Sales Director Central Europe & Nordics (m/f/d)

Sales Director Central Europe & Nordics – Givaudan Fragrance & Beauty – Consumer Products – Your future position?

As a key member of our Local & Regional (L&R) Sales Leadership Team in Europe, the Sales Director Central Europe & Nordics builds and drives the execution of the commercial strategy for the Local & Regional business across Central Europe and the Nordic countries.

You will be responsible for delivering profitable growth objectives for your area in line with the L&R 2030 Strategy for Europe.

Based in one of our key commercial locations either in Hamburg or Baierbrunn/Munich, the role reports to the Head of L&R Sales Europe and offers excellent opportunities for both personal and professional development.

Your Core Responsibilities Will Be To

• Grow Givaudan business across the scope of Central Europe & Nordics by managing top and bottom lines.
• Lead and develop a diverse regional Business Team consisting of Key Account Managers and Sales Project Coordinators across multiple countries.
• Create a high performing, engaged and collaborative organization where individuals can thrive and grow.
• Develop and expand strategic partnerships with local partners like agents and distributors as well as key accounts, including relationships with senior-level customer management.
• Identify and create opportunities for Givaudan to participate in all core lists and key customer briefs across the region.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the business potential, customer landscape and market dynamics within the designated territories.
• Build, implement and execute a regional growth strategy for Central Europe & Nordics, coordinating the development of strategic plans for key accounts and local partners within the region.
• Drive internal efforts to achieve Account Plans, collaborating with Creative Fragrance Management, Perfumery, Marketing, Consumer Research, Applications and Technology, Customer Care and Planning, Pricing and Operations, ensuring the most efficient management of Givaudan resources.
• Monitor competitor activity and market developments across the region.
• Debrief projects with the account management teams to understand successes and failures and identify corrective actions where necessary.
• Monitor Sales and Gross Profit Margin performance (including KPIs and budget), taking corrective actions when needed to ensure business objectives are achieved.
• Lead pricing negotiations and commercial activities across the region in accordance with company guidelines.
• Manage a smooth and transparent commission process for local agents in line with legal agreements.
• Ensure implementation of negotiated pricing agreements; support Customer Care in managing and optimizing Supply Chain; support Credit Management in collecting receivables.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, customer intimacy, innovation and continuous improvement across the region.
• Represent Central Europe & Nordics within the European leadership framework and contribute actively to the broader L&R European business agenda.

Your Professional Profile Includes

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in Sales, Key Account Management or Business Development within the Fragrance, Ingredients or FMCG industries, preferably in an international environment.
• Proven leadership experience with successful management of multi-country and multicultural sales organizations.
• Strong track record of delivering profitable growth and developing customer partnerships.
• A genuine passion and appreciation for the world of fragrance.
• Solid knowledge of regional consumer trends, customers and markets across Central Europe and/or the Nordic countries.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams across multiple locations and cultures.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
• Excellent commercial and business acumen.
• Strong influencing, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Additional European language skills are considered an advantage.
• A collaborative leadership style with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Our Benefits

• Attractive package with benefits (medical insurance, pension, yearly bonus and more).
• Excellent opportunities for progressive learning and development.
• A creative team environment that will inspire you.

Everyone — regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, culture, religion, or any personal circumstances — is warmly welcomed at Givaudan, a place where we all love to be and grow.