Agri-food recruitment agency for executives and managers

Since its creation in 2009, Leaderia has been recruiting executives and managers for the food industry and distribution sector, on permanent or long-term assignments.

 

Our specialized team of headhunters based in Paris, Nantes, Angers and Tours will help you assess, build and strengthen your management teams.

 

Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor or retailer, we can help you identify the talent best suited to your needs and corporate culture across all distribution channels: supermarkets – FMCG, FoodService/RHF/CHR, BtoB industrial or wholesale, export or more specialized networks.

Which agri-food companies do we hunt for?

Leaderia recruits and supports all companies in the agri-food sector, whatever their size.
Our clients range from manufacturers to distributors and subcontractors. They cover all distribution circuits/channels, and in particular more specialized networks such as food retail, travel retail, artisan bakers, organic and frozen food chains, wine merchants, delicatessens, etc.

▪ Large international groups
▪ ETI
▪ SMES
▪ Agricultural cooperatives
▪ Family companies
▪ Investment funds and brand equity
▪ Start-ups

Testimonials

I just started a mission. It corresponds perfectly to my expertise, which allows me to be able to meet the expectations of the client. I was well introduced to the teams and the main stakeholders of the company, which allows me to have all the elements to carry out the mission as well as possible.

Hélène Orliac

CSR Interim Manager

I have known Anaïs Deleau and the Leaderia firm for several years and she was able to put me in contact with the right company at the right time.

Emmanuel PECCAUD

Europe Market Manager - Bel Industrie

It was just a year ago that Leaderia placed me in the company that resembles ME. Having been in contact with Anne-Marie Lefèvre for several years, she immediately knew that this position was made for me. And she wasn’t wrong!

Thomas MERIGAUD

General Manager – Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’Or - Megève

Having applied for an opportunity offered by the firm for a site management position, Anaïs supported me throughout the recruitment process.

Alexandre DELOGE

Plant Director - Eurial

The interview with Aurélien was professional, productive, creative and empathetic. He was interested in my individuality, my potential, my singularity and my professional desires (without distinction of gender or origin) and above all was not limited in his reflection to my professional past alone.

Lynda CHAALAL

The recruitment process implemented by Leaderia is particularly successful. The brief regarding the employer’s needs is clear and precise, the exchanges with Anne-Marie are natural and constructive.

Josselin HUTTER

General Manager - Hôtel Saint André des Arts - Paris

Anaïs, the consultant who supported us on our various recruitments, made a deep effort to understand our company beyond the position: our human environment, our philosophy, our values, in order to offer us a competent candidate compatible with our team.

Jean-Marc Venin

CEO - Ami Ingredients

I would like to underline with this testimony the quality of Leaderia’s support, illustrated to begin with by the time spent understanding our needs, our DNA and the relevance of the questions asked during the brief.

Pascal REUNGOAT

Sales Director - AMI Ingredients

The recruitment process implemented by Leaderia is particularly successful. The brief regarding the employer’s needs is clear and precise, the exchanges with Anne-Marie are natural and constructive.

Matthieu BARREAU

General Manager - Les Hôtels Paris Rive Gauche

I have worked several times over the last five years with Louis Simon FAURE and his team as a client and then as a candidate.

Philippe ROULLET

CEO - RANA France

Leaderia supported us in the recruitment of strategic functions within our organization.

Corentin ALLEE

Human Ressources Manager - Kersia

Over the years and our collaborations, I have appreciated the great expertise and professionalism of Anne-Marie Lefèvre and Leaderia in understanding our businesses.

Stéphane TABARDEL

Operations Director - ACCOR Midscale / Luxury Franchise Network

Leaderia is a true partner, a relationship based on trust and professionalism. Three words to sum up their performance:

Véronique DEBARGE

Director of Operations France – Entegra Europe

Leaderia supported us in the recruitment of strategic functions within our organization

Achouak EL ACHI

Human Ressources Manager - Eleni Group

What agri-food professions are we recruiting for?

