customer development.
• Exceptional negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Hands-on, results-oriented leader with a proven track record of execution.
• Fluent in English and French
• High level of adaptability, resilience, and business acumen in dynamic, fast-paced markets.

We are seeking a leader who:

• Combines strategic vision with a practical, operational approach.
• Drives alignment across departments and promotes cross-functional collaboration.
• Acts decisively and demonstrates ownership and accountability.
• Inspires teams through integrity, performance, and passion for results.

Recruitment Process

As this is a confidential recruitment, the process will be managed exclusively by ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions on behalf of our Client.

Initial Contact: A ManpowerGroup Recruiter will reach out to discuss your background and career aspirations.

Profile Review: After mutual interest, your profile will be reviewed and presented confidentially to our Client.

Confidentiality Agreement: You will be asked to sign an NDA and complete the Client’s internal application form.

Client Interviews:

• Interview with the Client’s recruitment team.
• On-site interview with senior leadership (Business team).

This process ensures full transparency and confidentiality throughout all stages.

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior national commercial leadership role with one of the world’s most respected FMCG companies — a business renowned for its iconic brands, innovation culture, and global footprint.

If you are a strategic yet hands-on leader with a deep understanding of the French FMCG retail market and a passion for driving commercial excellence — we would love to hear from you.

Apply today

Apply today to start your confidential conversation with ManpowerGroup Talent Solutions.

We kindly ask that all applications and CVs be submitted in English.

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