Strategic Sales Lead – DACH & Central Europe (Softlines)

WORMS Safety is a leader in quality management, dedicated to helping customers meet compliance goals while managing risk and fostering growth. The Group offers inspection, testing, auditing, certification, technical assistance, and training services with a strong commitment to excellence and long‑term customer partnership. Key Responsibilities 1. Business Development Strategy – DACH & Central Europe Define and execute business development strategies for the DACH and Central Europe markets (revenue targets, by country, segment and customer type). Identify priority customer segments and key exposure channels (industry associations, events, fairs). Promote fit‑to‑win quality and compliance solutions for softlines customers and provide structured market and competitive insights. Identify and map target accounts across DACH and Central Europe. Drive active new customer prospection and multi‑level penetration of target organisations. Expand the solution portfolio with existing customers and maintain a structured prospects and pipeline database (CRM). Prepare pre‑sales analyses (customer organisation, segment, constraints, risk profile), create commercial proposals, negotiate and close deals. Attend relevant trade fairs, exhibitions and industry events. 3. Strategic Key Account Management Maintain and grow relationships with strategic accounts. Identify upsell and cross‑sell opportunities (new solutions, new categories, new geographies). Conduct regular customer visits and senior‑level engagements. Coordinate internally to secure strong support and high customer satisfaction. 4. Market Representation & Positioning Represent the company at trade fairs, customer events and professional associations. Contribute to brand visibility and reputation in the DACH softlines market. Co‑create with management fit‑to‑win sales tools and value propositions for the region. Required Experience & Qualifications 5–10+ years of total professional experience. Minimum 4–6 years in business development, commercial, sourcing, compliance or supply‑chain roles within softlines. Experience working with multiple product segments, including: ready‑to‑wear, sportswear & outdoor, footwear, luxury / high‑end, children’s wear, lingerie & intimate apparel, workwear & uniforms. Strong understanding of brand–retailer–supplier ecosystems, vendor compliance and product integrity requirements, and global / regional sourcing models. Working knowledge of inspections, social / technical / environmental audits, and product testing concepts for softlines, as well as EU – especially German – regulatory and compliance expectations. Core Competencies Commercial & Strategic Thinking

– Translates market opportunities into clear BD strategies, account plans and revenue targets. Customer & Solution Orientation

– Understands softlines customer needs and builds integrated testing, inspection and audit solutions. Networking & Influence

– Engages credibly with brands, retailers, sourcing companies, traders and suppliers at multiple levels. Hunting Mindset & Resilience

– Strong drive for prospection, pipeline creation and deal closing in competitive environments. Collaboration & Cross‑Cultural Agility

– Works effectively with internal teams and customers across countries and cultures.

#J-18808-Ljbffr