International Sales Director

The organization

The organization is a sports footwear brand with its origin in Italy, established around 2000 by an Italian designer. Being a sportsman, he strongly believed that a specific sports discipline needed a breath of fresh air in the available footwear products with a sophisticated and fashionable touch.

The brand and its collection modernizes the fashion in this specific sport and offers the perfect design for a new generation; their cutting-edge technology for shoes and clothes guarantees top comfort. Over the years the brand has become a successful international player in the sports industry for shoes and apparel. Year after year, they have received international awards, not only for its excellent design but also for its innovation..

A couple of years ago a successful Dutch entrepreneur acquired the brand since he had been an admirer of it for many years and recognised a strong global interest in the brand. Since than the global headquarters are based in the Netherlands.  
At the company everybody is passionate about developing unique sports and contemporary lifestyle collections that combine comfort, fashionable stylishness and sports functionality. The collections are inspired by the Italian way of living and produced with great attention to detail. They strongly believe that a contemporary, high quality and comfortable collection, on-time delivery, excellent customer care and a mutually satisfying dialogue with the  agents, distributors and (key) accounts are the pillars of their existence. When you walk through the door of the Headquarters, the first thing that will be noticed is the energy. Everybody is outgoing, dynamic and engaging and driven by energy, action and success.

The position

As part of their global growth strategy we are looking for talented and dynamic individuals for the role as International Sales Director.

In this role you will be primarily responsible for driving global sales and managing execution of the Company strategy to expand the brand's presence and sales in the global specific sport market and beyond. You will report to the CEO.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Define the global sales strategy and sales plan and manage the sales of all collections across all channels in all countries. Implementation of the global sales strategy, define the distribution plans according to brand positioning and the annual sales target.

Responsible for management of all international sales including: range release, showings, partner management in order to achieve agreed sales targets. Initially review the existing network of agents, distributors, (key) accounts and human capital, then present a detailed strategy outlining growth opportunities as well as the human and financial resources required to deliver.

The global sales strategy must consider all product categories, having respect for agreed brand values and desired positioning. Work closely with the design team to provide valuable insights to ensure future product development meets the needs and requirements of the clientele.

Segment existing and potential distributors, agents and/or (key) accounts and develop appropriate tailored sales approaches. Promote and grow the brand and sales in all territories to both existing and new distributors, agents and/or (key) accounts. Develop and maintain good professional relationships with all these strategic partners. 

Negotiate budgets and positioning within the distributors, agents and/or (key)accounts. Ensure continued growth in key markets: Europe, Asia & USA  and secure new markets, consistent with agreed brand values and desired positioning.

Prepare and produce regular sales reports including analyses. Based on these analyses monitor and recommend improvement to sales plans to achieve all key business objectives. Administer sales pipeline and improve opportunities for sales. Develop and implement an operational plan to provide forecasts to executive management. 

Design various innovative marketing strategies to increase sales for all products. Coordinate with the marketing team to determine international marketing application and ensure compliance with company’s brand values and desired positioning. Establish sales marketing campaigns targeted at specific vertical and product markets. Maintain all activities related to product marketing to support sales and establish effective marketing communication.

Candidate Profile

The candidate is a seasoned international sales management professional in the B2B industry. Knowledge of the sports industry and its customers, competition, products and overall industry dynamics is a strong pre, but B2B distributor/agents and business development experience is a must. 

The candidate should have both distributor/agents and key account experience and a strong track record in managing and driving sales in an environment where growth is key.
 
The candidate has worked in a multinational commercial environment before, and easily makes connections in various cultural settings. The International Sales Director will have to have the appetite and social skill to combine sales forces between distributors, agents, partners and (key) accounts. 

Possesses excellent social communicative and negotiating skills, the natural talent to establish new contacts and to maintain and deepen existing relations. Sensitive, empathic and knows how to gain and maintain confidence. Is flexible and tactful whilst holding on to set targets. 

Extensive experience in international sales, prospecting and business-development and used to exceed expectations. A result driven self-starter with a natural approach to create and share success in team efforts. 
The candidate has a entrepreneurial can-do attitude to match the challenger position of the brand in the Global Sportswear industry. 

Education: Master or Bachelor’s degree. 
Skills: Good understanding of key account management. Leads by example, and has the seniority to lead a (multi-cultural) team of experienced sales professionals 
Personality: Growth and closing deals give the candidate intrinsic motivation. Has the energy and drive to stimulate a team and initiate change. 
Languages: Fluent in English, both verbal and in writing. Fluency in other languages (German, French) is a plus. 
Travelling: Frequent travelling to existing and new distributors, agents, (key) accounts, international events etc. 

The offer

Remuneration: Competitive salary including bonus, car etc. 

This position is flexible in location, however candidates based in the Netherlands (or willing to relocate) may get preference.

Interested?

You can apply to this position by using the form below.