Sales Director Europe for Bread (m/f/d)

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products. We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

“The future is circular”

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Growth & Market Development – Develop and execute a comprehensive growth strategy for Bread RPC solutions across Europe, aligned with overall business objectives and long-term vision.
• Market Insights & Opportunity Identification – Identify emerging trends, customer needs, and market opportunities within the European bakery and bread sector to drive adoption across the value chain.
• Business Development & Relationship Building – Drive new business acquisition while building strong, trust‐based relationships with senior stakeholders across procurement, supply chain, operations, and sustainability.
• Sales Leadership & Pipeline Management – Lead strategic sales initiatives from initial engagement through negotiation and implementation, ensuring a strong pipeline across key European markets.
• Industry Leadership & Standardization – Position Bread RPC solutions as the preferred packaging standard by promoting best practices and fostering collaboration across producers, logistics providers, and retailers.
• Key Account Growth & Customer Success – Manage and expand strategic customer relationships, ensuring successful implementation, long‐term value creation, and high customer satisfaction.
• Cross‐Functional Collaboration – Work closely with international teams across operations, supply chain, marketing, finance, and sustainability to deliver tailored and impactful customer solutions.
• Commercial Performance & Strategy – Own revenue and market development, define pricing and commercial strategies, and provide data‐driven insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

We expect

• Educational Background – Completed degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Food Industry Management, or a related field; an advanced qualification such as an MBA is considered a plus.
• Professional Experience – Extensive experience in commercial leadership roles within packaging, pooling, logistics, supply chain solutions, FMCG, food production, or comparable industries.
• Complex Solution Selling – Proven ability to successfully position and sell sophisticated, value‐driven solutions to large multinational organisations.
• Industry Expertise – Strong understanding of the European bread and bakery industry, including key stakeholders, value chains, and supply chain structures.
• Sustainability & Circular Solutions – Experience with reusable packaging, transport packaging, pooling systems, or circular economy approaches is highly advantageous.
• Strategic & Commercial Mindset – Combines strong strategic thinking with hands‐on execution, paired with excellent business development, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration – Confident in engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, with the ability to navigate complex, international sales environments and collaborate effectively in matrix organisations.
• Communication & Language Skills – Outstanding communication and presentation abilities; fluent in English, with additional European languages such as German, Spanish, or French considered a strong advantage.

We offer

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future‐proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change.
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options.
• Delicious & healthy meals – Weekly changing menus from our online canteen Bella & Bona, subsidised by IFCO.
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning.
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages and a modern fitness centre to keep you going.
• Car parking and seamless transport connections – Enjoy underground parking with charging stations and a train station (S7) right next to our door.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.

We are looking forward to receiving your application.