At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow itsu's business in the DACH region, managing distributors and launching new markets.
- Company: Join itsu, a fast-growing brand revolutionising healthy eating with innovative Asian-inspired products.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid working, and generous employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible, collaborative environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving growth in exciting new markets across Europe.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in FMCG sales, fluent in German and English, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ideal candidate:
- A candidate with 3+ years’ experience in FMCG, in international sales through distributors or direct to market.
- Experience in DACH markets is highly desirable.
- Experience managing distributors and/or direct to retailers.
- Exposure to field sales strategy.
- Fluent in German and English.
- Comfortable travelling regularly across the region.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
- Commercially astute with excellent negotiation skills and P&L management.
- Detail-oriented and collaborative, with confidence and communication skills to work with various stakeholders in the business.
- A flexible, can-do attitude with the willingness to work closely with others within a small team, a real self-starter.
- A true entrepreneur with a passion for food and a true brand ambassador.
About us:
itsu is the healthy eating, Asian inspired quick service retail & grocery brand with over 70 stores in the UK and a leading grocery business across Europe and beyond. Renowned for its best-in-class food made fresh in every shop every day, itsu has huge global ambitions with a commitment to continue to open many more stores and intensify the growth of its already thriving grocery arm. With its best-in-class healthy food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.
itsu [grocery], which this role falls under, takes the itsu brand into supermarkets, health food stores, online, wholesale and internationally with products such as frozen gyoza, soup dumplings & bao, rice noodles, and our world food range to name a few. Buoyed by the success in the UK, itsu [grocery] International have expanded into several European markets, winning some major listings in key retailers. With more ground-breaking products in the pipeline and expanding into new and exciting categories (and markets), this is just the beginning.
Nominated for exporter of the year 2026. 60% growth expected this year. Double digit head count growth. ‘Best introduction in 2025’ for our chicken soup dumplings by Levensmiddelenkrant.
D&I statement: itsu [grocery] is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply for all of our opportunities.
Scope of the role:
itsu [grocery] is looking for a European Business Manager (DACH) to take ownership of our Central Europe business and join our fast-growing international team. This role will lead our existing German business while launching and scaling Austria and Switzerland. You’ll own the P&L, shape the strategy, and play a key role in delivering our next phase of European growth. This is a great opportunity for someone with FMCG account or distributor management experience who is ready to step up into broader ownership and build markets with a high-growth brand.
- Establish and develop two new markets in Switzerland and Austria, ensuring the strategy for each region is delivered alongside the creation of a multi-year plan.
- Manage our current distributor in Germany with the key roles of managing our German distributor, building a strong, performance-driven partnership.
- Lead commercial negotiations, including pricing and promotional strategy.
- Unlock new distribution while accelerating growth in existing listings.
- Work closely with supply chain and demand planning teams to ensure strong in-market performance [OTIF, launches, availability].
- Partner with marketing to build impactful activation plans [media, POS, field sales incentives].
- Provide regular performance updates to senior stakeholders [North Europe Sales Controller & senior management].
- Ability to quickly react to issues faced and come to the table with logical solutions, a problem-solving mindset.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary.
- Competitive bonus scheme.
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays).
- Health insurance.
- Company pension scheme.
- Hybrid working (2 days wfh).
- Opportunity to work from abroad.
- 50% employee discount in itsu shops.
- Free itsu lunch.
- Discounts at major retailers.
- Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes.
- A sizeable training budget to support your ongoing development.
Export Manager [DACH region] in City of Westminster employer: Itsu Limited
itsu is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters growth and innovation. With a commitment to healthy eating and sustainability, employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a robust training budget to support their professional development. The fast-paced environment, combined with the opportunity to lead market expansion in the DACH region, makes it a rewarding place for those passionate about food and eager to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Export Manager [DACH region] in City of Westminster
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Itsu Limited.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Itsu Limited!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Itsu Limited, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Itsu Limited, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Export Manager [DACH region] in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Itsu Limited, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Itsu Limited.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Itsu Limited. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Itsu Limited. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Itsu Limited
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Itsu Limited’s mission.