Global Sales & Key Account Manager - Retail

Global Sales & Key Account Manager - Consumer/Retail

Do you have strong relationships and sales experience within the French retail market?

Are you looking to join an internationally established leader in the consumer products world?

This is an opportunity to join a global leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification space that is looking to further develop its presence in the global consumer products/retail markets through development of its presence in France.

PURPOSE:

We are seeking a Global Sales & Key Account Manager to join the existing team in France to be focused on developing relationships with French retailers, manufacturers, importers, and exporters.

You will focus on developing relationships with both new and existing customers selling a full suite of services across testing, certification, auditing, and sustainability services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Position and sell a full suite of services to prospective customers (retailers, importers, purchasing offices, manufacturers, e-commerce) and their supply chain to existing and new clients; services such as product safety testing, pre-shipment inspection, social compliance auditing, and Sustainability Services
• Act as a single point of contact on queries with regards to Business Lines Hardlines, Toys, and ENE.
• Service the ongoing customer needs.
• Achieve sales revenue and profit margin targets; cascade this to the respective countries taking into consideration the local industry business climate and opportunities.
• Work in close coordination with various country / divisional managers in developing and servicing sales, pricing, and marketing strategies.
• Develop strong business relationships with quality personnel of key clients.
• Keep firmly abreast of technical and commercial developments in the market and make recommendations for service development.
• Increase industry awareness and knowledge by attending appropriate industry conferences.
• Drive market research projects to identify market trends and potential new opportunities, market share analysis, and marketing intelligence, etc.
• Attend industry seminars and events as required.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Possess at least a master's degree (or equivalent) specializing in sales or in a related product category discipline or have at least an engineering degree (or equivalent) and expertise (minimum 5 years) in retail industry or product development
• Strong experience in the retail or testing industry in France
• Proven track record in sales/account management / merchandising / quality assurance, engaging with quality executives of large retailers, brands & wholesalers
• Familiar with the international regulations, depth knowledge of the EU directives, national deviations, and renowned brands' requirements of Softlines, Hardlines & Toys and ENE testing
• Good connection to appropriate industry associations in France will be a definite advantage
• Possess a wide client contact base and knowledge of sales trends in the Consumer Products business area
• Strong business sense and knowledge of the Hardlines & ENE business and its supply chain, including understanding of quality and fulfillment of specifications of the products sold in the stores
• Knowledge in pricing strategies and structure for testing, auditing and inspection.
• Able to interpret technical information and translate it into common terminology
• To develop with keen interest in new business development
• Strong networking, negotiation, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Client interaction skills: Demonstrated ability to work with customers, determine their requirements, secure additional business, define and assist in solving problems, and generally ensure their total satisfaction
• Ability to organize and prioritize daily activities and workload in a resource-constrained environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills
• Native French speaker, proficient in German and English would be a benefit

The ideal candidate will have a strong network within the French consumer products and retail market ideally selling services related to either testing, inspection or certification services.

If this could suit you and your skillset reach out to Jordan Roberts @ CSG Talent.