At a Glance
- Tasks: Own and grow European wholesale revenue while nurturing partnerships and exploring new markets.
- Company: Fast-growing, design-led pet brand with a focus on relationships over pressure sales.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, private healthcare, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the pet industry across Europe.
- Qualifications: Relationship-driven, commercially aware, and comfortable managing international partners.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, trust-based environment.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
The Animal People Recruitment Company is partnering for the first time with a fast-growing, design-led brand in the pet space to appoint a European Wholesale Manager. This is a newly created role with genuine ownership. The business has scaled rapidly through D2C and is now investing properly in European wholesale, with infrastructure already in place, existing partners live, and warm opportunities ready to be progressed.
If you enjoy building relationships, developing markets and being trusted to get on with it, without micromanagement or hard selling, this role is built for you.
Why This Role ExistsEuropean wholesale has reached a point where it needs dedicated focus. Until now, the region has been managed alongside other senior responsibilities. This hire will take ownership of Europe, nurturing existing partners, progressing live opportunities, and opening new markets across priority EU territories. This is a relationship-led environment, not a pressure-sales culture. Success comes from credibility, organisation and long-term thinking. You’ll be supported by an established in‑house team across marketing, product, e‑commerce and operations, with structured onboarding and warm opportunities already in place.
What You’ll Be Responsible For- Owning and growing European wholesale revenue across retail and distribution
- Developing and expanding existing European partners
- Progressing warm distributor and multi‑store retail opportunities already in motion
- Identifying and opening new wholesale partnerships across priority EU markets
- Representing the brand at key European trade shows
- Working closely with marketing, product, design and operations teams
- Becoming the internal and external “go‑to” person for Europe
Year one is expected to deliver a meaningful six‑figure European wholesale revenue contribution, with a strong pipeline in place for future growth.
Who This Role Will SuitThis role is intentionally open to different backgrounds. You may already be working in the pet industry, or you may come from FMCG, consumer goods, lifestyle, accessories, outdoor backgrounds. What matters most is how you work, not where you’ve worked.
- Relationship‑led and commercially aware
- Comfortable working autonomously with full ownership
- Confident managing international partners and cross‑border accounts
- Proactive, organised and adaptable in a fast‑moving environment
- Motivated by building something, not just maintaining it
- Pet industry experience is helpful but not essential.
UK‑based preferred, but EU‑based candidates are also considered. Regular European travel is part of the role and should be something you enjoy. Head office is in Nottingham, with flexibility around office presence. Working hours are flexible and outcomes‑focused, built on trust and autonomy.
Package:- Salary ÂŁ40,000+ depending on experience
- Performance‑based bonus (flexible and open to discussion)
- Private healthcare (post‑probation)
- 3% pension contribution
- All travel expenses covered
- Quarterly team days / away days
- Laptop, phone and tools provided
This is an opportunity to build a European territory properly within a brand that already has momentum, infrastructure and demand behind it. You’ll have autonomy, trust, visibility and as European wholesale scales, clear scope for this role to evolve into a more senior or leadership position.
European Wholesale Manager employer: The Animal People Recruitment Company
Contact Detail:
The Animal People Recruitment Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land European Wholesale Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events and trade shows where you can meet potential partners and other professionals in the pet space. Building relationships is key, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and chat about your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage social media to showcase your expertise. Share insights about the pet industry, engage with brands, and connect with decision-makers. This will help you establish credibility and make it easier for us to spot you when we’re looking for someone who fits the bill.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its current market position. Understand their existing partnerships and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re the one they need to take European wholesale to the next level!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace European Wholesale Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the European Wholesale Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in building relationships and managing partnerships, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the pet industry and how your background can contribute to our growth in European wholesale.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully developed markets or nurtured partnerships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Animal People Recruitment Company
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the European wholesale landscape, especially in the pet industry. Understand key players, market trends, and potential opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully nurtured partnerships in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining long-term connections without being pushy or salesy.
✨Demonstrate Autonomy
The company values autonomy, so be prepared to share instances where you've taken ownership of projects or initiatives. Highlight your ability to work independently while still achieving results, as this aligns perfectly with their culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company's goals. Inquire about their current European partners, upcoming trade shows, or how they envision the growth of the wholesale segment. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their success.