National Key Account Manager (gn) ESN Italy – GDO & Sport Channels

Start: Immediately | Level: Intermediate/Senior | Location: North Italy, remote | Working hours: Fulltime (40h/week) | Travel Requirement: Up to 50%

Own the Growth. Drive the Strategy. Lead the Market.

We’re looking for a high-impact National Key Account Manager (gn) (NKAM) to lead the commercial development and execution of our ESN brand in Italy, across GDO (Mass Retail) and Sport/Fitness channels.

This is a mission-critical, strategic role within the B2B Commercial Division of ESN Italy, with full responsibility over our B2B performance, from revenue delivery to launch excellence and long-term category leadership.

You will manage one of our top international fitness accounts from day one, while also developing and expanding our presence across Italy’s leading GDO retailers. Beyond account management, you will be responsible for executing and operationalising the B2B go-to-market strategy, shaping commercial plans, and ensuring best-in-class execution in close alignment with the overall commercial roadmap for Italy.

 

Your mission

You won’t just manage accounts, you’ll build, execute, and scale the B2B commercial engine for ESN in Italy. Your mission:

-Deliver and exceed B2B revenue targets by executing the go-to-market strategy across Grocery & Sports channels
- Gain new strategic B2B customers and ensure ESN is listed in all targeted Grocery & Sports Key Accounts by December 2025
- Grow customer business through joint business planning and become the #1 driver of category growth in Italy within the first year
- Ensure perfect in-store execution with a relentless focus on the Key Business Drivers:
   - # of SKUs listed
   - % Weighted Distribution (VWD)
   - Shelf presence & planogram compliance
   - Permanent multi-siting
   - Temporary display activation

 

Your Impact

• Lead one of our key international fitness customers in Italy, acting as a strategic commercial partner
• Manage and scale our presence in GDO & Sports channels, including both existing accounts and new business acquisition
• Take full P&L ownership for your portfolio, ensuring sustainable growth and commercial profitability
• Lead first- and second-level negotiations: from headquarter agreements to in-store activation at the regional level
• Design and execute impactful joint business plans, trade terms, and account-specific sell-in strategies
• Collaborate closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Brand teams to deliver seamless execution and growth

 

Your experience & skills

• 4–8 years’ experience in National or Key Account roles within FMCG, sports nutrition, or related B2B retail environments
  • A strong track record with GDO retailers and/or national fitness accounts, including experience in listing acquisition and scaling sell-out
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multi-layered negotiations (HQ + regional buyers)
  • Pre-existing relationships with key GDO players (e.g. Esselunga, Conad, Coop, Carrefour, etc…) are a strong plus
  • Experience in scaling up brands in the sports nutrition sector is a valuable advantage
  • Commercially strategic, analytically sharp, and execution-obsessed
  • Native Italian speaker with fluent English
  • Comfortable with frequent national travel (up to 50%)

 

Why choose us?

This role offers

• A strategic commercial role with direct influence on our success in Italy
• High ownership from day one, with visibility and autonomy to make real impact
• A dynamic, fast-paced environment backed by one of the world’s leading sports nutrition groups
• A very competitive compensation and benefit package

Being part of our team means joining a high-performing company with a diverse and inclusive culture. In our fast-growing team of over 1,200 employees, we combine our passion for sports nutrition, supplements, and healthy foods with cutting-edge technology, production, and logistics processes. All of this serves one goal: providing our customers with top-quality products to support their healthy and active lifestyle.

You can look forward to a strong sense of team spirit, ongoing opportunities for professional growth and responsibility, and an exciting work environment that blends lifestyle and career. With locations in Hamburg, Elmshorn, Kaltenkirchen/Nützen, and Elsdorf, TQG offers diverse career opportunities in areas such as technology, product development, sales, marketing, and logistics. Additionally, you’ll benefit from:

• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• 50% discount on our products
• Car Allowance
• Performance Based Bonus
• Workation
• Corporate benefits
• 28 days vacation/year

 

About Us

The Quality Group (TQG) is an innovative provider of sports nutrition products, bringing together the successful brands ESN and More Nutrition since 2021.

ESN has been the German market leader in sports nutrition since 2004, offering products like protein powders, bars, and supplements designed for ambitious fitness goals. Founded in 2017, More Nutrition focuses on healthy, reduced-sugar foods, providing solutions for conscious nutrition and weight management without compromise.

TQG’s vision is to help people become the best version of themselves. With passion and innovation, the company develops high-quality products that promote health, performance, and joy in life. Its agile company culture and exciting career opportunities make TQG a strong partner not only for customers but also for employees.

This is us – The Quality Group – nice to meet you! Now it’s your turn!
We look forward to your application! Regardless of gender, age, background, or identity – what matters to us is who you are and what you bring to the table. Join our team and grow with us!