Area Manager (Benelux & Germany)

Iittala is dedicated to inspiring better living. What began as a glass factory in a small village in Finland back in 1881, has grown into an internationally known design brand that continues to define the progressive Nordic way of life. Iittala · Royal Copenhagen · Georg Jensen · Moomin by Arabia Working with our iconic brands across Benelux and Germany, you will play a key role in shaping the future performance and growth in this market. Ideal for someone with a passion for retail environments, an eye for design, and a results-driven mindset focused on improving store performance. About the Role As Area Manager, you are responsible for the overall performance and development of our stores within your region, including Flagship stores, Outlets, and Concession shop‑in‑shops. Your focus is people and performance. You lead, coach, and inspire Store Managers and in‑store teams to deliver strong results, consistent brand execution, and a great customer experience. You will work closely with the Retail Operations Manager, Key Account Manager, Retail Activation Specialist, and Store Managers across Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Collaboration, trust, and shared ambition are key to success in this role. This is a field‑based leadership role with frequent travel across the region. Key Responsibilities Drive sales, profitability, and KPI performance across your store portfolio Lead, coach, and develop Store Managers to build confident, high‑performing teams Be highly visible in stores, leading through presence, feedback, and hands‑on support Translate commercial goals into clear actions and follow up with structure and energy Ensure strong and consistent brand execution across all store formats Work closely with the retail team to align on priorities, initiatives, and best practices Collaborate with the Retail Activation Specialist on launches, visuals, and in‑store execution Partner with the Key Account Manager to identify performance and growth opportunities Identify commercial opportunities and act quickly to improve results Create a positive, winning culture where people feel engaged, supported, and challenged Ensure compliance with HR, operational, and brand standards Follow up on budgets, forecasts, staffing, and store productivity What You Bring Solid experience in retail leadership as an Area Manager or similar roles A strong commercial mindset with a genuine hunger for results and continuous improvement Proven ability to lead leaders and develop high‑performing retail teams Excellent people skills – motivating, supportive, and confident in your leadership style Strong collaboration skills and a true team player across functions and countries Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution A structured and data‑driven approach to performance follow‑up Comfort working in a fast‑moving, international retail environment Flexibility and willingness to travel frequently Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience Fluent in English Dutch, German & French language skills are an advantage Personal Characteristics Highly positive, energetic, and solution‑oriented Motivated by results and eager to succeed A strong leadership presence with a natural ability to inspire others People‑focused, approachable, and respectful Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic retail landscape Collaborative with strong communication skills Success Measures Achievement of sales, profit, and KPI targets High employee retention and development within your area Consistent brand and operational excellence Strong collaboration and alignment within the retail team For Iittala, life is about progress: seeking ways to inspire, innovate and take a stand for what matters. Come make progress with us. Read more: fiskarsgroup.com Read more: iittala.com Pioneering design to make the everyday extraordinary Fiskars Group (FSKRS, Nasdaq Helsinki) is the global home of design-driven brands for indoor and outdoor living. Since 1649, we have designed products of timeless, purposeful, and functional beauty, while driving innovation and sustainable growth. In 2024, Fiskars Group's global net sales were EUR 1.2 billion and we had close to 7,000 employees. We have two Business Areas (BA), Vita and Fiskars. BA Vita offers premium and luxury products for the tableware, drinkware, jewelry and interior categories. Its well-known brands include Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, Wedgwood, Moomin Arabia, Iittala and Waterford. In 2024, BA Vita's reported net sales were EUR 605 million. Already 50% of BA Vita's net sales comes from direct-to-consumer sales, comprising approximately 500 stores and approximately 60 e-commerce sites. BA Fiskars consists of the gardening and outdoor categories, in addition to the scissors and creating, as well as cooking categories. The brands include Fiskars and Gerber. In 2024, BA Fiskars' net sales were EUR 547 million. Read more: fiskarsgroup.com