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