EMEA Sales Director

Claire Joster | People first; Madrid; Remote; EUR 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level benefits package

Job summary

Claire Joster | People first is seeking a Sales Director EMEA to define and execute the regional commercial strategy, driving growth across multiple international markets.

You will lead a large cross-border sales organization, align Sales, Marketing, Product, Operations and Finance, and build market-specific plans with a focus on profitability and partnerships.

The role requires 10+ years of international B2B leadership, fluency in English, and willingness to travel across the region.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of international B2B sales leadership.
• Proven track record managing large cross-border sales teams.
• Strong P&L responsibility experience.
• Fluent English; additional European languages valued.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the regional commercial strategy for EMEA.
• Drive sales performance, profitability, and market share across countries.
• Lead a large international sales organization in a matrix setup.
• Develop market-specific growth initiatives and business plans.
• Identify new opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Build strong relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment across Sales, Marketing, Product, Operations, and Finance.
• Lead commercial transformation and integration across the region.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and customer focus.
• Monitor performance against financial and operational objectives.

Skills

International leadership

Senior sales leadership

P&L management

B2B sales

Cross-cultural leadership

Strategic thinking

Travel readiness

Job description

We are partnering with a leading international organization to identify a Sales Director EMEA who will be responsible for defining and executing the commercial strategy across the region, driving sustainable growth, strengthening market presence, and maximizing business performance across multiple international markets.

This role combines strategic vision with operational leadership, overseeing the full commercial agenda, including sales, go-to-market strategy, pricing, channel development, commercial excellence, and business growth initiatives. The successful candidate will be a key leader within the organization, ensuring alignment between strategic objectives and market execution while fostering a high-performance culture across a diverse international team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute the regional commercial strategy to achieve ambitious growth objectives.
• Drive sales performance, profitability, and market share across multiple countries.
• Lead and develop a large international commercial organization within a matrix environment.
• Develop and implement market-specific growth initiatives and business plans.
• Identify new business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and distribution channels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment across Sales, Marketing, Product Management, Operations, and Finance functions.
• Lead commercial transformation and integration initiatives across the region.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor business performance and ensure execution against financial and operational objectives.

Profile:

• Minimum 10 years of international commercial leadership experience.
• Proven track record managing large-scale B2B operations across multiple countries.
• Strong experience leading senior sales teams within complex and multicultural organizations.
• Demonstrated success driving growth, profitability, and business expansion through direct and indirect sales channels.
• Strong strategic mindset combined with a hands-on and execution-oriented approach.
• Comfortable operating in dynamic, fast-growing, and transformational environments.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Entrepreneurial, resilient, and highly results-oriented.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, from executive leadership teams to frontline sales organizations.

Preferred Background:

We welcome candidates from a variety of B2B sectors. Particular consideration will be given to professionals with experience in:

• Industrial products and technical equipment.
• Professional tools and machinery.
• Industrial distribution and technical wholesale businesses.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety solutions.
• Manufacturing, engineering, and industrial services environments.
• Technical products sold through distributor, reseller, or professional channel networks.

Candidates who have led commercial transformations, business integrations, rapid growth initiatives, or who combine entrepreneurial experience with multinational exposure will be especially valued.

Requirements:

• Experience managing significant regional P&L responsibility.
• Strong understanding of B2B commercial models, distribution networks, and international markets.
• Proven leadership of large and geographically dispersed teams.
• High level of commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and execution capability.
• International mindset and willingness to travel extensively across the region.
• Fluent English is essential. Additional European languages such as French, German, Italian, or Spanish are highly valued.

Location: flexible across EMEA. Preference for candidates based in Spain, Germany, France, or Belgium, although applications from other EMEA locations will also be considered.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive fixed salary in the range of €150,000 - €250,000 gross annual salary, depending on experience and background.
• Performance-based annual bonus.
• Executive-level benefits package.
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role within an international and growth-oriented organization.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven international leader seeking to make a significant impact within a growing and ambitious organization operating across the EMEA region.