Head of Sales

Wholesale | Rotterdam | 4 days a week

SUSAN BIJL is growing internationally. That's why we're building a selective wholesale and distribution network across Europe and beyond: premium department stores, key accounts, multibrand stores, boutiques, distributors, agents and showrooms.

We're looking for an experienced Head of Sales who takes ownership of our wholesale channel, sets the commercial direction and leads our network of agents. Someone with an existing network in the premium segment, who works independently and adds value from day one.

About SUSAN BIJL

SUSAN BIJL is a Rotterdam brand for bags and accessories: colourful, functional and made to last. Our collections are sold at selected retailers in the Netherlands and abroad, in our own stores and online. As a member of 1% for the Planet, we donate 1% of our annual revenue to social, nature and climate organisations.

We're a small, committed team with short lines of communication. Ideas get put into action quickly here.

The role

We work with agents in different regions. As Head of Sales, you're responsible for the sales strategy and for leading those agents, in the Benelux and in new European and international markets. You set a clear direction from the brand and make sure the agents actively carry it out. You bring focus and initiative: together with the agents, you actively look for new clients. Client contact always takes place in consultation with the agent.

You work closely with the management team and the Creative Director on the international sales and wholesale strategy. You also align with e-commerce, marketing, merchandising and product development, so that commercial priorities and channels stay connected.

You're based at our office in Rotterdam. Travel within Europe is a regular part of the role.

What you'll do

Strategy and agent management

• Develop the wholesale strategy for the Benelux and priority European and international markets, and translate it into clear targets per agent and region.
• Select, contract and lead agents, showrooms and distributors, and manage their results.
• Give the agents a clear focus and ensure regular alignment.
• Actively look for new premium department stores, key accounts, multibrand stores and boutiques together with the agents. Client contact takes place in consultation with the agent.
• Keep distribution selective and in line with the brand's premium positioning.

Seasonal sales and key account management

• Direct seasonal sales together with the agents, from collection presentation to order confirmation.
• Organise showroom presentations and agent visits, telling the story behind the collection.
• Negotiate commercial terms, in consultation with management.
• Follow up on orders, sell-in, reorders and delivery together with the internal teams, and take care of after-sales.
• Initiate pop-ups and external sales events.

Showrooms, trade fairs and B2B platforms

• Coordinate our presence in the showrooms in Rotterdam and Paris and at relevant fashion trade fairs.
• Organise, together with the internal teams, the materials agents need to sell.
• Work with our B2B and pre-order webshop in Shopify for collection presentations, order management and communication with buyers.

Planning and reporting

• Set seasonal targets, budgets and forecasts, and monitor results.
• Analyse sales figures per account and market, and report on results, pipeline and opportunities.
• Share buyer feedback and market trends with design, product and merchandising as input for new collections.

Who you are

• You have at least 8 years of experience in wholesale sales or business development in premium fashion or design, including several years in a commercial leadership role.
• You have an existing network of buyers, department stores, key accounts, multibrand retailers, agents and distributors in the Benelux, and preferably beyond.
• You know the European wholesale market, the seasonal sales calendar and buying cycles from the inside.
• You have a proven track record of leading agents or showrooms and opening new accounts and markets together with them.
• You're commercially minded, present persuasively and build long-term relationships.
• You think strategically about brand positioning and selective distribution, and then pick it up yourself.
• You work independently, entrepreneurially and analytically; Excel and sales reports are your everyday tools.
• Experience with Shopify (Plus) or a comparable B2B platform is a plus.
• You speak and write Dutch and English fluently. German, French or another European language is a plus.
• You live in the Rotterdam area or are willing to relocate, and you have a driving licence.

Your background is in wholesale. A profile from retail, marketing or e-commerce without wholesale responsibility is not a fit for this role.

What we offer

• A key role in the international growth of SUSAN BIJL, with plenty of autonomy and room for your own initiative.
• A small, committed team with short lines of communication.
• A position of 4 days a week.
• A one-year contract with a 2-month probation period and the prospect of a permanent position.
• A salary between €4,200 and €5,000 gross per month based on full-time hours (38 hours).
• 23.75 days of holiday per year based on full-time hours (38 hours).
• Every day an organic, vegetarian lunch, twice a week prepared by a chef.
• Staff discount.
• Regular drinks and team activities.