Boulogne Billancourt
Antal International

Paris, France

Reach out to us
WHO WE ARE

Chemical Industry, Life sciences & Advanced Materials Recruitment Experts

Based in Paris & Aix-en-Provence - Serving Europe, Middle East, Africa, Americas & Asia

Welcome to Antal International – Chemical Division France.
From our offices in Paris and Aix-en-Provence, we specialize exclusively in recruiting for the chemical, specialty ingredients, Life sciences and advanced materials sectors. As part of the global Antal International network, we combine strong local presence with international reach.

WHO WE ARE

What makes us different?

Our team brings real industry experience — in technical, commercial, operational and R&D environments. We understand the complexity of the roles we recruit for because we’ve worked closely within these functions. This enables us to deliver accurate, time-efficient, and high-quality recruitment solutions, especially for niche or hard-to-fill positions.
Clients rely on us for our professionalism, responsiveness, and long-term partnership mindset. Whether you are strengthening your teams, replacing key strategic positions, or building entirely new functions, we support you with clarity, precision and technical understanding.

What We Do

We recruit mid-level, senior and executive professionals across the full chemical value chain:

➡️ Commercial & Distribution

➡️ R&D & Technical Development

➡️ Industrial & Manufacturing

1. Chemical Distribution, R&D, Manufacturing & Commercial Leadership

We support companies producing or distributing chemical ingredients, raw materials, and advanced materials for sectors such as:
•    Plastics & Composites
•    CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers)
•    Personal Care, Home Care & Nutrition
•    Pharmaceuticals - Biotechnologies
•    Agrochemicals
•    Performance Additives & Specialty Intermediates

Typical roles we recruit:
•    Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Key Account Manager
•    Product Manager, Market Manager, Technical Service Representative
•    Regulatory Affairs Specialist
•    Commercial Director, General Manager, Head of Business Unit

2. Research & Development, Technical Expertise & Innovation Roles

Alongside commercial and industrial leadership, we support companies in recruiting R&D and technical innovation professionals, essential for developing new products, securing regulatory compliance, and driving long-term growth.
We work with R&D centers, technical labs, innovation hubs, startups, and global manufacturers who develop new formulations, performance additives, polymers, composites, and advanced material solutions.

Typical R&D roles we recruit:

  • R&D Manager, Laboratory Manager
  • Formulation Chemist, Application Chemist
  • Polymer Scientist, Materials Scientist
  • Technical Manager, Technical Service Specialist
  • Innovation Project Manager, NPD Lead
  • Analytical Chemist, QC/QA Specialist
  • Process Development Engineer, Scale-Up / Pilot Plant Engineer


Our technical insight allows us to assess both scientific expertise and industrial applicability, ensuring candidates can drive innovation from lab development to commercial implementation.

3. Industrial, Production & Site Management Roles

We partner with producers and formulators operating regulated, SEVESO/ICPE-classified, or highly technical manufacturing sites in:

  • Coatings & Paints
  • Polyurethane (PU), Rubber & Resins
  • Food/Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Agrochemicals
  • Engineering & Performance Materials


Roles frequently recruited:

  • Plant Manager, Production Manager, Maintenance Manager
  • Process Engineer, HSE Leader, CAPEX Project Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Lead
  • Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager
  • Quality, EHS & Compliance Specialists


Our dual expertise — technical and commercial — allows us to support organizations across the entire industrial lifecycle.

Where We Operate

With offices in Paris and Aix-en-Provence, we support clients across:

  • France
  • Europe (DACH, Benelux, Nordics, UK, Southern Europe)
  • North America
  • Africa
  • Middle East & Gulf region
  • Asia (India, China, Southeast Asia)


We operate with a distinctly international mindset, ideal for companies scaling globally or seeking multilingual talent.

Why Clients Trust Us

  • Our office has 10+ years of hands-on experience in recruitment for the chemical, life sciences and advanced materials industry
  • Strong technical understanding, enabling precise candidate evaluation
  • Access to a broad, qualified and discreet international talent network
  • Proven ability to uncover hidden talent not visible on the open market
  • Structured, transparent and efficient recruitment processes
  • Clear communication with candidates, protecting your employer brand
  • Tailor-made search strategies aligned with each client’s structure, culture and technical challenges


At every step - from briefing to candidate selection, interviews and offer management - we act as your strategic recruitment partner.

