Chief Operating Officer
DE SANGOSSE Group
Flexible home office base in Europe, 50% to 70% travel requirement globally
Over the last thirty years, the DE SANGOSSE Group has undergone a remarkable transformation into a leading global business in Biocontrol and Crop Protection. Today, with 44 international operating companies, nearly 1,400 employees and commercial activity in more than 60 countries, the Group stands as one of the most dynamic and fast-growing organisations in the sector. This longstanding trajectory of success has been shaped by around 15 strategic acquisitions, sustained investment in research and development, and a clear focus on profitable niche products, particularly within the biocontrol domain. As international demand for innovative, bio-based solutions continues to expand at pace, DE SANGOSSE is entering a new phase of accelerated growth over the next five years.
To support this next stage of development, the Group is now seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer, a newly created senior role that will act as the principal deputy to the CEO. The position has been established to ensure the organisation continues to evolve in line with the changing needs of global agricultural markets. Its focus is on implementing the Group’s biosolutions strategy internationally, overseeing the operational management of approximately 22 operating companies worldwide, and working closely with the senior leadership team on future acquisition opportunities. As a key member of the Senior Management Committee, the successful candidate will also contribute significantly to shaping DE SANGOSSE’s future international business strategy and organisational structure.
The remit of the role includes responsibility for delivering the Group’s business objectives across the designated regions, coordinating the execution of the international biosolutions strategy, and providing senior commercial leadership and guidance to the operating companies. This is an influential role requiring a blend of strategic vision, operational rigour and strong cross-cultural leadership capability.
Candidates will hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in agronomy, biology, chemistry or a related field, complemented by an advanced business qualification such as an MBA. Fluency in English is essential, accompanied by working proficiency in Spanish and French. Substantial international management experience within the crop protection and/or biocontrol sectors is required, together with a comprehensive understanding of global biosolutions markets. Strong financial and business management skills, including experience with income statements and budgeting, are essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of leading culturally diverse teams, combined with excellent operational, analytical and strategic thinking abilities. A high level of motivation, ambition and a self-starting mindset will be vital to success in this broad and influential leadership position.
If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, Adderleys Executive Search invites you to submit your curriculum vitae in absolute confidence for consideration in the first stage of the interview process.