European Sales Account Manager in Manchester

The European / German Sales Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth across key European markets, building strong customer relationships, and expanding the company's footprint within the region. This role will be central to achieving international growth ambitions by acquiring new customers, developing strategic accounts, and delivering exceptional commercial execution. The European Sales Manager will represent the business as a trusted commercial partner, embodying our values through solution-focused selling, integrity in communication, responsibility for results, value-driven decision-making, and a commitment to evolution as the business grows internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Market Expansion & Sales Growth: Deliver Year 1 sales target of €1.35M across defined customer segments. Identify, pursue, and convert new business opportunities across priority European markets. Conduct structured market analysis to map opportunities, competitor activity, channel dynamics, and emerging trends. Develop country-specific sales plans to maximise penetration and win rate.
• Customer Acquisition & Relationship Management: Build and manage a strong pipeline of qualified leads across multiple retail and discount channels as well as targeting key agents in wider European territories. Develop long-term, trust-based relationships with buyers, category managers, and senior commercial stakeholders. Deliver solution-oriented proposals aligned to the product range, innovation roadmap, and commercial strategy. Provide excellent pre- and post-sales support to maintain service standards and retention.
• Key Account Development: Grow existing customers through joint business planning, forecasting, and category opportunity identification. Lead commercial negotiations, including pricing, promotional investment, terms, and long-range agreements. Ensure accounts receive the highest standard of service and communication.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Product, Supply Chain, Marketing, Distribution and Finance teams. Provide accurate forecasting, sales insights, and commercial recommendations. Ensure sales opportunities align with operational capability, margin targets, and business strategy.
• Commercial Excellence: Maintain strong commercial literacy—margin management, pricing structures, FOB/DDP requirements, and cost-to-serve. Champion value-driven selling and ensure all opportunities meet profitability thresholds. Attend trade shows, customer visits, and industry events to build brand profile and credibility.
• Reporting & Performance Management: Provide weekly sales updates, pipeline visibility, and actionable insight to senior leadership. Analyse sales performance, identifying areas for acceleration or risk mitigation. Support the development of long-term commercial strategies for Europe as markets mature.

Qualifications / Knowledge / Skills

• Proven experience in sales, account management, or business development within FMCG or a fast-paced retail/consumer goods environment.
• Demonstrable success in winning and growing business in European markets.
• Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and influencing skills.
• Commercially astute with understanding of FOB/DDP models, margin management, and international cost structures.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to build rapport quickly and credibly.
• Highly self-motivated, resilient, and comfortable working autonomously.
• Able to work cross-functionally and collaboratively across multiple geographies.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in German or additional European languages preferred.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the region.

How This Role Supports Our Values

• Solution Orientated: Works proactively with customers to identify commercial opportunities and overcome barriers.
• Trust: Builds strong relationships through honesty, transparency, and consistent delivery.
• Responsibility: Owns the sales targets, performance, and customer experience.
• Integrity: Makes commercially sound decisions aligned with company principles.
• Value Driven: Ensures all sales contribute to sustainable growth and margin integrity.
• Evolution: Continuously seeks improvement and new market opportunities.