We recruit from C-level to middle management, including technical experts, for head office and operational functions.

General Management and Subsidiaries
  • General Manager
  • Executive Vice-President
  • General Secretary
  • Country Manager
  • Business Unit Manager
Read more
Support
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Human Resources Director
  • Industrial Director
  • Director of Operations
  • Purchasing Director
  • Director of Strategic Projects and Transformation
  • Logistics Director
  • Supply Chain Director
  • Controlling Director
  • General Counsel
  • S&OP Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Payroll Manager
  • HR Manager
  • Recruitment Manager
  • Training Manager
  • Mobility & Career Manager
  • Administrative & Financial Manager
  • General, Customer or Supplier Accountant
  • Commercial or Industrial Management Controller
  • Sales Planners and Forecasters
  • Treasurer
  • Raw Materials Buyer
Voir
Sales & Marketing
  • Sales manager
  • National Sales manager
  • Multi-channel sales manager
  • Marketing manager
  • Category Management Director
  • E-Commerce Director
  • Customer Director
  • Key Accounts Director
  • Export Director
  • Internal Communication Director
  • Retail Chain Director
  • Brand Manager
  • Group Manager
  • National / Regional Sales Manager
  • Merchandising Manager
  • Food Marketplace Manager
  • Key Account Manager / International / KAM Foodservice and Retail (GMS)
  • Product Manager
Voir plus
Production
  • QHSE / Quality Manager
  • Research & Development Director
  • Bakery plant manager
  • Plant/site manager
  • Operations Director or Manager
  • Director of Operational Excellence
  • Production Director or Manager
  • Technical Director
  • Packaging Manager
  • Product Development Manager
  • Product Quality Manager
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Factory Flow Manager
  • Performance and Continuous Improvement Manager
  • Plant-Based Solutions Manager
  • R&D Project Manager
  • Food Process Engineer
Read more

We find the ingredients for your success

What expertise do we have in food products?

Over the past 15 years, Leaderia has recruited in all areas of the food industry:

  • Ultra-fresh products: butchery, seafood and fruit & vegetables
  • Fresh products: dairy, creamery, charcuterie
  • Catering, snacking and prepared meals
  • Frozen foods
  • Savoury and sweet groceries: cookies, confectionery, tea, coffee, world products
  • Bakery, pastry and flour products
  • Alcoholic beverages: cider, wine, beer, spirits and champagne and non-alcoholic beverages (brewery, BRSA, water, etc.)
  • Animal nutrition and pet food
  • Drugstore-Parfumery-Hygiene

The complete Leaderia service offering

In addition to recruitment, Leaderia can also assist you in :

cabinet management transition

Interim management

If you need specific, immediate expertise for a given period of time

bilan de compétence

Assessment

If you need to assess an employee's potential for internal development

Coaching dirigeant

Coaching

If an employee needs to gain intra- or inter-personal skills.

Cabinet outplacement

Outplacement

If an employee needs to move on to a new professional opportunity

cabinet de recrutement nantes

Recruitment

If you are looking to strengthen your team with strategic profiles

Formation recrutement

Professional training

If you want to strengthen the recruitment expertise of your HR teams

More about us

Why trust Leaderia with your food industry recruitment needs?

  1. Our 15 Years of Experience
    Leaderia was founded in 2009 by Louis-Simon Faure, following 10 years at Mars Inc. and Baron de Rothschild Wines & Champagnes. Drawing on his experience within these major food industry groups, he ventured into recruitment, initially focusing on the consumer goods sector. He was soon joined by other consultants, expanding Leaderia’s expertise to the agricultural and hospitality sectors.For the past 15 years, our mission has remained simple: to contribute to the common good by supporting the development of the food industry through the right talent.Over the years, through numerous recruitments, interviews, meetings, and assignments, we have built an extensive and highly qualified candidate database, now comprising tens of thousands of food industry specialists.

