EMEA Retail Sales Manager

We have the pleasure of looking for a senior regional sales manager to join a leading consumer technology brand. Please read the requirements carefully

About the job

Job Title: Retail Sales Manager (Health & Baby)

Location: Düsseldorf, Germany (with EU-wide travel)

About the Role

Our client a leading technology brand is a global leader in consumer technology. They are expanding their Baby & Health Care division (anchored by innovative smart baby products, e.g., wearable breast pumps) across Western Europe. They are seeking a highly entrepreneurial and connected Retail Sales Manager to pioneer our offline footprint and establish market leadership.

Role Purpose

You will own the offline retail strategy and execution for our Baby portfolio across Western Europe, with a strategic focus on Germany (Focus #1), France (#2), and the Netherlands (#3).

Your mission is to get our products onto the shelves of top-tier Baby Specialty Stores and Drugstore Chains, driving both brand visibility and sustainable sell-through.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Channel Expansion & Account Management

• DE Focus: Directly manage and scale listings with Germany's retail giants, including Baby Specialty chains (BabyOne, BabyWalz), key regional buying groups, and Drugstores (dm-drogerie markt, Rossmann).
• FR & NL Expansion: Replicate Germany's success by driving channel expansion in France and the Netherlands; secure new listings and expand shelf presence with key retailers across both markets.
• Annual Negotiations: Lead annual top-level negotiations, managing trade terms including listing fees, promotional allowances, payment terms, and rebate structures.

In-Store Execution & Trade Marketing

• Shelf Strategy: Own shelf placement strategy (Regalplatzierung) and in-store brand presentation across all retail partners.
• Localization (Nudge Box & POS): Partner with Brand Managers to implement localized Point-of-Sale (POS) solutions tailored to the aesthetics of European baby stores.
• Field Visits (Filialbesuche): Conduct regular field visits across key European cities to audit pricing, competitor compliance, and identify gap-buy opportunities.

Data-Driven Optimization & Forecasting

• Sell-Through Analysis: Monitor weekly retail panels, sell-through data, and inventory levels per channel to optimize the SKU mix and replenishment plans.
• ROI Management: Track channel promotional performance and trade spend efficiency to ensure profitable growth.
• Sprint Reviews: Present structured KPI progress and market insights to the Regional GTM leadership in bi-weekly sprint reviews.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Medical & Expert Marketing: Collaborate with Professional Affairs team to leverage expert endorsements (ÖKO-TEST, Hebammen recommendations) as critical leverage in retail buyer presentations.
• Omnichannel Alignment: Work with existing online teams (Amazon/DTC) to avoid channel conflict and ensure consistent brand messaging across channels.

Experience:

• 3–10 years of Key Account Management (KAM) or Retail Sales experience in consumer goods within DACH/Western Europe.
• Industry preference: Mom & Baby / Baby Care / Motherhood sectors strongly preferred. Candidates from consumer electronics will also be considered.
• Existing Network: A proven, active network of buyer contacts at dm, Rossmann, BabyOne, or BabyWalz is highly valued. Contacts in French or Dutch baby retail is a strong plus.
• Track Record: Demonstrated success in taking a new brand or product category from "zero to listing" in major European drugstores or buying groups.
• Language: Negotiation-fluent German (essential for DACH buyer relationships) and fluent English (internal corporate language). French or Dutch is a strong asset.
• Negotiation Expertise: Deep understanding of the European retail landscape's commercial mechanics (WKZ, listings, logistics penalties).
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of baby market dynamics, purchasing behaviors, and compliance standards — or a proven ability to quickly ramp up in a new category.
• Cultural Fit: High agility and entrepreneurial mindset, comfortable pivoting fast in a high-growth, global technology-driven environment.