At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch and growth of itsu (grocery) in Scandinavia and the Nordics.
- Company: Join itsu, a fast-growing brand revolutionising healthy eating across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey to expand a beloved brand in new markets.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in FMCG sales, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate:
- A candidate with 3+ years’ experience in FMCG, in international sales through distributors or direct to market.
- Experience in Scandi / Nordic markets is highly desirable but not mandatory.
- Experience managing distributors and/or direct to retailers in Europe.
- Exposure to field sales strategy and execution.
- 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.
- An 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 covering the Scandinavia and the Nordics region, to take ownership of the region and join our fast-growing international team. This role will be responsible for launching and scaling itsu (grocery) into Scandinavia and the Nordics. 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 new markets in the region, ensuring the strategy for each region is delivered alongside the creation of a multi-year plan.
- Manage each distributor, building a strong, performance-driven partnership.
- Lead on 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 (head of sales international & senior management).
- Ability to quickly react to issues faced and comes 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.
European Business Manager [Nordics] employer: Itsu Limited
itsu is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and innovation in the fast-paced FMCG sector. With a commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including health insurance, hybrid working options, and a generous training budget, itsu empowers its team to thrive while promoting a diverse and inclusive culture. Join us in our ambitious journey to redefine healthy eating across Europe, where your contributions will directly impact our exciting expansion into the Nordics.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land European Business Manager [Nordics]
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like European Business Manager [Nordics] at Itsu Limited, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Itsu Limited. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a European Business Manager [Nordics]. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace European Business Manager [Nordics]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Itsu Limited:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Itsu Limited. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Itsu Limited
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Itsu Limited that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Itsu Limited that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Itsu Limited’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
