The company

Our client is an independent premium consumer brand with an international footprint and a strong identity. Operating across multiple European markets and supported by a global distribution network, the company has experienced sustained growth in recent years while maintaining a distinctive positioning and entrepreneurial culture.

As part of its continued expansion, the company is seeking a Sales Director to lead and accelerate its wholesale development across the region.

Context & Recruitment Challenges

This is a senior commercial leadership role with responsibility for the performance, growth and strategic direction of the European wholesale business.

Reporting to senior leadership, the successful candidate will oversee commercial strategy, key account development, distributor management and field sales execution across multiple markets. The role requires a balance of strategic vision, commercial rigor and hands-on leadership within a fast-moving and evolving environment.

Missions

Commercial Strategy & Business Growth

• Define and execute the wholesale strategy across Europe in line with the company's growth ambitions.

• Drive revenue growth, profitability and commercial performance across the region.

• Monitor market dynamics, customer trends and competitive developments to identify growth opportunities.

• Manage forecasting, budgeting and performance tracking activities.

• Contribute to the development of distribution strategies across established and emerging markets.

Sales Team Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop a network of sales professionals operating across several territories.

• Ensure alignment between commercial objectives and field execution.

• Support the implementation of best practices, sales tools and performance management processes.

• Monitor resource allocation, planning and operational effectiveness.

Strategic Account Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with major retail partners and key commercial accounts.

• Lead commercial discussions, seasonal planning and business reviews with strategic customers.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to maximise customer performance and long-term partnerships.

• Ensure strong execution of commercial initiatives and customer engagement plans.

Distributor Management

• Manage relationships with external distribution partners across selected international markets.

• Evaluate commercial performance and identify opportunities for network optimisation.

• Support distributor development through business planning, training and performance reviews.

• Work closely with internal functions to ensure contractual and operational excellence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Marketing, Product, Operations, Finance and Legal teams to support business objectives.

• Contribute market intelligence and customer insights to support decision-making.

• Ensure effective coordination across functions to deliver a consistent customer experience.

• Participate in the continuous improvement of processes and ways of working.

Expected profile

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in B2B sales, wholesale or commercial leadership roles.

• Proven experience managing multiple European markets.

• Strong track record in key account management and distribution network development.

• Experience leading and developing geographically dispersed sales teams.

• Exposure to premium, brand-led or international consumer goods environments is highly valued.

Skills

• Strong commercial acumen and results orientation.

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.

• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to operate in dynamic environments.

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills.

• Ability to work effectively across functions, cultures and geographies.

• Strong communication and influencing skills.

• Fluent English required; additional European languages are considered a plus.

Contract & Conditions

• Permanent position

• France (regular presence in Paris required)

• Significant travel across Europe required

• Start date: as soon as possible