Job Description
About the Role
Head of Sales – Europe (Sports)
A fast-growing, award-winning British sports consumer brand operating within the specialist retail space is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Head of Sales – Europe to lead its expansion across European markets.
The business designs and supplies premium products sold through a combination of independent specialist retailers and national retail partners in the UK. As part of its next phase of growth, the company is investing in the development of a strong and scalable European presence. This senior role will play a pivotal part in shaping and delivering that strategy.
The Opportunity
The Head of Sales – Europe will be responsible for driving revenue growth and market penetration across key EU territories. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution, covering sales strategy, distributor and key account management, field sales activity and brand representation.
The successful candidate will act as the senior commercial lead for Europe and a key ambassador for the brand across international markets.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Performance
* Develop and deliver annual and long-term European sales strategies aligned to overall business objectives.
* Own European revenue targets and drive sustainable market expansion.
Business Development
* Identify, secure and develop new distributor and retail partnerships across Europe.
* Convert new opportunities into long-term, profitable relationships.
Key Account & Distributor Management
* Build strong relationships with senior decision-makers across independent retailers and distribution partners.
* Support partners in driving end-consumer sales through regular engagement, training and commercial support.
Brand Leadership
* Act as the primary brand ambassador across European markets, ensuring consistent communication of the brand’s story, values and proposition.
Market Insight & Reporting
* Track market trends, competitor activity and customer feedback.
* Share insights to inform product development, sales planning and marketing activity.
Forecasting & Planning
* Lead forecasting and stock planning to support growth and maintain availability across territories.
Internal Collaboration
* Work closely with UK-based leadership and cross-functional teams including marketing, finance and operations to build an effective European distribution network.
About You
Commercial & Results-Driven
* Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets within international or multi-market environments.
* Self-motivated, resilient and commercially focused.
Experience & Sector Background
* Minimum of 2+ years’ experience in B2B sales and/or commercial marketing, ideally within consumer goods, lifestyle, outdoor or specialist retail sectors.
* Experience managing international customers; previous people management experience is advantageous.
European Market Knowledge
* Strong understanding of European retail and distribution models, particularly within independent or specialist networks.
Leadership & Influence
* Strategic mindset with the ability to lead, influence and align internal and external stakeholders.
Commercial Acumen
* Strong negotiation skills with sound commercial judgement and contract management capability.
Communication & Languages
* Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
* Fluent English required; additional European languages (German, French, Dutch, Spanish or Italian) are highly advantageous.
Autonomy & Organisation
* Comfortable operating independently across a large, remote territory.
* Highly organised with strong time management and planning skills.
Mobility
* Location flexible; regular travel across Europe is essential.
What’s On Offer
* A senior leadership role within a high-growth, entrepreneurial consumer brand
* Significant influence over European strategy and commercial direction
* Direct impact on international growth during a critical expansion phase
* A competitive salary and benefits package aligned to experience
Contact Peter Jackson (peterjackson@talentmagpie.com) for more information