Deputy General Manager

RE:DISCOVER; Essen; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Re Discover seeks a commercially driven Deputy General Manager in Düsseldorf, with progression to GM within 6–12 months. You will lead day-to-day operations across commercial, supply chain, and product functions, turning strategy into measurable EBITDA growth.

With fluent German and English, you will partner with licensing partners, retailers, and group distribution, build a high-performing team, and ensure disciplined budgeting, forecasting, and performance reviews while traveling across Europe.

Qualifications

• Experience with P&L or significant budget accountability and a track record of improving profitability.
• Hands-on supply chain, S&OP, or product development experience, ideally including sourcing from Asia.
• Experience working with licensors, retail partners, or within a matrix organization.
• Proven leadership to develop cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement.
• Fluent German and English are essential for internal and external stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day core business functions and deputize for the GM as required.
• Drive EBITDA, revenue, and margin targets through budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reviews.
• Oversee S&OP, demand planning, and product cycle management with licensing partners.
• Build relationships with manufacturing partners and group distribution teams across Europe.
• Represent the business at trade events and partner meetings, ensuring commercial alignment.

Skills

P&L accountability

Budget management

Supply chain / S&OP

Licensors / retail partnerships

Leadership / people development

Bilingual German & English

Job description

Deputy General Manager (6-12 months progression to GM), Premium Consumer Accessories

The Opportunity

A globally recognised consumer accessories business, part of a global group of consumer brands, is seeking a Deputy General Manager to help lead its next phase of growth. The business has premium products, strong retail distribution, international licensing partnerships, and a loyal, engaged consumer following across EMEA and North America.

This role partners closely with the General Manager to run the business day-to-day. It’s a rare chance to gain broad exposure across the whole operation while taking direct ownership of key functions and driving EBITDA performance.

The Role

Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead day-to-day core business functions, deputise for the GM when required, and turn strategy into consistent operational and commercial delivery.

Business Leadership

• Support the GM in setting and delivering annual EBITDA, revenue, and margin targets
• Lead the operating rhythm of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, and monthly performance reviews
• Drive margin improvement through cost discipline, sourcing strategy, and operational efficiency
• Deputise for the GM with internal stakeholders, partners, and the wider group

Operations, Supply Chain and Product

• Oversee S&OP and demand planning across fast-moving, licensed product cycles
• Work with product and sourcing teams to keep the innovation pipeline on schedule and commercially viable
• Build strong working relationships with manufacturing partners in Asia

Partnerships and Stakeholders

• Support the management of licensing and brand partners, ensuring commercial alignment and relationship health
• Build productive relationships with group distribution teams, retail buyers, and key accounts
• Represent the business at trade events and partner meetings

People

• Lead and develop a cross-functional team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Help bring teams together around a shared vision and clear priorities

The Person

We are looking for a commercially and operationally strong leader, ready to step into a broader business leadership role.

• Experience in a senior commercial, operational, or business unit role within branded consumer products, CPG, licensed goods, or accessories
• P&L or significant budget accountability, with a record of improving profitability
• Hands‑on supply chain, S&OP, or product development experience, ideally including sourcing from Asia
• Experience working with licensors, retail partners, or within a matrix organisation
• Fluent German and English are essential
• Decisive, hands‑on, and comfortable with ambiguity; brings structure without bureaucracy
• Energised by building and by developing people

Location

Based in Düsseldorf, with regular travel across Europe and some international travel. Candidates must have the right to work in Germany.