Sales Director - Nordics (27)

Sales Director - Nordics

Required experience:

• 8+ years senior sales leadership in consumer goods; proven revenue and gross-margin growth
• Prior experience in a similar role, preferably within the outdoor, durable goods or branded lifestyle industry
• This position is remote for individuals based in the Nordic countries.

The Sales Director – Nordics is responsible for accelerating sustainable, profitable growth and strengthening the brand's premium position across the Nordics.The role leads the Nordics sales organization, translating the regional commercial strategy into disciplined execution.The role reports to the General Manager EMEA and has 3 commercial direct reports.The Sales Director Nordics works cross-functionally with Brand, Marketing, Category, Finance and Demand Planning to ensure sales strategies are aligned and clearly executed across all channels.

The role is accountable for regional eCom (eRetailers in scope) and Distributed Brands sales expansion within the region.

Accountabilities:

• Manage sales efforts and results
• Own and execute the Nordics commercial strategy, aligned to global and Distributed Brands priorities
• Build and deliver annual sales and gross margin budgets for the Nordics B2B business
• Lead the Nordics sales team, providing clear direction and fostering a results-driven culture
• Deliver sustained revenue growth with disciplined margin improvement across all channels
• Provide strategic focus on new business development including channels, segments and new accounts
• Build deep, long-term partnerships with key retailers and accounts across the Nordics
• Own regional pricing and promotions per channel; drive eCom with eRetailers in scope
• Drive forecasting discipline; agree landing with the GM EMEA and align with EMEA Category
• Actively work with Brand Managers and Demand Planners to ensure inventory is maintained at appropriate levels, build clearance initiatives as required and achieve working capital KPIs
• Show creativity and forward thinking in expanding product and brand presence within the marketplace
• Communicate with retailers and key accounts
• Proactively communicate with retail partners in the Nordics regarding product ranging advice, features and benefits, merchandising support, and business development guidance
• Establish monthly reporting processes with Key Accounts and visit key Head Office buyers quarterly to review Risks & Opportunities and encourage business growth
• Liaise closely with Brand Managers to deliver consumer and customer-right product assortments, GTM plans underpinned by bi-annual sales releases and robust forward order programmes
• Give product presentations to the trade and public as required
• Lead and develop the regional team
• Lead, coach and develop 3 commercial direct reports, building a high-performing regional sales team
• Build a data-driven culture that inspires trust, accountability and high performance across a multi-market team
• Evolve B2B digital selling with the B2B / Customer Service team, leveraging digital tools as required
• Trade shows and conferences
• Use best commercial judgement to effectively plan and deliver trade shows and conferences, designed to either improve customer relationships or grow sales across the Nordics
• Reporting
• Forward annual, quarterly, monthly and fortnightly plans and reports by deadlines set
• Manage business and vehicle expenses within guidelines, and report these monthly to the Accounts department
• Manage sample product inventory and stock take & report as required
• Steer the EMEA monthly/quarterly forecast and landing in collaboration with the GM EMEA and EMEA Distributors lead

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualifications in Business or related field is preferred
• 8+ years senior sales leadership in consumer goods; proven revenue and gross-margin growth
• Prior experience in a similar role, preferably within the outdoor, durable goods or branded lifestyle industry
• Strong pricing, channel and profitability acumen; KAM and negotiation strength
• Demonstrated capacity to manage and inspire a multi-market team in a dynamic, evolving environment
• A strong understanding of the needs of the market, retailers, suppliers and internal stakeholders across the Nordics
• Sound understanding of the concepts and practice of design and product development
• Significant knowledge and experience of systems and procedures relating to sales planning and reporting, merchandise planning and category management
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, buying and trend analysis
• A clear understanding of sales reporting methods and analysis
• Exposure and understanding of retail market trends, preferably in the outdoor and lifestyle sector
• Experience in a global or matrix organization preferred

Location: This position is remote for individuals based in the Nordic countries with frequent travel to the Gothenburg, Sweden office.