Retail Manager Netherlands (All Genders)

Role summary

Retail Manager Netherlands (All Genders) is a full-time role at ahead GmbH in Hamburg, Germany (remote). Posted 2026-08-27. Experience level: 5-10.

Job title

Retail Manager Netherlands (All Genders)

Company

ahead GmbH

Location

Hamburg, Germany

Work arrangement

remote

Employment type

full-time

Category

Retail

Experience level

5-10

Date posted

2026-08-27

Job description

YOU & AHEAD

Greenfield. From the ground up.

You'll build ahead's presence in the Netherlands – from the very first retail conversations through to scalable distribution.

Your mission: establish ahead in the Dutch retail market , build strong partnerships with key retailers, and create the structures that will enable our growth in the Netherlands.

You'll be navigating the concentrated, innovation-driven Dutch retail landscape with partners such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo and Dirk.

You'll report directly to the Sales Director (Hamburg) and work closely with Trade Marketing, Key Account Management and Category Management.

YOUR TASKS

Retail & Key Account Development

Build strategic relationships with key retail partners in the Netherlands (including Albert Heijn, Jumbo, Dirk, PLUS and ALDI & LIDL)

Lead listing negotiations, annual trade discussions, commercial terms and distribution growth

Build scalable retail partnerships from first contact through to long-term growth

Develop and scale relevant retail and drugstore channels across the Dutch market

Market Development & Go-to-Market

Analyze the Dutch retail landscape and develop a clear growth strategy for the Dutch market

Define pricing strategy, assortment and channel strategy for the Netherlands

Plan and execute local trade marketing activities in collaboration with the ahead team

Conduct competitor monitoring, market analysis and regular business reporting

Partners, Field Sales & Scaling

Identify, select and manage distribution partners, brokers and local partners

Build a scalable field sales/merchandising structure (in-house or outsourced)

Define relevant KPIs and ensure distribution, visibility and execution at point of sale

Take ownership of demand planning and forecasting for the Netherlands

Business Ownership

Take full ownership of business development in the Netherlands, including P&L

Drive market performance and prioritize growth initiatives

Collaborate closely with Marketing (local activations), Product, Operations and Sales

YOUR PROFILE

Several years of experience in FMCG sales / key account management in the Netherlands

Deep understanding of Dutch retail structures, buying processes and trade dynamics

Experience building a market or a new category — ideally within a start-up or scale-up environment

A strong network of buyers, category managers and key decision-makers in retail

Confident negotiator with experience in listings, trading terms and annual negotiations

Strategic thinker with a hands-on mentality

High degree of initiative, ownership and results orientation

Fluent in Dutch and English

WHAT MAKES YOUR PROFILE COMPLETE

Experience in the better-for-you, health food or confectionery segment

Familiarity with the drugstore/health channel (e.g. Kruidvat, Etos, DI, Newpharma)

Experience with category management or shopper marketing

WHAT WE OFFER

AND WHY AHEAD?

Working at ahead is more than just a job - it’s your opportunity to develop as a professional and as a person, while shaping the future of snacking. Our mission is to make low sugar the new standard, and we pour that ambition into every product we create. You’ll become part of a team where international talent, startup drive, real impact, and true ownership come together.

Hypergrowth Environment: If you're looking for greenfield, creative freedom, and real impact, you're in the right place. We're a team that is scaling fast - with purpose

Amazing Team: Young, international, ambitious - inspiring colleagues who collaborate, support each other, and genuinely enjoy working together

Career Growth: Develop through cross-functional projects, structured feedback cycles, and a steep learning curve in a dynamic, high growth environment. We offer a fair, attractive salary with role-dependent bonus opportunities

Great Benefits: Fuel yourself with ahead snacks, drinks, and merch - we’ve got you covered. On top: a €50 monthly allowance to spend as you like - Urban Sports Club, mobility options, or vouchers from your favorite brands (IKEA, MediaMarkt, Lego and more)

Vacation Days: Enjoy 28 vacation days plus two extra days off on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

Events & Offsites: Regular after-work hangouts and legendary annual team offsites you won’t forget

For this role, you can work remotely from Netherlands. If this sounds like a good fit, we're excited to go ahead with you!

YOUR NEXT STEPS WITH US

Disclaimer

ahead GmbH is an equal opportunity workplace and is devoted to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or gender identity.

About us

At ahead, we’re building the snack brand for a new generation – one that loves chocolate, cookies & gummies, but doesn’t love what sugar does to their bodies.

We use cutting-edge food tech to reinvent childhood favorites: no added sugar, no empty carbs – just full taste, better ingredients, and zero compromise.

The result? Everyday indulgence that actually fits your lifestyle.

Let’s make low-sugar the new normal. And fun again.

We’re growing fast, expanding across Europe, and looking for smart, driven, curious minds to join us.

If you’re ready to change how millions of people snack – for good – we’d love to meet you.