Location: Remote – France
Industry: Consumer goods (non-food retail)
Are you an ambitious, independent and pioneering professional who is looking for or considering an exciting new opportunity? Do you have a proven track record, a big network (in retail – non-food) and are ready to take on the challenge of setting up a reputable, Internationally impactful Business from almost scratch in France? Then this may be the opportunity for you.
With an outstanding, 74-year history that began in The Netherlands, our client, Mepal; is a proud manufacturer of high quality, sustainable lunch boxes, dinnerware, storage boxes and drinking cups. 80-90% of all products are proudly developed, produced and assembled locally in the Netherlands. Their products go deeper than what it says on the tin as they invent solutions to add value and fun to people’s lives (creating happy moments in daily life). From their home base manufacturing plant and head office in Lochem, The Netherlands, they go all over the world with their products. With over 200 colleagues and various partners from sheltered workshops, they work on solutions to make people’s lives easier with a goal of always being present. Having built up a lot of success and growth in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and UK (the total business tripled in less than 10 years to almost 100 million in sales), they are now ready to open up their 5th new, soon to become home market: France.
To take charge of this development, we are looking for a well-seasoned and multi-faceted, Country Sales Leader who has a proven track record in retail (non-food). This person will be responsible for setting up and leading Mepal’s market entry in France. You will be setting the strategic commercial direction and go-to-market route based on research and data analysis. You will be targeting non-food retail deals with premium labels in; Big Box retail stores (eg Auchan, Leclercl, System U and Carrefour), Department stores, Homewares & Furniture chains. All whilst keeping in mind; Mepal’s brand values, which are core to their success. Initially, this position will entail working from home and you will travel throughout the France to meet with potential customers. You will become a member of the Mepal Sales Area Lead team (1 Benelux, 1 Germany, 1 UK, 1 Export, 1 E-com & 1 Sales Backoffice) and a member of Mepal’s Operational Management Team.
Essential Functions:
- Drive and take charge of a successful market entry into France whilst following Mepal’s defined sales strategy. Sustainable, long term profitable growth
- Discover and develop new opportunities in France at targeted prospects whilst protecting the Mepal brand values; they don’t go everywhere
- Show outstanding, pragmatic leadership; you will start alone, so an energetic self-starter approach is needed!
- Adopt and apply a strategic approach which involves creating a healthy and ambitious pipeline in the defined retail channels. Turning this pipeline into actual customers over time; cultivating long term relationships which evolve into further business opportunities and partnerships
- Work with proven data so Mepal can continue adding value to their customers and loved consumers
- Measure your success by analyzing sales reports and provide updates on progress, risks and opportunities
- Drive accuracy and data quality on pipeline, forecast, sales analysis and market data
- You own France’s country sales budget and are accountable for realization
- Cross functional cooperation with all support functions based in The Netherlands (marketing, E-commerce, HR, finance, operations & product development.
- Representing Mepal at external conferences, media and PR events across France
- Take ownership of the development in France but contribute internally as a team player. At Mepal, they are in it together for the long term
- Contribute to the regular sales meeting with the team by sharing insights, results and contributing to the team spirit
Here’s what you bring:
- 10+ years of relevant, regional or country leadership experience, preferably in a result oriented, Anglo-Saxon culture
- Experienced with Non Food Retail & B2B sales
- Strong relationships/network within France – Non-Food industry
(Big Box Retail stores, Department stores, Homewares & Furniture chains) - Proactive and energetic with a self-starting attitude
- Trustworthy collaborator who can work together with internal and external teams to drive results
- Strong leadership skills; accountability, independent thinking, proven organizational and planning abilities, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to analyze and work with data to drive results
- Ability to develop strategic relationships and work independently;
- International working experience and cultural sensitive
- Willingness to travel across France when required and sometimes to the headquarters in The Netherlands
- Proficiency in both spoken and written French and English at a professional level is mandatory
What do they offer you?
- Entrepreneurial opportunity with internal support
- An independent role with personal development opportunities
- A chance to make a difference in a sustainable and growing organization;
- You will be the one who puts ‘France’ on the Mepal map
- An aggressive bonus based on your performance including overachievement opportunities
- A competitive salary package
- Company car or mobility allowance
- A laptop and mobile phone
- Pension/Holiday payment
- Fantastic, high quality design Mepal products!!
