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- Tasks: Lead the launch of APP's tissue business in the UK, driving strategy and team building.
- Company: Join a global leader in sustainable paper products with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a brand in a dynamic market while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in FMCG, strong network with retailers, and proven market development success.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven company focused on environmental responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
APP products are sold in over 150 countries worldwide with manufacturing units around the world. APP and its group companies manage multiple pulp and paper manufacturing and forestry operations across the globe that deliver quality products to meet the growing global demand for paper, packaging and tissue.
As a sustainable and responsible business, APP creates products and operates with care for our employees, society and the environment. We do this by leveraging technology and innovation, partnering with the community and adhering to international business and operating standards across our production and supply chain.
To build APP’s tissue business presence in Europe, we have created several Country Business Development Head positions to start up our consumer Tissue business in these countries, covering the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Poland. These Country Business Development Heads will report directly to our Co-Chair, Global Consumer Board, based in Shanghai, China.
As the head of the Company's tissue business in the United Kingdom, this newly created role is responsible for the comprehensive strategy formulation and execution for market entry, business development from scratch, and the establishment and management of a localized team. The core mission is to successfully build the company’s brand presence, achieve sustainable sales growth and market share acquisition within 18-24 months, and lay a solid foundation for long-term growth in the UK.
- Market Strategy & Business Planning: Submit and gain headquarters approval for the inaugural "Market Entry and Three-Year Business Development Plan" report within 3 months of appointment.
- Sales Development & Account Management: Lead business negotiations and finalize cooperation agreements with key retailers, supermarket chains, local distributors, and mainstream e-commerce platforms in the target country.
- Localized Operations & Team Building: Establish and lead the initial local team (including sales, marketing, operations). Complete hiring for core positions and establish team management systems compliant with local regulations and company culture within the first 6 months. Propose localization adaptations for product specifications and packaging design to headquarters based on local market needs. Collaborate closely with the group supply chain department to optimize logistics from production to local warehousing, specifically addressing cost challenges related to the low-density, high-volume nature of tissue products.
- Brand Building & Marketing: Develop and execute annual brand marketing plans, integrating online and offline resources to enhance brand awareness. Prioritize e-commerce and new retail channels, targeting an e-commerce sales contribution of over 20% of total sales by Year 2.
- Financial Management & Risk Control: Ensure healthy accounts receivable and stringent credit risk control to achieve positive cash flow.
Minimum 8 years of experience in the FMCG industry, with at least 5 years focused on the UK market. Proven success in greenfield market development (from zero to one) in a new country, with full-cycle involvement from market research, strategy, channel setup, team building to profitability. Extensive experience and a strong network dealing with major European retailers (e.g. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Lidl) or key local channels. Management experience at a Regional General Manager or Country Manager level in a multinational corporation; Bachelor’s degree or above, preferably in Marketing, International Trade, Business Administration, or related fields.
Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Excellent market analysis, strategic planning, and business modeling skills.
Sales & Negotiation: Outstanding business development, senior-level negotiation, and key account management skills.
Omni-channel Operational Knowledge: Deep understanding of modern trade, traditional distribution, and e-commerce models.
Financial & Data Analysis: Proficiency in interpreting financial statements and using data for business decision-making.
Native English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Proficiency in another European language (e.g. German) is a significant advantage. Analytical thinker, able to identify key business challenges and coordinate resources to deliver innovative, practical solutions.
German and English Speaking Business Development Executive in London employer: APP Group
Contact Detail:
APP Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land German and English Speaking Business Development Executive in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG industry, especially those who have experience with major retailers. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, highlight your past successes in greenfield market development. Share specific examples of how you’ve built teams and strategies from scratch.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for negotiations! Brush up on your negotiation skills and come armed with data and insights about the UK market. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your profile gets noticed by the right people at APP.
We think you need these skills to ace German and English Speaking Business Development Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Business Development Executive. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any specific achievements in market development, especially in the UK. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at APP!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about building a sustainable tissue business in Europe. Share your vision for the role and how your skills can help us achieve our goals. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Network: If you have connections with major European retailers or experience in negotiations, make sure to mention that! We value strong networks and relationships in this role, so let us know how you can leverage your contacts to benefit APP.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at APP!
How to prepare for a job interview at APP Group
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the FMCG landscape in the UK, especially focusing on tissue products. Familiarise yourself with key players like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and be ready to discuss how you can leverage your experience to build APP's brand presence.
✨Showcase Your Greenfield Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past successes in greenfield market development. Highlight how you’ve taken a product from concept to market, detailing your strategies for team building and profitability. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the challenges of starting from scratch.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your approach to strategic planning and market entry. Think about how you would formulate a three-year business development plan for APP and what factors you would consider. This shows that you’re not just a doer but also a thinker.
✨Communicate Your Financial Acumen
Since financial management is crucial for this role, brush up on your ability to interpret financial statements and use data for decision-making. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed accounts receivable and credit risk in previous roles to ensure positive cash flow.
