Job Description
Do you have a proven track record of building a sales organisation from the ground up in the Nordic region?
Have you negotiated trade terms and secured listings directly with major Nordic retail chains, wholesalers, or buying groups?
Are you ready to take full P\&L ownership of a new direct go-to-market business in consumer goods?
MacGregor Black are partnering with a global consumer goods business on the search for a General Manager. This is a permanent full-time role based in Sweden.
As the General Manager, Nordics, you will be responsible for establishing a new direct sales company across the Nordic countries, transitioning the business from a distribution-led model to direct retail and e-commerce operations. You will recruit and lead the founding team, set the go-to-market and channel strategy, and own the country P\&L end to end. The role demands a hands-on operator equally comfortable setting up legal and operational infrastructure and running high-stakes trade negotiations with key retail partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead company set-up, including registration, tax, banking, and core operating policies
- Define and execute a direct retail and e-commerce go-to-market strategy across national, regional, and independent channels
- Build and manage relationships with key retail chains, wholesalers, buying groups, and online platforms across the Nordic region
- Negotiate and secure trade agreements, pricing, and listings with new retail partners
- Own the country P\&L, including pricing, promotional spend, demand planning, and inventory health
- Set and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual sales, margin, and distribution targets
- Recruit, develop, and lead key account managers, field sales, and trade marketing functions
- Partner with regional marketing on campaigns and retail activations to build brand awareness and share
- Ensure compliance with local regulatory and governance standards across finance, HR, and EHS
What are we looking for?
- 10+ years of progressive commercial leadership within the Nordic market
- At least 5 years building or leading a country sales organisation with full P\&L accountability
- Established, current relationships with major Nordic retail and channel partners
- A consistent record of exceeding aggressive sales targets, particularly within the first year of a new market entry
- Strong command of key account management, trade negotiation, and retail execution
- Fluent English and at least one Nordic language
- Experience transitioning a business from distributor-led to direct retail is desirable
- Prior experience launching a new entity in the Nordic or Scandinavian market is desirable
Please contact
Lewis Millican
for more information today.