Market Development Manager - Germany

Ficosota Ltd; Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

FICOSOTA in Berlin, Germany, seeks a Market Development Manager to build and manage distributor networks for Ficosota Food brands in the German market. You will drive sales growth, plan trade marketing, and ensure availability and in-store presence.

You will lead strategic planning, negotiate trade terms, analyze market data, and collaborate with regional brand managers and global marketing to optimize performance. Native German with English skills and willingness to travel within Germany.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years FMCG experience in Sales, KAM, Trade Marketing, or a related role.
• Hands-on experience developing distributor networks in Germany.
• Based in Germany with valid work rights; fluent German and good English.
• Strong negotiation, planning, and execution capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Distributor & Channel Management: develop trade channels and distributor networks in Germany.
• Strategic Planning: lead annual business plans, pricing and trade marketing budgets.
• Negotiation & Commercial Execution: negotiate terms, promotions, and activities.
• Sales & Market Analysis: monitor performance and identify growth opportunities.
• Execution & Distribution Monitoring: ensure product availability and in-store execution.
• Budget & Cost Management: plan and control costs and investments.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: align with Regional Brand Managers and Global Marketing.

Skills

Distributor management

Negotiation

Market analysis

Strategic planning

Sales forecasting

Budget management

Tools

MS Excel

CRM

Power BI

Job description

FICOSOTA is a dynamic and fast-growing company, specializing in the manufacturing of home & personal care products and snack foods. With a strong global presence (80+ counties), we are committed to delivering high-quality products, innovative solutions, and outstanding results. At FICOSOTA, we strive for excellence, working tirelessly to meet the evolving needs of our customers worldwide.

Location: Berlin, DE, 10115

Long Description

The Market Development Manager - Germany will be responsible for developing and managing key business relationships with partners and distributors to drive incremental sales growth for Ficosota Food brands in the German market.

This position is based in Germany. We are looking for a proactive, self-driven professional with strong knowledge of the German FMCG retail landscape and proven experience in managing distributor and trade relationships. The role will be responsible for planning, executing, optimizing, and reporting on sales, distribution, and promotional activities, ensuring commercial targets and KPIs are achieved and driving sustainable in-store presence and volume growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Distributor & Channel Management: Manage and develop trade channels and distributor networks across Germany, both directly and indirectly.
• Strategic Planning: Lead the preparation and execution of the annual business plan, pricing strategy, and trade marketing budget for the German market.
• Negotiation & Commercial Execution: Negotiate trade terms, promotional plans, and commercial activities with key customers and distribution partners.
• Sales & Market Analysis: Monitor sales performance and market developments, analyze trade activities, and identify opportunities for continuous business growth.
• Execution & Distribution Monitoring: Monitor product availability, distribution, and execution in target channels, including product quality and quantity checks.
• Budget & Cost Management: Plan, control, and manage operational costs and commercial investments in line with approved budgets.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Regional Brand Managers and Global Marketing teams to maximize brand performance and ensure strong commercial and marketing alignment.

Mandatory Requirements

• Location: Based in Germany with a valid right to work in Germany.
• Language: Native German speaker or full native-level professional fluency, with strong written and spoken English (minimum C1).
• Market Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the German FMCG retail and trade landscape.
• Distributor Management: Hands-on experience managing, developing, and growing distributor and third-party partner networks in Germany.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of FMCG experience in a similar Sales, Key Account Management, Trade Marketing, or commercial role.
• Proven track record in sales planning, budget management, commercial negotiations, and execution.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong analytical, organizational, and numerical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a clear and assertive approach.
• Strong commercial and negotiation capabilities.
• Valid driving license and willingness to travel within Germany and internationally, approximately 40-60 working days per year.
• High initiative, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for building brands and delivering sustainable business growth.

All applications will be treated fairly and in strict confidence. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.