Country Manager

Little About Us

At Lifetime Brands Europe, we are passionate about designing and delivering innovative, stylish, and functional homeware that enhances everyday living. As a leading supplier of kitchenware, tableware, and home décor, we represent a diverse portfolio of beloved brands including KitchenAid, KitchenCraft, MasterClass, La Cafetière, Mikasa, Creative Tops, and more.

With a strong heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we blend tradition with trend to meet the evolving needs of consumers across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Backed by Lifetime Brands Inc., a global powerhouse in the homeware industry, we combine international reach with local expertise.

From product development and brand storytelling to retail partnerships and customer support, we are committed to excellence at every stage. Whether it's enhancing mealtimes, elevating interiors, or making moments memorable, Lifetime Brands Europe is here to bring inspiration into the heart of every home.

Reporting into the EMEA Sales Director, the role will entail;

Establishing yourself as a key member of the International Sales Team, the role holder will contribute to the achievement of the business plan by delivering Sales and Profitability targets around defined territories.

Some of Our Employee Benefits Include:

• Hybrid Work - WFH up to 2 days a week
• BHSF - medical benefit cash plan
• Benefit Hub - discounted online platform for retail items, restaurants, days out and more
• On-site parking
• Modern offices
• EAP - support when you need it
• Employee of the month award
• Unbeatable Staff Sale Policy
• KitchenAid discount
• EV charging points
• Company events
• Paid day to volunteer for charities
• Life assurance scheme (3 x your annual salary)
• Long service rewards
• Additional annual leave at 5 and 10 years' service

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the sales team
• Creation and implementation of the Go To Market Plan (GTM).
• Input into the channel management policy, working with colleagues to ensure effective implementation.
• Input into the budget and ownership of the sales and profitability targets.
• Cross departmental working, including forecasting and input into stock purchase decisions.
• People management, to include appraisals, personal development plans and on-going regular reviews.
• Support direct reports with the sales strategy and business development opportunities within their regions
• Lead, coach, and grow the sales team to exceed revenue and margin targets
• Analyse and monitor the current global markets to identify and develop new sales strategies to capitalise.
• Day to day management of the Group's brands within defined territories.
• Develop and drive international sales activity by considering the sales offer and evaluating potential in defined territory.
• Manage and develop successful relationships with agents, distributors, direct retail and new channels.
• Manage the sales budget for defined territories.
• Actively contribute to the long-term vision and developing the international sales strategy.
• Work with existing and new relationships to create & implement business market plan – monitor and review.
• Work in line with the strategy of the organisation, working across multiple brands for each specific product area.
• Proactively develop constructive and effective solutions to any issues that slow down or hamper the international procedures and activities.
• Conduct market research on country visits and merchandise displays/collections on site when required/appropriate.
• Adhere to country specific import legislation.
• Involvement with, and organising of, overseas exhibitions and trade shows. This will involve planned and often at short notice trips. Follow up leads quickly and efficiently to secure business.
• Continually assess company progress through sales analysis and reporting at senior level

Essential Experience

• A proven history of developing customers in international markets using the principles of category management.
• Demonstrable track record in delivering sales and profit growth.
• Commercial sales experience within the Housewares industry is desirable.
• Line management responsibly covering different roles across different countries

Technical & Functional Skills

• Fluent in German (essential) other languages such as Dutch is desirable
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Understanding of supply chain and different delivery options.
• Understanding of local laws around product registration requirements.
• Excellent commercial awareness, dealing with price queries, exchange rates, account budgeting.
• Professional, articulate and numerate to a high level.
• Proven ability to communicate at all levels and with all parties across different cultures and countries.
• Resilient, tenacious, enthusiastic, collaborative and driven to succeed.
• Strong organisational skills and an ability to manage and achieve sales independently and proactively in a fast paced work environment.
• Self-motivated with strong problem solving skills and the ability to work accurately and effectively under pressure.
• Regional expertise – possess a deep understanding of the markets local laws and regulations.
• Cross cultural awareness.
• Possess marketing experience, particularly merchandising.
• Passionate about customer service; absolutely loyal under all conditions.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels.
• Excellent IT skills including MS office packages

Additional Requirements

• Flexibility to travel worldwide often at short notice.
• Essential – relevant local language

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £65,000.00-£80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham, B6 7EU