As Sales Manager, you will drive the success and expansion of the company’s wholesale distribution in the DACH region , by building strong partnerships, evaluating performance data, and uncovering growth opportunities. You’ll collaborate closely with the 5 main wholesalers to meet targeted sales revenues and gross margin goals within your assigned territories.
My client :
- This SME is in the textile industry and has its HQ in Belgium.
- They value entrepreneurial spirit and are looking for someone who is forward-thinking and creative!
- You would occasionally travel to Belgium for meetings and to meet the rest of the Sales team.
- This is an international brand that is growing and evolving. They appreciate a global mindset and the desire to truly be a part of the brand, not just a number on payroll.
The role overall :
To listen to customers, evaluate them individually, perform data analysis (Power BI dashboard), create business plans, review yearly promotional agreements, weekly reports internally.
50 / 60% Managing 5 main Wholesaler accounts (throughout Germany and 1 in Austria) - remain a multi wholesaler brand, increase revenue. Visit each account every 1 or 2 months with purpose. Continuous data analysis to guide actions.
20 / 30% Be in touch with the market - contact / visit some Resellers and stay in touch with market trends.
10 / 20% Develop New Business - e-commerce. Develop high-potential end-customer segments - depending on your profile this could include exploring opportunities in a new region.
Your profile :
- Previous Sales experience with Key Account Wholesalers as well as with physical product sales (experience in textile is not required). Min. 3 / 4 years.
- Data curious - data analysis using Power BI dashboards (as well as for weekly / monthly internal reporting). The conclusions will then be used to drive effective meetings to improve service leve.
- Strategic thinking combined with analytical thinking to create unique business plans for each wholesaler - not one size fits all.
- Relate well with people , different cultures, and working styles to promote collaborative working within the company.
- Curious person who wants to learn the market! You like to be creative as well as analytical to find solutions and bring growth.
- Autonomous - you will work remotely in Germany with regular contact with the Wholesaler divisional Manager as well as the Sales Director.
- Flexible - travel will average at 50%, but there may be busier periods where the flexibility to catch a flight at 6am and return home at 10pm will be required. In return you will have the freedom to manage your own agenda.
- Monitor and analyze wholesaler stock levels, listing performance, sell-through rates, and sales activities to uncover and act on growth opportunities.
- Develop customized action plans for each wholesaler based on their specific needs and performance objectives.
- Conduct regular sales engagements with wholesalers to promote and strengthen brand presence.
- Collaborate closely with your designated Customer Service Assistant at HQ to ensure smooth operational support.
Be a Regional Market Expert
- Conduct ongoing market research and surveys to gather insights.
- Monitor and report on market trends, providing valuable feedback to the Product Department to inform product development and strategy.
Develop New Business in Your Territory
- Expand business opportunities within the existing wholesaler network and assess potential new wholesaler partnerships.
- Identify and engage with high-potential end-customer segments such as e-commerce, music merchandise, festivals, artist management, YouTubers, and Print-on-Demand (POD).
- Build relationships with key stakeholders in these sectors and craft strategies to position the company as the preferred brand.
- Share qualified leads with relevant internal teams to ensure timely and effective follow-up.
Strengthen Wholesaler Relationships
- Foster trust and long-term partnerships across the distribution network.
- Organize regular meetings with wholesalers to address challenges, align on strategy, and follow up on agreed actions.
- Support the creation and annual renewal of Commercial Agreements with wholesalers.
- Contribute to the development and quarterly review of the Market Business Plan.
- Provide weekly sales updates and a comprehensive monthly report to the International Sales Manager.
You would travel approximately 50% of the time throughout the DACH region, visiting Wholesalers and strengthening the brand. It is, therefore, important to live within 60-90 minutes of an international airport.
The salary for this role will be 4500-5000 euro gross depending on experience. The annual bonus scheme is up to 2 months bonus and you will have a company car.