Head of Sales - France and Benelux

Why join us? 

Our purpose is to design for the good of humankind. It’s the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of MillerKnoll means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows MillerKnoll to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

Head of Sales - France + Benelux

Department: Sales

Location: Paris

Job summary

The primary purpose of this job is to lead a team of Regional Sales Managers to develop and secure business in France, Benelux, French speaking Switzerland, Morrocco, Tunisia and Senegal

The role requires the individual to be responsible for specific geographies working with our Dealer Community to achieve or exceed Sales and Controllable Contribution targets. A key part of this role is to develop strategies and implement plans to grow our presence in the  regions above

Travel is a prerequisite to the success of this role

Specific responsibilities

• Achieve the financial sales goal by building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with designated Dealer/s through the provision of day-to-day problem-solving solutions and the provision of opportunities with your team
• Foster a positive, high-performance culture that supports professional growth and collaboration through  strong leadership
• Mentor, coach  and motivate the sales team to achieve and exceed sales targets.
• Own the P&L for France + Benelux Region
• Defining the targets of the different areas for the sales representatives and dealers.
• With your team, work with the MillerKnoll business development efforts by also identifying new opportunities for Regional Account Managers, Global Account Managers, Major Project Groups, A & D and Channel Development and work with them on projects as required
• Development of the dealer’s network in collaboration with Channel Development team and implementation of the corporate strategies in terms of brand visibility, launch of new products and training activities.
• Support and control the distribution network by travelling for minimum 50% of the time.
• Preparing, launching, and monitoring the different promotional activities.
• Promote MillerKnoll products and services at all times and act in the best interests of MillerKnoll in order to meet and exceed the individual volume target.
• Develop a Regional Account Strategy, including Master Sales Agreement signature which will increase the day-to-day business but also fill the pipeline of projects
• Taking part to the monthly meetings with the company management to check the alignment to the targets in terms of volumes and margins.
• Achieve the key activity goals, particularly the number of monthly dealer and client meetings.
• Ensure the highest quality of presentation whether verbal or written (RFI / RFP / Tender) – Whether MillerKnoll or dealer – Best in class
• Acquire product and program knowledge to ensure full personal capability to verbalise MillerKnoll’s differentiators and those of our products/programs against competitors. 
• Gain an understanding of the furniture market and the relevant activity to build relationships with key influencers in a territory.
• Provide accurate and timely reports to the Regional Manager and ensure Salesforce is accurate, updated and utilised to its full potential on all opportunities.

Company requirements

Health & Safety; ensure that safe working practices are followed. Attend safety briefings, as requested. Take responsibility for your own and your co-workers safety in accordance with The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, and The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999

Compliance; ensure compliance with business systems, processes, certification schemes, regulations and legislation relevant to the scope of your role. Support internal quality controls and audits to demonstrate compliance.

Job holder requirements

Expected Competences

• Broad business acumen and holistic perspective that allows candidate to see opportunities
• Take ownership – Be empowered to succeed
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Strong leadership skills, experience of leader a team of minimum 5 people
• Ability to motivate and bring energy to a team
• Must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of selling skills
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills
• Superb communication and presentation skills and a confident approach to networking and relationship building
• Must be flexible to work long hours when required and prepared to make regular early starts, this position requires the individual to travel up to 50% of their time
• Multicultural and multi-language experience
• Experience  of working in a matrix organization within an American organization
• Experience of  working with a dealer network, build Brand Value in our dealer community
• Passion for high end-furniture, design, and sustainability

Characteristics

• Methodical, hardworking, ambitious and energetic
• Ability to handle objections and minimise confrontation
• Articulate and diplomatic
• Honest and with high levels of integrity

Education and Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience within the high-end furniture industry in Europe
• Fluent in English and in French, Dutch is a plus
• Some exposure to working with or specifying products via Architects or Interior Designers
• Driving licence
• Proven track record in generating new business for a minimum period of 10 years (or associated field).

Who We Hire?

Simply put, we hire everyone. MillerKnoll is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We’re committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at  [email protected].