Head Of Sales – Premium Womenswear

THE ROLE

Working closely with the Sales Director and Brand Director, the Head of Sales will be responsible for developing and managing the brand’s international wholesale sales and distribution network across key European and international markets.

The role will oversee international wholesale, department stores and key accounts, multi-brand retailers and boutiques, distributors, sales agents and agent showrooms, B2B/pre-order platforms and international business development.

You will take ownership of these wholesale and B2B commercial channels, from identifying and opening new accounts and markets through to managing strategic relationships, seasonal sales campaigns, commercial negotiations and sales performance.

Working closely with the Sales Director and Brand Director, you will help define and execute the brand’s international sales and wholesale strategy, identify priority markets and accounts, establish seasonal sales objectives and build a selective distribution network aligned with the brand’s premium positioning.

You will also collaborate closely with the E-Commerce & Marketing Manager, Retail Merchandiser, Head of Design and Product teams to ensure that commercial priorities, seasonal collections, market requirements and channel strategies are fully aligned.

Key responsibilities include:

International Sales, Wholesale & Business Development

• Develop and execute the international wholesale and B2B sales strategy across key European and international markets
• Identify priority markets, accounts and commercial opportunities based on the brand’s international growth strategy
• Identify, approach and develop relationships with relevant premium department stores, key accounts, multi-brand retailers and boutiques
• Build and maintain strong long-term relationships with international buyers and strategic commercial partners
• Develop new business opportunities while ensuring that distribution remains selective and aligned with the brand’s premium positioning
• Identify, appoint and manage international sales agents, agent showrooms and distributors across relevant markets
• Manage the ongoing commercial performance and relationships of agents, distributors and wholesale partners, ensuring alignment with the brand’s positioning and sales objectives
• Support the development of new markets and international commercial partnerships as the brand expands

Seasonal Sales & Key Account Management

• Lead seasonal wholesale sales campaigns from collection presentation through to order confirmation
• Organise and conduct buyer appointments, showroom presentations and seasonal sales meetings
• Present seasonal collections to buyers and communicate the brand story, product positioning and key commercial messages
• Manage key accounts throughout the seasonal sales cycle and maintain regular communication with buyers
• Negotiate commercial terms in coordination with the Sales Director and Brand Director
• Monitor seasonal orders, account performance, sell-in and reorders
• Follow up on order confirmations, deliveries and relevant commercial matters in coordination with internal teams
• Ensure that seasonal sales activities are aligned with agreed commercial targets and brand priorities

Showrooms, Markets & B2B / Pre-Order Platforms

• Lead and coordinate the brand’s commercial presence at international showrooms, seasonal sales campaigns and relevant fashion market events
• Manage seasonal sales appointments and follow-up with prospective and existing accounts
• Work with B2B and pre-order wholesale platforms such as JOOR and NuORDER for seasonal collection presentations, order management and buyer communication
• Identify and evaluate relevant B2B and wholesale platform opportunities in line with the brand’s international sales strategy
• Maintain accurate account, order and sales information across relevant wholesale systems and reporting tools
• Monitor market developments, competitor activity and emerging wholesale opportunities

Commercial Planning & Sales Performance

• Work closely with the Sales Director and Brand Director on seasonal sales targets, budgets, wholesale forecasts and international market priorities
• Monitor sales performance against agreed targets and identify opportunities for commercial growth
• Provide regular reporting on sales performance, account development, pipeline, market opportunities and commercial priorities
• Analyse account and market performance to support future sales planning and distribution decisions
• Contribute to the continuous development of the brand’s international commercial strategy and distribution network

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Share buyer feedback, market insights and commercial requirements with the Brand Director, Head of Design, Retail Merchandiser and Product teams
• Collaborate with the Retail Merchandiser on seasonal product performance, sales analysis and commercial opportunities
• Work closely with the E-Commerce & Marketing Manager where wholesale, digital retail and marketplace opportunities overlap
• Collaborate on marketplace opportunities according to the relevant commercial model, particularly where wholesale/pre-order and direct e-commerce channels intersect
• Ensure strong communication between Sales, Design, Product, Merchandising, E-Commerce and Marketing throughout the seasonal calendar

THE PROFILE

• 10–15+ years of relevant experience in international wholesale, sales or business development within premium fashion, including significant experience in a senior commercial role
• Strong experience working with established European and/or international premium fashion brands
• Proven international network of buyers, department stores, key accounts, multi-brand retailers, distributors, sales agents and agent showrooms
• Strong understanding of European and international wholesale markets, seasonal sales calendars and buying cycles
• Proven experience in opening new accounts, developing new markets and building long-term commercial relationships
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, appointing and managing international agents, distributors and showroom partners
• Experience leading seasonal sales campaigns, buyer appointments, showroom presentations and key account relationships
• Familiarity with B2B wholesale and pre-order platforms such as JOOR and/or NuORDER
• Strong commercial and analytical mindset with experience in sales targets, forecasts, budgets and performance reporting
• Excellent negotiation, presentation and relationship-management skills
• Strong understanding of premium brand positioning and selective distribution
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset combined with a hands-on approach and the ability to build an international sales business in an early-stage brand environment
• Ability to take ownership of commercial priorities while working closely with the Sales Director and Brand Director on the overall commercial and brand strategy
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work effectively across Design, Product, Merchandising, E-Commerce and Marketing teams
• Fluent English is essential; additional European languages are a strong advantage
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, Amsterdam, with availability for regular international travel

THE SET-UP

This is a full-time or part-time position (minimum 4 days per week), based in Amsterdam.

We are building our international commercial organisation and are looking for a Head of Sales who can take an active leadership role in establishing and developing the brand’s international wholesale and B2B business from an early stage.

The Head of Sales will work closely with the Sales Director and Brand Director, as well as the E-Commerce & Marketing Manager, Retail Merchandiser, Head of Design and Product teams, to build a selective, internationally relevant and commercially sustainable distribution network.

The role will have significant responsibility for developing international accounts, markets and commercial partnerships, while operating within the overall commercial and brand strategy defined together with the Sales Director and Brand Director.

Regular international travel will be required for buyer meetings, showrooms, seasonal sales campaigns and key market appointments.

APPLICATION

Please apply with your CV and a short introduction outlining your relevant international sales and wholesale experience, key markets, commercial network and premium fashion background.

Candidates with an established international buyer, key account, agent and distributor network within the European premium fashion market will be strongly preferred.