 

 

  1. Our Areas of Expertise
    As a specialized recruitment and HR consulting firm, Leaderia is structured into four distinct divisions:
  • Agriculture
  • Agri-Food
  • Hospitality & Catering
  • Wine & Spirits

This organization enables us to support all industry professionals across the entire value chain, covering everything from farm to table.

We are driven by strong human values. As a purpose-driven company, we approach headhunting with heart, always prioritizing quality over volume.

 

  1. Our Dedicated Team
    Our dedicated team for recruitment and consulting in the agri-food industry consists of three consultants and a research team:
  • Aurélien Vétault – Committed and passionate about talent and organizational development, Aurélien specializes in building strong leadership teams capable of shaping the future and executing corporate strategies. With 6.5 years of experience in the agri-food sector, first as a recruiter and then as a manager in Commerce, Finance, and Marketing, he also holds a background in occupational psychology. His dual expertise in psychometric assessment and the agri-food industry allows him to evaluate candidates with precision and nuance. Through a comprehensive and personalized approach, considering skills, personality, cognitive potential, interests, motivations, and values, Aurélien helps businesses make informed decisions about top-level talent.

 

  • Stéphane Loiseau – A specialist in agri-food recruitment, particularly in Western France (Nantes, Brittany, Pays de la Loire), Stéphane has been recruiting for over 20 years. He has successfully placed candidates at key local industry players, including:
    Frais Émincés, La Noirmoutier, Chaudronnerie Cognaçaise, CHOBLET Muscadet, Agrial, Sel de Noirmoutier, Vegepolys, GEVES, Premier Tech, Lur Berry, CORALI, and many more.

What Is Our Agri-Food Recruitment Process?

Our Recruitment Process in 6 Steps

  • Client Briefing & Advisory – Defining the search strategy, scope, and key competencies.
  • Targeting & Direct Approach – Identifying and reaching out to potential candidates.
  • Interviews & Psychometric Assessments – Conducting in-depth evaluations and testing.
  • Candidate Selection & Shortlist – Presenting the most suitable profiles.
  • Client-Candidate Meetings – Organizing interviews between talents and clients.
  • Final Decision Support – Assisting in the selection and hiring process.

How much does headhunting in the food industry cost?

Our Fixed-Fee Model

Leaderia operates on a fixed-fee basis. Since each company and recruitment need is unique, the fee is determined after a tailored assessment of the requirements, considering:

  • Compensation level
  • Location
  • Rarity of the talent sought
  • Level of confidentiality
  • Degree of urgency
  • The minimum fixed fee is €12,000.

What is the employment trend in the food industry?

Continuous Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry

The agri-food sector is constantly evolving, driven by shifting consumer trends, environmental concerns, technological advancements, and regulatory changes.

Here are some of the key trends shaping the industry’s continuous adaptation and innovation:

  • Integration of AI and Robotics to enhance production efficiency and supply chain management.
  • Use of advanced software for HR management, product tracking, and quality control.
  • Development of tracking technologies to ensure transparency and food safety across the supply chain.
  • Emergence of innovative startups and partnerships between large and small companies to drive innovation.
  • Increased investment in R&D to create new products and improve existing processes.
  • Growth of e-commerce in the food sector, with a rising demand for home delivery services.
  • Stronger food safety regulations and standards to ensure product quality.
  • Tighter local and international regulations affecting production, labeling, and distribution.
  • Rising ethical standards in food production, including animal welfare and fair trade.
  • Supply chain adaptation to quickly respond to demand fluctuations and disruptions.
  • Growing demand for functional foods offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
  • Increasing consumer preference for organic and natural products.
  • These ongoing transformations push the agri-food industry to constantly innovate and adapt to new challenges and expectations.

 

 

Mag' articles on distribution and the food industry

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Resilience: driver of professional development

Since 2020, the commercial and purchasing functions have been facing unprecedented situations. The sudden introduction of remote working and tensions over raw materials, energy and transport have brought rapid changes to agribusiness organizations across the value chain. In the face of these special national and global circumstances, resilience is the key word among professionals. This […]

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New organizational and managerial challenges in export

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