Head of Sales Italy (m/w/d)

Our client HENDI is a leading international supplier of non-food catering equipment, offering a wide range of professional kitchen products, including appliances, buffet equipment, kitchenware, and tableware. With a strong presence across Europe and a growing international footprint, HENDI is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, practical product design, and hands-on service mentality. Founded in 1934 and headquartered in the Netherlands, HENDI employs over 600 people worldwide and has offices in 12 countries, as well as its own production facilities in Asia. The Italian market plays a crucial role in the company's strategy, and its further development is one of the key focus areas for the coming years.

About the Role

As the Head of Sales Italy, you will be responsible for the entire sales strategy and execution across Italy. You will lead and develop the national sales team, drive growth in both direct and indirect sales channels, and collaborate closely with key international departments such as Marketing, Product Management, and Logistics.

This position requires close collaboration with HENDI's international team, particularly with the office based in Austria. Monthly coordination meetings in Austria and regular travel within Italy are part of the role. To ensure proximity to customers, sales teams, and logistics partners, your residence should be centrally located in Italy, ideally within the triangle formed by Milan, Bolzano, and Rome.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the commercial strategy for the Italian market in alignment with group objectives.
• Team Management: Lead, coach, and expand a high-performing national sales team.
• Channel Development: Optimize the sales mix between wholesale/distribution and direct-to-customer channels.
• Customer Focus: Build and maintain strong relationships with key accounts, distributors, and partners.
• Performance Management: Monitor sales KPIs, forecast demand, and ensure profitability across segments.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Product Management, and Operations to ensure seamless execution.
• Market Insights: Identify opportunities, risks, and trends within the Italian foodservice equipment market.
• International Coordination: Work closely with the group's international commercial team, with regular meetings in Austria.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in senior sales leadership with measurable growth results.
• Strong strategic capability with the ability to define direction, priorities, and growth initiatives for a national sales organization.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing high-performing sales teams; able to elevate an already strong team to the next level.
• High level of enthusiasm, drive, and personal credibility; acts as a role model for ambition, ownership, and performance.
• Commercial mindset with a clear focus on growth, market expansion, and sustainable revenue development.
• Strong hands-on mentality despite strategic focus; close to the market, customers, and key commercial decisions.
• In-depth understanding of the Italian B2B market and relevant distribution models (e.g., specialist trade, C&C, key accounts).
• Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel proficiency for forecasting, sales analysis, and performance management.
• High intercultural competence and experience operating within an international, matrix-driven organization.
• Fluent in Italian and English (spoken and written); German is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently within Italy and to participate in regular international meetings in Austria.

What HENDI Offers

• A key leadership position within a dynamic, fast-growing international company.
• High level of responsibility and autonomy.
• A strong company culture focused on teamwork and customer success.
• A unique opportunity to shape the commercial future of HENDI in Italy.
• Close collaboration with an international commercial team and strong support from the group.

Application Process

If you're interested in this challenging position, we look forward to receiving your detailed application (in English only) under reference number 109 100, preferably via our ISG Career Portal or by email. For more job opportunities, visit isg.com/jobs, where new positions are posted daily.