Careers at Curious Universe
We are an equal opportunities employer with a flexible approach. Hiring the right team is of paramount importance to us so we work with all employees to ensure they can ‘Work Where they Work Best’. Our hybrid working solution allows us to cater to the different needs of our workforce whilst still providing outstanding service to our customers. Both yours and the business’s needs will be discussed at interview to reach a mutually beneficial working schedule.
We are always keen to hear from people wishing to work with us so please review our current job vacancies below.
Sales Director-International Markets
Location
Based in Germany
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking a seasoned and results-driven Sales Director / Commercial Director to manage existing relationships with major European Retail Groups and expanding our presence in Europe in the Arts & Crafts, Book and Stationery markets.
Main Duties
- Develop and execute a comprehensive market penetration strategy to establish and expand our brand presence within major European retail chains.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers and stakeholders within target retail chains, ensuring our products receive optimal shelf space and visibility.
- Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing sales team, initially focusing on establishing a satellite office and gradually expanding the team to effectively cover the target markets.
- Oversee the negotiation and management of contracts and agreements with retail partners, ensuring mutually beneficial terms and maximizing sales opportunities.
- Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences within the target markets, providing strategic insights to inform product development and marketing strategies.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams, including Marketing, Product Development, and Operations, to ensure alignment of sales strategies with overall business objectives and facilitate seamless execution.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track sales performance, regularly reporting on progress towards targets and identifying areas for optimization and improvement.
Skills and Experience
- Proven track record of success in international sales leadership roles, preferably within the Arts & Crafts, Books, Stationery or Toys markets.
- Extensive experience working with key retail chains such as Aldi International, Action, Carrefour, Pepco or Tedi, with a deep understanding of their operational dynamics and purchasing processes.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to recruit, motivate, and develop a high-performing sales team.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with a results-oriented mindset, capable of developing and executing complex sales strategies to drive business growth.
- Fluency in English and German (additional languages such as Dutch or French are a plus).
- Willingness to travel frequently within the target markets.
- Confidence and a good communicator
- Initiative, honesty and integrity
- Positive can-do attitude within a fast-changing environment
- A Team Player