At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow itsu's business in the DACH region, managing distributors and driving market strategy.
- 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: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fast food in Europe.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in FMCG sales, fluent in German and English, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
The 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. When applying for a role with us, please remove your full name, name of University/School, address, email address and any photos of you on your CV and covering letter. Non-anonymised CVs may not be reviewed.
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.
European Business Manager [DACH region] - London employer: itsu
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 hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and a vibrant company culture, itsu empowers its team members to thrive as they contribute to the brand's ambitious expansion across Europe. Join us in shaping the future of healthy eating while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land European Business Manager [DACH region] - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG industry, especially those who have experience in the DACH region. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for informational chats. You never know who might help you land that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching itsu and understanding their products and market strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in managing distributors and driving growth in new markets. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely excited about their brand!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves leading commercial negotiations, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the itsu team. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace European Business Manager [DACH region] - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of European Business Manager. Highlight your experience in FMCG and any specific achievements in the DACH region. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for food and your entrepreneurial spirit. Let us know why you're excited about joining itsu and how you can contribute to our growth.
Be Anonymised:Remember, we’re all about inclusivity! Make sure to remove your full name, university details, and any personal photos from your CV and cover letter. This helps us focus on your skills and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of the itsu family!
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨Know Your FMCG Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the FMCG sector, especially in relation to the DACH markets. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to itsu's growth ambitions. Highlight any specific achievements in managing distributors or direct sales that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since this role involves leading commercial negotiations, come ready with examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Think about how you can articulate your approach to pricing strategies and promotional tactics, as well as how you’ve built strong partnerships with distributors.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Mindset
Itsu is looking for someone who can quickly react to challenges. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've faced obstacles in your previous roles and how you resolved them. This will show your potential employer that you're not just a self-starter but also a logical thinker who can handle the fast-paced environment.
✨Be a Brand Ambassador
As a candidate passionate about food, convey your enthusiasm for the itsu brand during the interview. Share your thoughts on their product range and how you envision promoting it in new markets. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you align with their values and mission.
