Area Sales Manager France (mfd)

The position

In this pivotal commercial role, you will assume strategic responsibility for the growth and positioning of a leading premium beer brand within the On Trade segment - specifically targeting Cavistes and Cave Bars - in a defined region of France. Reporting directly to the Sales Director France, you will actively shape the brand’s presence in a dynamic market and act as a key ambassador for one of the most respected and successful breweries in Europe.

Your primary objective will be the sustainable development of the commercial On Trade infrastructure in your region. With a deep understanding of the local premium beverage landscape and a keen sense for market trends, you will drive the execution of growth initiatives - from distributor enablement and outlet activation to trade marketing and sell-out strategies. You will work closely with both internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver commercial success and elevate the brand's visibility and desirability at the point of sale.

This is a role that requires both strategic foresight and operational execution, combining hands-on commercial work with the ability to inspire and lead sales partners across your territory.

Your core Responsibilities will be:

• Expanding existing B2B sales business by building, leveraging, and developing strong relationships with current distributor base as well as amplifying existing & new portfolio brands

• Driving new business by identifying and onboarding the right distribution partners, as well as activating key flagship outlets within the region to increase sell-out and market presence

• Supporting and inspiring partner teams to represent the brand authentically and act as true ambassadors

• Assuming full commercial responsibility for the assigned territory, including defining sell-in and sell-out strategies, setting commercial objectives, managing client targets, and implementing promotional initiatives and incentive schemes

• Ensuring high-quality brand presence and execution at the point of sale, with a focus on visibility, rotation and customer engagement

• Leading the activation of premium, brand-led outlets with tailored initiatives

• Implementing local marketing and trade marketing projects in alignment with national strategies

• Developing and sharing transparency on relevant market structures and own distribution performance

This role offers an outstanding opportunity for a commercially driven professional with deep ties to the French premium On Trade sector. You combine solid sales experience with a genuine enthusiasm for beer and draft culture and a natural ability to engage, motivate, and influence both distributor partners and outlet operators including their staff.

Ideally, you bring three to five years of relevant experience in a beer or beverage company, with a particular focus on the On Trade channel. You are well-connected within the Caviste and Cave Bar environment and understand the unique characteristics and demands of this market. Your expertise in draught beer culture, ideally supported by technical training or a Beer Sommelier qualification, enables you to represent the brand with credibility and depth.

You have a university degree and are confident in using data and key performance indicators to help you make successful business decisions. You possess strong negotiation capabilities and approach planning and execution in a structured, result-oriented manner.

On a personal level, you are dynamic, entrepreneurial, and operate with a high degree of independence. Your communication style is confident and engaging, and you build trust with diverse stakeholders easily. You are passionate about delivering strong results, highly customer-focused, and enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced, evolving environment. A strong sense of initiative, adaptability to change, and openness to innovation are key aspects of your profile. You are comfortable travelling frequently within your assigned region and prepared to operate beyond typical working hours when necessary.

In terms of language skills, you speak French at a native level and have a strong command of English, both written and spoken. German language skills are a welcome asset, though not essential.

Your are ideally already living in the assigned region, Western France.

The Company

Our client is one of the most established and respected breweries in Europe, with a long-standing tradition of excellence, quality, and sustainable business practices. Family-owned for generations and deeply rooted in its regional heritage, the company has grown into a leading player in the beverage industry, producing more than 7 million hectoliters annually. It employs over 1,000 passionate professionals who share a commitment to combining craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation.

The company’s international division is responsible for managing and expanding its business beyond its core domestic market. With a focus on long-term development, this unit plays a central role in building the brand globally and shaping its presence across diverse markets. France, in particular, has been identified as a strategic growth territory, with significant potential in the premium On Trade segment. The brand enjoys high recognition and a strong reputation among discerning consumers, making it well-positioned to accelerate its success in the market.

Known for its premium product portfolio and high quality standards, the company takes an authentic and partnership-oriented approach to business. It values sustainable growth, responsible resource management, and the continuous evolution of its brewing and operational capabilities. This mindset, paired with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, offers employees both purpose and autonomy. There is ample room for ideas, initiative, and personal development, making it an inspiring environment for professionals who want to shape the future of beer culture in a meaningful way.

The company offers a strong portfolio of premium and competitive beer brands and provides its employees with clear career development opportunities and long-term growth potential. Employees benefit from a high degree of personal responsibility and find a dynamic, international working environment characterized by flat hierarchies and open communication.

More detailed information about the company and the specific role will be shared with you as the recruitment process progresses.