Bertrand SABADIE

Managing Director at Norig Group | Commercial Manager at ElbeFruit GmbH | International Fresh Produce

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

About

My role is to turn business ambitions into operational reality by building organisations where people, processes and commercial objectives work together effectively. Today, I serve as Managing Director at Norig Group and Commercial Manager at ElbeFruit GmbH, working alongside the CEO to support the Group's growth through operational leadership, commercial development and organisational improvement. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to create businesses from the ground up, establish international distribution platforms, develop commercial activities and support companies through periods of growth and transformation. What I enjoy most is not defining the strategy, but making it work. Whether entering a new market, implementing an ERP system, developing a commercial team or improving operational processes, my approach remains the same: understand the business, structure the organisation, build commitment across the team and keep things moving until the objective is achieved. Today, my responsibilities combine commercial management, operational leadership and organisational development within an international fresh produce group. I work closely with customers, suppliers and colleagues across different countries, helping translate strategic objectives into practical execution while maintaining a strong focus on reliability, long-term partnerships and continuous improvement. Core areas of responsibility include: • Commercial management & business development • Operational leadership & organisational development • International sourcing & supply chain management • ERP implementation & business process optimisation • Recruitment and development of managers and teams • Cross-functional coordination across commercial, operations, finance and quality I believe that businesses grow sustainably when people trust each other, responsibilities are clear and organisations are built to deliver on their commitments.

Experience

  • Managing Director at Norig Fresh Group
    Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Responsible for the operational management of Norig Group, working alongside the CEO to execute the Group's strategy and support the long-term development of its businesses. Main responsibilities: - Operational leadership across the Group - Commercial development and business growth - Organisational development and process improvement - Strategic projects and ERP implementation - Recruitment and development of key managers - Cross-functional coordination across Group companies

  • ElbeFruit GmbH (7 yrs)
    • Commercial Manager
      Sep 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 11 mos

      Responsible for the commercial management and operational coordination of ElbeFruit's international fresh produce activities. Main responsibilities: - Commercial management and key account development - International sourcing and supplier partnerships - Sales, procurement and operations coordination - Process optimisation and operational standardisation - ERP implementation and continuous improvement - Development of new products, customers and markets

    • Account Manager - France / Eastern Europe
      Aug 2019 - Sep 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Developed new business opportunities and managed customer relationships across the UK and mainland Europe within the international fresh produce sector.

  • Independent Supply Chain & Commercial Consultant at B.S.L. Consulting
    Sep 2015 - Aug 2019 · 4 yrs

    Founded a consulting practice specialising in international procurement, logistics and commercial operations, helping companies optimise their supply chains and develop international business. Key activities: - International sourcing and procurement - Supply chain design and optimisation - Commercial development - Logistics and import/export management - Process improvement - Operational project management

  • Managing Director at Paola's Secret Garden Polska
    Aug 2014 - Sep 2015 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Established and managed the European logistics and distribution company of a South African preserved flowers producer, building the organisation from the ground up to support the company's expansion across Europe. Main responsibilities: - Set up the company's European operations and legal entity - Developed supply chain and distribution activities across Europe - Managed procurement, logistics and warehousing operations - Built relationships with customers, suppliers and logistics partners - Led product development and market expansion initiatives - Oversaw the company's commercial and operational performance

  • Co-Founder & Managing Director at SARL G.H.
    Sep 2004 - Jul 2014 · 9 yrs 11 mos

    Co-founded and developed an import and distribution company specialising in decorative products and preserved flowers, supplying independent retailers and supermarket chains across Europe. Main responsibilities: - Created and developed the business from start-up - Managed commercial development and key customer relationships - Organised international sourcing and import operations - Built the company's logistics and distribution network - Led the company's financial and operational management - Developed long-term partnerships with suppliers across Europe