Commercial Trader / Account Manager

West Coast Supply Group; Leiden; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 vacation days

Travel reimbursement

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing

Job summary

West Coast Supply Group in Leiden seeks a Trader / Account Manager for the Professional Haircare Division to drive growth, optimize margins, and expand the European retail footprint through strategic account management and dynamic international trade.

In Medior or Senior levels, you will build long-term partnerships with major retailers and suppliers while managing deal terms and logistics costs, and coaching junior traders to boost team performance within a fast-paced trading environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Proven commercial experience within the European Retail Beauty/Haircare sector.
• 2+ years (Medior) or 4+ years (Senior) of international trading/B2B sales experience in FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Drive turnover and margin growth by sourcing, structuring, and closing high-volume deals across Europe.
• Build and maintain relationships with key European retail partners and suppliers in the Beauty/Haircare segment.
• Monitor European retail trends and competition to identify new commercial leads and cross-selling opportunities.
• Take accountability for client deal terms, order books, payment terms, and logistics-related costs.

Skills

Fluent English

International trading

Account management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About West Coast Supply Group

We don’t just move products; we master markets. Based in Leiden, we are an international trading hub specializing in the global flow of premium FMCG A-brands. Operating across 75+ countries, our business is powered by sharp commercial instincts, fast decision-making, and long-term partnerships. If you thrive in a high-energy trading environment where strategy meets direct execution, this is where you belong.

The Role

We are seeking a Trader / Account Manager to join our Professional Haircare Division.

In this dual-capability commercial role, you will take full ownership of driving growth, optimizing profit margins, and expanding our client and supplier footprint across Europe. You will combine strategic account management with dynamic international trade, building long-term partnerships with major retail players while capitalizing on high-volume spot-deals and cross-selling opportunities.

Whether stepping in at a Medior or Senior level, you will act as a key commercial engine within the division translating European retail dynamics into profitable business.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development & Trading: Drive turnover and margin growth by sourcing, structuring, and closing high-volume deals, expanding our European retail footprint, and securing recurring business.

• Strategic Account Management: Build and maintain deep relationships with key European retail partners and suppliers in the Beauty/Haircare segment, aligning our offerings with their long-term objectives.

• Market Alignment & Portfolio Expansion: Monitor European retail beauty trends, competitor moves, and assortment diversification to capture new commercial leads and cross-selling opportunities.

• Commercial & Financial Ownership: Take full accountability for client deal terms, order books, credit/payment terms, P&L impact, and logistics-related cost factors.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Act as a buddy or coach to junior traders and interns, supporting team drive, quarterly planning, and process optimizations (Senior level involves direct team target setting and coaching).

• Industry Presence: Represent the division at key international trade fairs, networking events, and strategic client visits.

What We Offer

• Leave Entitlement: 25 vacation days per year, with the option to purchase additional days.

• Professional Development: Access to LinkedIn Learning and support from a dedicated team focused on your personal and professional growth.

• Weekly Drinks: Unwind every Friday with drinks and snacks at our in-office bar.

• Exclusive Events: Join our summer and Christmas parties, featuring activities like go-karting and boat trips.

• Travel Reimbursement: We cover your commuting costs.

• Celebrating Diversity: Work in a vibrant environment with over 47 nationalities.

• Health and Wellbeing: Enjoy fresh fruit in the office every day.

• Referral Program: Receive a bonus for referring suitable candidates.

• Industry Events: Opportunities to attend trade shows and industry-related events.

• Dynamic Work Culture: Be part of a young, ambitious, and international team.

• Autonomous Work Environment: Work independently in an environment built on trust and support.

• Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our comprehensive pension plan.

What You Bring to the Table

• Education: Bachelor’s degree level of working and thinking.

• Experience:Strict requirement: Proven commercial experience within the European Retail sector in the Beauty / Haircare category.

• Track Record: >2 years (Medior) or >4 years (Senior) of international experience in trading, account management, or B2B sales within FMCG.

• Commercial Acumen: Strong financial acumen, understanding of supply chain and logistics costs, P&L dynamics, and margin management.

• Mindset: Entrepreneurial, result-oriented, and adaptable, with a strong ability to solve complex problems and negotiate win-win outcomes.

• Languages: Fluent in English (written and verbal). Fluency in an additional European language is highly advantageous.