Nathalie François

Hands-on Interim Manager | QMS (ISO 9001/14001, FDA) | Operations, Finance, Supply Chain & Real Estate | Performance & Risk Mitigation

Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Walloon Region, Belgium

About

Hands-on Interim Manager and multicultural leader with 20+ years of experience, supporting organizations in regulated and complex environments across Quality (ISO 9001/14001, FDA), Operations, Finance, Supply Chain and Real Estate projects. I specialize in rapid operational diagnostics, internal audits, and end-to-end project and process management, from audit preparedness and QMS modernization to real estate investment, renovation and governance, including Board-level reporting and cross-functional coordination. Recognized as a trusted bridge between executive management, operational teams and external stakeholders, I combine strong ethics, discretion and pedagogical skills to secure operations, drive change and improve performance, with clear accountability for ROI. Fluent in French, English and Spanish, with basic knowledge of Dutch.

Experience

  • Real Estate Project Manager & Investor – End-to-End Operational Delivery at Self employed entrepreneur
    Jan 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 6 mos

    Hands-on management of a residential construction project, overseeing the full lifecycle from land acquisition to delivery of 4 new homes. End-to-End Project Management: Led the entire project, including land acquisition, design approvals, permitting, budgeting, and final delivery of 4 new houses. On-Site Oversight: Coordinated and supervised contractors, architects, and suppliers to ensure the project was delivered on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards. Regulatory Compliance & Permits: Secured all required construction permits and maintained strong liaison with local authorities for regulatory compliance. Financial & Risk Management: Applied ROI-driven decision-making, monitoring budgets, mitigating risks, and ensuring financial performance. Stakeholder Management: Managed relationships with project partners, consultants, and local officials to ensure smooth execution.

  • QMS Advisor – ISO 9001 / 14001 Re-Certification & QMS Transformation at Fugro
    Oct 2024 - Jun 2025 · 9 mos

    Part-time role focused on ensuring Quality compliance, audit readiness, and continuous improvement of the QMS in an international industrial environment. Compliance & Accreditation: Secured successful ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 re-certifications by streamlining the Quality Management System (QMS) and performing rigorous internal audits. Process Modernization & Documentation Management: Led comprehensive updates to QMS procedures, SOPs, and databases, ensuring alignment with international standards. Deployed SharePoint for centralized document management, improving accessibility, version control, and team collaboration. Risk Mitigation (CAPA): Managed the full lifecycle of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), from root-cause analysis through implementation and closure, embedding continuous improvement practices. Training & Implementation: Conducted hands-on training programs to support adoption of new QMS processes and standards across teams. Executive Interface: Provided quality reporting and actionable recommendations to management, serving as a bridge between leadership, operational teams, and external auditors.

  • Interim QMS Advisor – ISO 9001 / 14001 Re-Certification & QMS Transformation at Automatic Systems
    Apr 2021 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos

    Interim assignment to secure Quality compliance, audit readiness and sustainable QMS performance in an industrial, regulated environment. Compliance & Accreditation: Secured successful ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 re-certifications by streamlining the Quality Management System (QMS) and conducting rigorous internal audits. Process Modernization: Orchestrated comprehensive updates of QMS procedures, SOPs and databases, ensuring full alignment with current international standards and operational realities. Risk Mitigation (CAPA): Managed the end-to-end CAPA lifecycle, from root-cause analysis through implementation and closure, embedding continuous improvement practices. Training & Implementation: Led hands-on training programs to support the effective adoption of new Quality processes and organizational standards across teams. Executive Interface: Provided clear Quality reporting and recommendations to management, acting as a trusted operational link between leadership, teams and external auditors.

  • Project Manager | Social Real Estate & Impact Finance | Board-Level Reporting at CREDAL
    Nov 2019 - Jul 2020 · 9 mos

    Interim role at the intersection of finance, governance and operational execution in a multi-stakeholder environment. Assessed and optimized financing models for social real estate projects, ensuring financial robustness and scalability. Built and coordinated strategic partnerships with financial institutions, foundations and public stakeholders. Produced KPI dashboards, financial analyses and strategic reports for the Board of Directors and institutional partners. Managed calls for tender and contractual frameworks in collaboration with legal advisors. Adapted investment and funding strategies during the COVID crisis, securing continuity of commitments while rephasing development plans.

  • MBA Program Manager -Project Coordinator | Executive Education (IEMBA & EMI) at Université catholique de Louvain
    Mar 2011 - Jan 2018 · 6 yrs 11 mos

    Operational leadership role overseeing international executive education programs (EMBA=Executive MBA and EMI=Executive Master en Immobilier), transitioning to part-time toward the end. Program Lifecycle Management: Managed all operational aspects of the International Executive MBA and Executive Master in Real Estate programs, from marketing, recruitment, enrollment, contracts, alumni engagement, to graduation. Strategic Partnerships: Built and maintained high-level collaborations with multinational corporations, global universities, and industry experts to enhance program quality and expand international reach. Process Optimization & Reporting: Conducted cost-benefit analyses and delivered performance reports to academic leadership to support strategic decisions. Global Business Missions: Designed and executed international business trips to Hungary, China, Brazil, and India, negotiating modules, coordinating corporate visits, and strengthening institutional partnerships. Team Leadership & Coordination: Supervised project teams to ensure smooth operational delivery, process adherence, and effective collaboration. Part-time Transition: Maintained program quality and continuity while shifting to part-time responsibilities, balancing ongoing projects with strategic oversight.