Pavel, aged 29
Operations Director (Malaysia)

« A springboard to international opportunities! »

What is your job in the Group and what does it entail?

I am in charge of our Malaysian subsidiary’s operations, but I am also management controller for Thailand. More specifically, my role is to make sure that all the activities in logistics, human resources, accounts, etc., support business development in compliance with the Group’s rules and procedures.

How do you actually organise your days?

I manage a team of twelve people and our days are very busy! We review and analyse results, hold meetings on business issues in order to take decisions, meet with subcontractors, etc. It is difficult to describe a typical day, as they are all so different.
But I know that whatever happens, the first ten days of the month will be taken up with closing, i.e. analysing existing figures in order to identify business risks and opportunities and set up appropriate action plans.

What appeals to you about this job and what qualities does it require?

Management control provides a general overview of a business, a subsidiary or an area depending on the scope, but above all offers an opportunity to contribute to its target growth. We work closely with the head of the business.
What are the qualities of a controller? The capacity to digest lots of information and figures, to analyse them in order to draw up action plans, and to communicate them.

What is your training and what positions have you had in the Group since you joined?

I graduated from a top French business college in 2004 and first joined the Consolidation Department of the Group Management Control Board in Issy-les-Moulineaux. After a year and a half,
I moved to Malaysia to take over Management Control in the South-East Asian subsidiaries: Malaysia and Thailand. After a few months, my job developed into general management of Malaysian operations, in addition to management control for Thailand.

What advice would you give to young graduates who would like to do this job?

Learn as much as possible about the business, its tricks and the players involved. Without that, a Management Controller is of little value. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for advice. I am in daily contact with Paris and Thailand, which allows me to liaise with many colleagues.
My advice? Be inquisitive and bold!

Why did you choose the Yves Rocher Group when you were looking for a job?

The Yves Rocher Group appealed to me because it offered me a springboard to international opportunities. What also persuaded me? The chance to work with Group board management, which taught me a lot as a fresh-faced graduate.