Who We Work With

We partner with:

  • Chemical Distributors building commercial, technical and regulatory teams
  • Producers & Formulators hiring operational, technical and industrial leaders
  • Manufacturers of specialty or regulated materials
  • Startups & innovation-driven companies creating new business units
  • B2B chemical and materials organizations seeking non-standard or niche profiles


We excel in supporting organizational transitions, newly created functions, and strategic transformations where precise talent acquisition is critical.

Our Talent Pool

We work with professionals who are:

  • Experienced (5–15+ years) in technical, industrial or commercial functions
  • Multilingual and internationally minded
  • Adaptable, communicative, and highly driven
  • Aligned with long-term performance expectations and modern industrial challenges


We excel in supporting organizational transitions, newly created functions, and strategic transformations where precise talent acquisition is critical.

Related Vacancies

Food & Beverage ProductionFull time
Manager Bureau d’Études & Travaux Neufs- Food Industry
France
Full time
About Antal International Antal International is a global executive recruitment and talent solutions company with over 30 years of experience and a network spanning more than 35 countries. We specialize in recruiting professionals and leaders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical, Life Sciences, Food, and Industrial sectors. Our mission is to connect outstanding talent with leading international organizations, providing a professional and confidential recruitment experience throughout the hiring process. About the Company Our client is a global leader in science-based innovation, developing sustainable solutions across nutrition, health, and industrial manufacturing. With significant ongoing investments in its production facilities, the company is committed to operational excellence, innovation, safety, and long-term growth. To support the expansion and transformation of one of its strategic manufacturing sites in Northern France, we are recruiting an experienced Engineering & Capital Projects Manager. The Role You will lead the Engineering Department and oversee the site's capital investment program, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. This is a key leadership position with direct impact on the site's future production capabilities and industrial performance. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop an Engineering & Capital Projects team of 15–20 people, including internal project managers and external engineering resources. Manage a strategic annual CAPEX portfolio exceeding €5 million. Lead the execution of industrial investment projects from concept through commissioning. Review and validate engineering studies, technical specifications, and regulatory compliance. Ensure Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) requirements are fully integrated into all project activities. Coordinate closely with Production, Maintenance, Automation, Quality, HSE, R&D, Supply Chain, and global engineering teams. Manage project planning, budgeting, contractor performance, and project risk. Drive continuous improvement in engineering standards, project execution, and industrial performance. Candidate Profile Engineering degree in Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Engineering, Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline. Minimum 7–10 years of experience managing industrial engineering and capital investment projects. Previous leadership experience managing engineering or project teams within a manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge of CAPEX project management throughout the full project lifecycle. Experience gained within the food, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, chemical, or process manufacturing industries is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated commitment to HSE and operational excellence. Fluent in French and English. What We Offer A strategic leadership role within a globally recognized industrial organization. The opportunity to lead major industrial transformation and investment projects. Exposure to an international, collaborative, and innovation-driven environment. Long-term career development within a growing global company. Competitive compensation package and comprehensive employee benefits.
Chemicals, Petrochemicals & MaterialsFull time
Sales Manager France-Adhesives-Specialties Chemicals
Paris, France
Full time
About Antal International Antal International is one of the world's leading executive recruitment and talent acquisition consultancies, operating in more than 30 countries. Our Chemicals & Advanced Materials practice specializes in recruiting commercial, technical and leadership professionals across the specialty chemicals value chain. We are currently supporting one of our international clients in the confidential recruitment of a Sales Manager France – Adhesives & Specialty Chemicals. About the Company Our client is a well-established international distributor of specialty chemicals, recognized for its strong technical expertise, entrepreneurial culture, and long-term partnerships with leading global chemical manufacturers. With an extensive international presence and ambitious growth plans, the company supplies innovative material solutions to a wide range of industrial markets, supporting customers through technical consulting, application expertise and value-added services. The organization combines the agility of a customer-focused business with the resources of a global network, offering excellent opportunities for professional development and long-term career growth. The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial Sales Manager to develop the French market for Adhesives and Specialty Chemicals. This position is ideal for a commercially driven professional who combines strong