Country Manager - Sweden

About our client

A leading global pet food manufacturer is seeking a highly experienced, results-driven Country Manager to lead operations across the Scandinavian region, covering Sweden.

This senior leadership role carries full P&L accountability and is responsible for driving sales growth, expanding market share, and strengthening brand presence in one of the company's most strategically important regions.

The ideal candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on commercial expertise, building strong partnerships with retailers and distributors while fostering close, collaborative relationships with European headquarters and cross-functional teams.

Purpose of the Role

This role exists to strengthen regional alignment, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate sustainable growth across the Scandinavian markets.

Key focus areas include:

• Regional performance leadership with full P&L responsibility
• Acceleration of sales performance and market share growth
• Strengthening brand visibility, positioning, and reputation
• Driving operational excellence through standardised processes
• Streamlining reporting to support faster, clearer decision-making
• Ensuring consistency in strategy, operations, and performance across all markets
• Leading and supporting Key Account Managers

In the initial phase, the Country Manager will take a highly hands-on, operational role, helping to shape and build the regional structure. Over time, the focus will shift increasingly toward strategic regional development.

The role also includes building and maintaining long-term relationships with key customers, distributors, and business partners, while ensuring alignment with overall European business objectives.

Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute the regional sales strategy in line with European objectives
• Deliver annual revenue, profitability, and market share targets
• Lead high-level negotiations with retail chains, distributors, and strategic partners
• Provide accurate forecasting and manage budget performance
• Contribute to European leadership forums with regional market insights

Brand & Marketing Management

• Plan and execute impactful brand and promotional campaigns (digital and in-store)
• Ensure strict adherence to brand guidelines and intellectual property standards
• Use consumer and market insights to guide positioning and marketing investment
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain and Logistics on successful product launches

Market Development & Expansion

• Identify and secure new business opportunities within the pet food sector
• Lead new product launches with strong retail and promotional support
• Represent the company at industry trade shows, exhibitions, and professional events

Operational Excellence & HQ Alignment

• Maintain transparent, proactive communication with headquarters
• Track competitor activity and provide structured market intelligence
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction
• Build a collaborative, high-performance culture between regional teams and HQ

Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Skills

• 7-10 years of sales leadership experience, ideally within pet food or FMCG
• Strong experience managing major retail and distribution accounts
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with international and cross-functional teams
• Excellent negotiation, relationship management, and business development skills
• Strong analytical capability and data-driven decision-making approach
• Highly self-motivated, commercially focused, and results-driven
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Scandinavia and Europe
• Valid international driving licence

Key Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Strong results orientation and accountability
• Customer-centric mindset
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills
• Influential communication and stakeholder management
• Collaborative leadership style

Benefits
Role Details

• Employment Type: Full-time
• Reports To: Managing Director, European Business