It is rare to find Jean-Marc sitting at his desk for long. Operations Manager at Pouliquen since 2008, this tall, slender man with mischievous blue eyes spends his time between the packaging workshop and the offices. Always on the move and always available, he embodies the energy of the company in his own way.
From mechanics to operations
Coming from a family of farmers (dairy and potato production), Jean-Marc decided to pursue a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) in mechanics and industrial automation after graduating from secondary school. In 2003, shortly after graduating, he joined the company to maintain the machines. ‘I learned everything here,’ he says. “In BTS, you see a lot of things, but you relearn everything once you’re in the company. The work depends on the machines. When he started out, the workshop was very different: less structured, less automated. With his partner at the time, André, now retired, he learned how to repair, adjust and improve the equipment.
Trust earned in the field
In 2008, Jean-Marc became operations manager. It was a natural progression, marked by the trust placed in him by management. ‘Being asked to participate in the restructuring was a real sign of trust. And that counts for a lot.’ Since then, Jean-Marc has been leading a team of 10 to 15 people, depending on the season, ensuring that the machinery runs smoothly and that every order is shipped on time.
But his role extends far beyond the walls of the packaging workshop. Quality, logistics, HR, sales… He liaises with all departments. ‘Messaging tools are handy. But nothing can replace human contact, a real discussion,’ he emphasises.
A manager, yes… but always at the service of the team
What does he like best? The atmosphere and team spirit. ‘I like managing, helping my colleagues, lending a hand here and there.’ And when asked if he could see himself working elsewhere, his answer is immediate: ‘I can’t see myself doing anything else.’
On Saturdays, Dad takes charge
Once he leaves the building, Jean-Marc takes on another role that he has also held for many years: that of father to three children. ‘My wife works every Saturday. So on that day, I’m the family taxi: sports, friends, birthdays…’ On Sundays, it’s time to relax: ‘It’s the only day we’re all together. So we make the most of it.’
With his frankness, availability and sense of community, Jean-Marc exemplifies what makes Pouliquen so strong: a close-knit team where everyone has their place and contributes to the company’s success.