Managing Director - Poperinge Plant (West Flanders, Belgium)
Apply now »Date: Oct 3, 2025
Location: Poperinge, BE
Company: Mondi AG
Shape the Future of a Flagship Site
Are you ready to lead one of our global network’s flagship plants into its next chapter? As Managing Director of our Poperinge site, you’ll champion sustainable growth, operational excellence and a culture where safety, quality and people come first. Your leadership will set the standard for our industry, serving key sectors like dairy, food and chemicals.
Why Join Us
At our Poperinge plant, you’ll find more than just a workplace—you’ll join a community that values collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. We believe that diverse perspectives drive better results and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
- Impact: Your leadership will shape the future of a flagship site, making a real difference for our people, our customers and the planet.
- Empowerment: We trust our leaders to take initiative, challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change.
- Growth: You’ll have the opportunity to develop yourself and others, with access to learning, mentoring and career progression across our global network.
- Belonging: We foster a culture where every voice is heard and where respect, openness and teamwork are at the heart of how we work.
- Purpose: Join a company that’s serious about sustainability, innovation and making a positive impact - locally and globally.
Your mission:
Strategic Leadership
- Set and communicate a clear vision for the plant, aligned with group‘s ambition.
- Motivate and empower teams to achieve ambitious goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Balance operational efficiency with customer- and service excellence.
Operational & Financial Management
- Take full ownership of plant performance, including P&L, cost control and investment planning.
- Oversee all aspects of plant operations, ensuring safety, productivity, quality and compliance with highest hygiene and regulatory standards.
- Ensure we meet and exceed all corporate and industry guidelines.
Sustainability & Regulatory Compliance
- Be a driving force of the plant’s sustainability agenda, ensuring compliance with PPWR and supporting customers on their own sustainability journeys.
- Drive initiatives that reduce environmental impact and promote responsible manufacturing practices.
Innovation & Digital Transformation
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement, including R&D
- Champion the adoption of new technologies, automation, and digital solutions to boost operational efficiency and quality.
People & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing, diverse leadership team.
- Create a collaborative, open and supportive work environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
- Support talent development and succession planning at every levels
Stakeholder Engagement
- Cultivate strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, local authorities, group headquarters, central functions and sister plants.
- Represent the plant externally, promoting its reputation and values.
Your Profile:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Engineering, or related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree is a plus.
- At least 10 years’ leadership experience in manufacturing, ideally in hygiene-sensitive sectors (food, chemicals, etc.).
- Proven track record in P&L management, operational excellence, and team leadership.
- Experience in building strong teams and developing talent pipelines.
- Languages: Excellent command of Dutch, fluent in French, strong English skills.
- Leadership: Decisive, resilient, and empathetic – able to inspire and unite diverse teams.
- Collaboration: Exceptional communicator and relationship builder.
- Strategic Thinking: Sees the big picture and translates strategy into action.
- Innovation: Passionate for R&D, digitalization, automation, and AI-driven solutions.
- Integrity: Acts with honesty, transparency, and ethical standards.
- Customer Focus: Deep understanding of customer needs, especially in hygiene and quality.
- Cultural Awareness: Familiarity with West Flanders’ business environment and able to balance local and global priorities.
Our Offer:
- Reports to the Cluster Manager Speciality Bags
- Location: Poperinge, Belgium
- Employment: Full-time
- Willingness to travel: Occasional
- The opportunity to lead a flagship plant and set the benchmark for operational excellence and sustainability in our industry.
- A highly visible leadership role with direct impact on people, performance, and innovation.
- An empowering environment where you’ll shape strategy, drive change, and grow both personally and professionally.
- A culture of collaboration, inclusion, and respect, where every voice matters.
- We provide a competitive compensation package aligned with your experience, qualifications, and the seniority of this role.
Benefits: Company car possible; Meal discounts; Mobile phone for employees
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