The Organization

For one of our clients, the number one B2B distributor in its market in the Benelux, we are searching for a Senior Commercial Manager Benelux. The company is part of a large international group with a decentralised structure and an entrepreneurial culture. Following recent acquisitions, the businesses in the Netherlands and Belgium are being brought together into one integrated Benelux organisation.

The company supplies a broad portfolio of materials, equipment and technical services to professional customers across the Benelux. Customers increasingly look for complete solutions, and the company’s ambition is to strengthen its leading position: securing and renewing its position in the Netherlands, while driving growth in Belgium. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced commercial leader to bring direction, structure and energy, and to make a real impact as part of a newly formed Management Team.

The Role

As Senior Commercial Manager Benelux, you are responsible for sales, business development, and purchasing & category management. You also lead the commercial integration of the acquired companies, including realising the expected synergies. As a member of the Management Team, you are the commercial and strategic sparring partner of the General Manager. You translate the company’s ambition into a clear commercial strategy and lead four managers and a team of around 25 professionals across field sales, inside sales, business development and purchasing in the Netherlands and Belgium.

A key objective is to build one integrated Benelux commercial organisation with one shared culture, and to move the business from product selling to solution selling, combining products, equipment and services. You rationalise the combined product portfolio, develop strategic key accounts and open up new markets. You work closely with your fellow Management Team members to retain and grow customers, strengthen supplier partnerships and deliver profitable growth.

The role requires a rare combination of strategic thinking, hands-on mentality, people leadership and commercial drive.

Ideally, you are based in the north of Belgium or the south of the Netherlands, with a regular presence at the head office in the greater Amsterdam area and frequent travel across the Benelux.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience

• 10+ years of commercial leadership experience in a B2B environment, including at least 5 years leading managers and teams of 20+ people
• Strong background in distribution or wholesale is a must have
• Proven experience in both the Dutch and the Belgian market
• A track record in leading change, such as integrating acquired businesses and realising synergies
• Experience with solution selling, strategic key account development and purchasing and category management, including portfolio rationalisation
• Experience with purchasing and category management, including portfolio rationalisation and supplier negotiations
• Management Team experience, contributing to strategy beyond the commercial function

Skills

• Strategic and structured. Connects long-term vision with practical execution through clear priorities, plans and frameworks.
• Connecting people leader. Builds trust across teams, countries and cultures, and motivates people through change.
• Clear and direction-setting. Sets expectations, creates accountability and follows up consistently.
• Independent thinker. Curious, asks the difficult questions and challenges existing ways of working; not a yes-man
• Commercially sharp. Understands the drivers of revenue, margin and cost-to-serve, and negotiates strongly with customers and suppliers
• Hands-on and resilient. Stays close to customers and teams, and keeps focus and composure in times of change.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Dutch, English and business French is a must-have.



Interested?

Please submit your CV in English. Reference and diploma checks are a standard part of the procedure; assessments and pre-employment screening may also be included