Business Unit Manager - FMCG

For our client, an established FMCG distribution company in Slovenia, we are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Business Unit Manager to take full responsibility for a dedicated product portfolio and its performance in the Slovenian market.

This is a senior commercial leadership role combining business ownership, sales leadership, trade marketing, key account management and market execution.

The Business Unit Manager will report directly to the management of the local distributor, while working in close partnership with an international principal, acting as the key link between the principal's regional organisation, the distributor, key customers and the field sales team.

THE ROLE

You will take end-to-end responsibility for the performance and development of the business unit, translating the principal's strategy and commercial priorities into strong local market execution.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Full responsibility for the business unit's sales, distribution and commercial performance, including agreed targets and KPIs
• Development and implementation of the annual sales, trade marketing and commercial strategy
• Leadership, motivation and development of the field sales organisation, setting clear objectives, priorities and execution standards
• Acting as the key local interface with the international principal, including business planning, forecasting, reporting and implementation of agreed initiatives
• Building and developing relationships with key customers and commercial partners and participating in major commercial negotiations
• Monitoring sales performance, distribution, market developments and competitive activity, and translating insights into concrete action plans
• Preparing business plans, forecasts and budgets and ensuring effective allocation of commercial resources
• Driving excellence in execution at point of sale, including distribution, availability and implementation of agreed trade marketing standards
• Ensuring full compliance with applicable legislation, internal policies and high corporate and ethical standards

THE PROFILE

We are looking for a commercially strong leader who combines strategic thinking with a highly pragmatic, hands-on approach to execution.

Ideally, you bring:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in FMCG or a comparable commercial environment, preferably in a senior sales, commercial or sales & marketing role
• Proven experience in leading and developing sales teams
• Strong understanding of FMCG distribution, key account management, field sales and trade marketing
• A strong commercial mindset and the ability to take ownership of business results
• Experience working with an international principal, brand owner or regional organisation would be a strong advantage
• Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills
• An analytical and data-driven approach to business decisions, forecasting and performance management
• The ability to balance strategy with operational execution
• University degree in business, economics or another relevant field is considered an advantage
• Fluency in Slovenian and English

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a significant and well-established business segment within a professional distribution organisation and to work closely with a leading international principal.

The position offers a high degree of autonomy, direct exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to lead both the commercial agenda and the team responsible for delivering results in the Slovenian market.

The search is being conducted on a confidential basis. Further information about the company and portfolio will be shared with selected candidates during the process.