Managing Director USA

The Managing Director holds ultimate responsibility for the sustainable and profitable growth of the Poppies/Delizza business in the United States, with a turnover of $80 million. In this role, you will lead the ambitious and professional US organisation (Operations, Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain, HR), based at our plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

• Together with the Commercial Director, you ensure sustainable and profitable revenue growth, with close monitoring and adjustment of the gross margin being crucial, as well as all commercial costs: advertising, listing fees, refund actions, etc.
• Together with the Operations Director, you ensure that the cost prices of the domestic business are kept as low as possible, with careful monitoring and adjustment of operations KPIs being essential: productivity, waste, and overweight.
• Together with the Finance Manager, you ensure the financial health of the US operation.
• Together with your management team, you prepare the annual budgets, present them with your team, and ensure approval by Poppies Bakeries before the start of the budget year.
• Together with the Operations Director, you determine the annual investment requirements and ensure that approved investments are executed in the most cost-efficient way.
• Together with the HR Manager, you continuously improve the effectiveness of the local management and staff on site, holding timely discussions on objectives, performance, and evaluations.
• You are responsible for building relationships and maintaining communication with local authorities and institutions.
• Together with your team, you develop a long‑term vision for the US operation and ensure its flawless implementation, including make/buy proposals, innovation, and development plans.
• You report directly to the CEO of Poppies Bakeries.

This is what we expect from you:

• You are an experienced General Manager with full P&L responsibility and a proven track record, preferably in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
• You are a generalist with affinity for operations, commerce, finance, HR, and supply chain. You work closely with the experienced Operations Director and Commercial Director in your team.
• You are a strong people manager and motivator, capable of developing your team and driving their success.
• Ideally, you are a Belgian/European who has been living and working in the US for a significant period. You are willing to relocate near Rocky Mount (preferably with your family). Presence on site is important.
• You are a good and open communicator, maintaining smooth contact with the European parent company.
• You are someone who can flexibly switch between strategic, tactical, and operational levels as needed.
• You have a helicopter view while also being able to manage the business and operations at a sufficiently granular level.

This is what you get in return:

• We offer you a versatile and challenging role with impact in an internationally growing family business with a dynamic culture and collegial atmosphere.
• You can count on an attractive local salary package, including a range of additional benefits.
• A long‑term commitment to grow and develop our US operations.
• You will be involved daily in The Sweet Adventure, bringing our delicious products to people around the world.