Sales manager retail i international premium beverage company

Description of the company

What's in it for you?
An entrepreneurial commercial role within an iconic Belgian House
For more than a century, our client has been developing iconic beverage brands that have become part of both Belgian and international premium consumption culture.
Behind a portfolio of well-established premium brands stands an independent, entrepreneurial, family-owned company that combines heritage, innovation, and commercial ambition.
As part of its continued commercial growth, our client is currently looking for a Sales Manager Retail
A strategic and hands-on commercial role combining key account management, leadership, business development, and strong market proximity.
Why join our client?
An independent company with strong market recognition: Our client combines the agility of an entrepreneurial structure with the strength of internationally recognized premium brands.
A highly entrepreneurial environment: Reporting to the Commercial Director, you’ll still benefit from real autonomy and the opportunity to influence the company’s commercial strategy directly.
A premium and differentiated portfolio: You will work on strong brands benefiting from a unique heritage and strong credibility within the market.
A company continuing to invest and innovate: From new product launches to international development and investments in breweries and distilleries, they continue to evolve while preserving its DNA.

Role & Responsibilities

About the role
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will take ownership of the Retail business development in Belgium.
You will evolve in an agile and entrepreneurial environment where decisions are made quickly and where your impact on the business is highly visible.
This role is not designed for someone operating from an ivory tower.
We are looking for a true business builder, someone capable of combining strategic thinking with operational execution and strong commercial proximity to clients, brands and teams.
You will directly manage National Key Account Managers, lead the priorities of the Field Sales Team of and actively contribute to major negotiations with key retailers and purchasing groups.

Your Responsibilities
Retail Development

Develop and strengthen national key accounts

Negotiate commercial agreements, listings and promotional plans

Build a sustainable growth strategy across retail and specialized channels

Increase brand visibility and commercial activations in-store

Monitor and drive commercial KPIs: turnover, margin, distribution, sell-in and sell-out

Structure and develop the commercial pipeline in Belgium and selected neighbouring markets

Coordinate forecasts with Supply Chain and Production teams

Field Sales Direction

Support the development of the field priorities

Contribute to their development

Optimize their performance in establishing winning field strategies

Leadership & Strategy

Lead and coach a team of National KAMs + Field Sales Team

Co-build the annual commercial strategy with Management

Define priorities and ensure operational execution

Ensure structured reporting through CRM tools

Monitor market trends and competitive dynamics

Foster alignment between Sales, Marketing, Production and Logistics

Candidate Profile

About the ideal candidate / About you
Above all, we are looking for an entrepreneurial and pragmatic personality capable of driving projects forward with autonomy, commercial intelligence and strong relationship management skills.
Ideally, you bring:

Solid experience within FMCG, beverages, food or premium consumer goods

Strong expertise in National Key Account Management

A good understanding of the Belgian retail landscape

Excellent negotiation skills with senior stakeholders

A hands-on mindset combined with strategic vision

Experience managing or coordinating commercial teams

A builder mentality with strong ownership capabilities

Excellent communication skills in French, Dutch and/or English