Country Manager
B2B Sales Leader fluent in French/English with 5+ years managing EMEA channels and P&L. Eager to drive growth and lead the French operation as Country Manager for your commercial laundry client.
Commercial Laundry Solutions | Sales & Regional Leadership
Our client is a respected global manufacturer and distributor of premium commercial laundry equipment and solutions. With a diverse product portfolio serving on-premise laundry facilities, coin-operated laundromats and contract laundry operations, they operate across multiple continents and serve thousands of customers in the hospitality, healthcare, and facility management sectors. The French operation is a key market within their EMEA region. As Country Manager, you will lead a high-performing team, drive profitable growth across multiple distribution channels, and serve as the strategic voice of the French market to regional leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Lead sales strategy and execution across all distribution channels (direct and resale) to maximise revenue and market share in France
Manage full accountability for the French entity, including budget development
Monthly performance tracking and variance analysis
Build and develop a high-performing sales and commercial team; conduct performance
Appraisals and implement staffing changes based on market needs
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with key distributors and resale partners
Position the client brands to maximise mutual growth
Deliver competitive intelligence to regional leadership, including market trends
Competitor activity, pricing strategies and product opportunities
Manage inventory planning and warehouse operations to balance growth objectives
with cost control
Collaborate with central teams (product, marketing, operations) to ensure France
Specific strategies are informed by global insights
Represent the company at industry trade shows, customer events and key accounts
Must-Haves
• 5+ years of direct sales leadership and/or commercial management experience in EMEA
• Proven track record of building and managing high-performing sales teams and achieving revenue targets
• Bachelor degree in Business, Marketing, Commerce or related discipline
• Fluent in English and French (speak, read, write)
• Strong business acumen; ability to understand budgeting and financial KPIs
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence and motivate across organisational boundaries
Nice-to-Haves
Experience in commercial laundry, facility services, hospitality or related B2B equipment sectors
Familiarity with distributor management and multi-channel sales models
Technical or mechanical aptitude related to commercial equipment or machinery
Experience managing inventories and supply chain operations
Whats in it for you?
Lead a significant operation within a respected global organisation
Full accountability and strategic decision-making authority
Opportunity to build and develop a high-performing team
Direct reporting line to VP Sales EU with visibility to executive leadership
Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience
- Department
- Sales & Business Development
- Locations
- France
- Sectors
- Industrial Manufacturing & Machinery
About Witan Search
Witan Search is a specialist executive search and recruitment firm connecting top talent with leading companies in the chemicals, manufacturing, and personal care sectors. With deep industry knowledge and a global network, we help businesses secure professionals who drive innovation and growth.
Our consultative approach ensures we understand each client’s unique needs, delivering candidates aligned with their goals. We prioritise integrity, transparency, and quality in every search.