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 food.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, hybrid working, and generous employee discounts.
- Other info: Flexible, collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fast food in Europe.
- Qualifications: 3 years' FMCG experience, fluent in German and English, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
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 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 and inclusive work culture that fosters growth and innovation. With a commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including health insurance, hybrid working options, and generous discounts, itsu empowers its team members to thrive in a fast-paced environment while contributing to the exciting expansion of its grocery brand across Europe. Join us in shaping the future of healthy fast food as we continue to grow and make a positive impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land European Business Manager [DACH region] - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at itsu or in the DACH region. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching itsu's products and values. Show your passion for food and how you can contribute to their growth. Tailor your answers to reflect their brand ethos and your experience in FMCG.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves commercial negotiations, being able to demonstrate your prowess in this area during interviews will set you apart. Think of scenarios where you've successfully negotiated in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the itsu team and ready to take on the challenge of expanding into new markets.
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 goals!
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 in Europe.
Be Anonymised:Remember, we’re all about inclusivity! When applying, 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 to be 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 navigate a 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 contributing to their mission. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you align with the company's values and goals.