technical understanding with business development capabilities and enjoys creating new opportunities while building lasting customer relationships. Working autonomously, you will play a key role in expanding market presence and supporting the company's continued growth in France. Key Responsibilities Drive new business development and acquire new customers across France. Expand and manage an existing portfolio of industrial customers. Introduce and launch new specialty chemical products to the market. Develop product positioning and commercial action plans. Collaborate closely with technical specialists to deliver customer solutions. Coordinate with customer service and logistics teams to ensure excellent operational support. Prepare sales forecasts, business reports and key account reviews. Identify market trends and growth opportunities within the adhesives sector. Profile Sought Education Engineering degree or Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or a related technical discipline. Experience Minimum 5–7 years of successful B2B commercial experience within the specialty chemicals distribution industry. Strong knowledge of adhesives or closely related specialty chemical markets. Demonstrated success in business development, new customer acquisition and product introduction. Hunter mindset with strong customer orientation and commercial drive. Skills Strong technical understanding of industrial materials. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities. Autonomous, proactive and results-oriented. Fluent French and professional English. Willingness to travel throughout France (approximately 40%). Why Join? Join an internationally recognized specialty chemicals distributor with ambitious growth objectives. Represent a high-value portfolio of innovative specialty materials. Work in an entrepreneurial environment with a high degree of autonomy. Collaborate with leading global chemical manufacturers and industrial customers. Contribute directly to business expansion and market development in France. Benefit from long-term career development within an international organization.
Food & Beverage ProductionFull time
Manager, Digital & Tech – Plant & Automation
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Full time
Location: Louvain-la-Neuve, BelgiumEmployment type: Permanent, full-timeTravel: Regular travel to Maastricht, approximately once per week About Antal International Antal International is a global executive recruitment and talent solutions company with more than 30 years of experience and a presence across over 35 countries. We specialise in recruiting professionals and leaders within the Chemical, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Engineering, Digital Technology, and Industrial Manufacturing sectors. On behalf of an international science-led manufacturing group, we are recruiting a Manager, Digital & Technology – Plant & Automation for its operations in Belgium. About the Company Our client is a global innovation-driven organisation operating across nutrition, health, and consumer-focused industries. The company combines advanced science, technology, and manufacturing capabilities to develop products and solutions used worldwide. To support the digital transformation of its manufacturing operations, the company is strengthening its Plant and Automation organisation with an experienced professional capable of connecting operational requirements, industrial technologies, and global digital standards. The Role Reporting to the Senior Director, Digital Supply Chain & Manufacturing, you will act as the principal Digital & Technology partner for the manufacturing site. You will ensure the reliability and continued development of critical IT/OT systems, while supporting automation, manufacturing execution, and smart factory initiatives. This is a highly visible and cross-functional position requiring close collaboration with Plant Operations, Engineering, Digital & Technology, IT Security, Infrastructure, and global Plant & Automation teams. The role combines operational support, IT/OT governance, factory project delivery, stakeholder management, and Industry 4.0 development. Key Responsibilities Act as the primary local Digital & Technology and Information Systems contact for plant-related matters involving regional, affiliate, and domain-level stakeholders. Ensure the reliable operation and support of defined factory solutions in line with agreed service levels. Maintain and update site knowledge-base documentation relating to factory systems and support procedures. Support quarterly IT patching activities, SAP release weekends, and occasional out-of-hours escalations when required. Support and manage the Digital & Technology and IT/OT factory project portfolios. Identify, structure, and document business requirements in collaboration with plant stakeholders. Prioritise digital and IT/OT demands according to operational needs and business objectives. Collaborate with global Plant & Automation teams to develop, standardise, and deploy common technical solutions and services across manufacturing sites. Maintain ITIL-based processes relating to IT/OT asset definition and management. Ensure that site IT/OT asset inventories remain complete and up to date. Contribute to the definition and enforcement of IT/OT architecture standards covering software and infrastructure. Work closely with Engineering, IT Security, and Infrastructure teams to ensure reliable, secure, and compliant factory solutions. Provide functional and technical expertise to support plant performance and business objectives. Monitor emerging technologies and industry best practices and translate them into value-adding solutions for manufacturing operations. Anticipate technical and operational issues and develop structured, pragmatic solutions. Contribute as an innovation partner to Industry 4.0, smart factory, and other digital manufacturing initiatives. Candidate Profile Engineering degree in Automation, Industrial IT, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. At least five years of IT experience, including exposure to IT/OT support, operations, and factory-related project work. Demonstrated experience within an industrial manufacturing environment. Practical understanding of factory OT systems, ideally within a process or batch manufacturing industry. Experience delivering or contributing to several IT/OT factory projects requiring a sound technical understanding. Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), warehousing systems, or related manufacturing technologies would be advantageous. Understanding of IT service management principles and IT/OT asset management. Ability to work independently, organise priorities, and take ownership in a fast-paced industrial environment. Strong adaptability, problem-solving ability, and stakeholder communication skills. Capacity to work effectively with both plant-based operational teams and global technology functions. Motivation to develop within the organisation and progressively assume broader or more complex responsibilities. Good professional English is required French is preferred but is not stated as mandatory. Availability to travel to Maastricht approximately once per week. What Company Offers A strategic position at the intersection of manufacturing, automation, IT, and operational technology. The opportunity to influence the digital transformation of an international industrial organisation. Exposure to IT/OT architecture, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. Close collaboration with local plant stakeholders and global Digital & Technology teams. A visible role with the potential to grow into broader and more complex responsibilities. An international working environment focused on innovation, operational performance, and long-term development.
Food & Beverage ProductionFull time
Lead Expert – Microbiology, Cleaning, Sanitation & Hygiene (Food Manufacturing
Lille, France
Full time
About Antal International Antal International is a global executive recruitment and talent solutions company with over 30 years of experience and a presence in more than 35 countries. We specialize in recruiting professionals and leaders across Engineering, Manufacturing, Chemical, Life Sciences, Food, and Biotechnology industries. Our mission is to connect exceptional talent with leading international organizations through a professional and confidential recruitment process. About the Company Our client is a global science-based company recognized for its innovation in nutrition, health, and sustainable manufacturing. Operating worldwide with significant investment in research, technology, and industrial excellence, the company is committed to delivering high-quality products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and operational performance. To strengthen its Quality Operations team at a strategic production site in Northern France, we are recruiting a Lead Expert – Microbiology, Cleaning, Sanitation & Hygiene. The Role Reporting to the Senior Manager Quality – Operations, you will serve as the site's technical expert for microbiology, sanitation, hygiene, and cleaning validation. You will play a key role in controlling microbiological risks, improving hygiene performance, leading root cause investigations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to support food safety across the manufacturing site. Key Responsibilities Lead and continuously improve the site's sanitation and hygiene program, including cleaning procedures, hygienic zoning, and cleaning validation. Analyze microbiological data, identify trends, perform investigations, conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and implement effective corrective actions. Manage the Environmental Monitoring Program and utility monitoring, ensuring deviations are investigated and resolved. Lead continuous improvement projects related to hygienic design, CIP/SIP optimization, GMP/GHP practices, and sanitation effectiveness. Conduct hygiene audits, pre-operational inspections, GMP assessments, and ensure compliance with internal and external food safety standards. Collaborate closely with Operations, Engineering, R&D, and Product teams to support Management of Change, industrial trials, and technical projects affecting microbiological risk. Promote a strong food safety and hygiene culture across the manufacturing organization. Candidate Profile Master degree in Microbiology, Biology, Food Science, Life Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. 5–10 years of experience in food manufacturing with direct responsibility for microbiology, sanitation, hygiene, or cleaning validation. Strong knowledge of cleaning chemistry, hygienic design, CIP/SIP systems, and sanitation validation methodologies. Experience analyzing microbiological trends and identifying contamination sources within manufacturing environments. Strong problem-solving and Root Cause Analysis capabilities. Ability to influence cross-functional teams and promote best practices in hygiene and food safety. Structured, autonomous, and proactive working style. Professional fluency in French and English. What We Offer A highly visible expert position within a global leader in food and life sciences. The opportunity to shape hygiene and microbiological excellence at a strategic manufacturing site. Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and international best practices. A collaborative environment focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. Long-term career development opportunities within a global organization.

Contact the Paris Office

Whether you’re hiring in France, across Europe, or internationally, we’re ready to support your growth and secure the talent your organization needs.

📞 Contact us today to start your search or explore new career opportunities.

Let’s Work Together

 

 

 

Upload Your Vacancy