Relationship Manager, Retail DACH

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Rainforest Alliance

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Rainforest Alliance is looking for an experienced Relationship Manager to further strengthen the organization’s role as the partner of choice for leading retail companies headquartered in Germany, Austria, Switzerland (the DACH-region), to invest in net-positive impact in their direct supply chains and collaborate on landscape level sustainability initiatives.

The Relationship Manager Retail, DACH will independently handle key relationships with global and local retail partners that are critical to advancing our mission in the DACH market and overall Corporate Engagement & Partnerships team.

Working closely with the Regional Lead, DACH as well as other global retail sector Relationship Managers, the Relationship Manager Retail, DACH will lead the development and implementation of a targeted retail market strategy and related account strategies, in line with organizational business development plans.

The Relationship Manager Retail, DACH will use their deep understanding of agricultural supply chains, retail sector trends, and sustainability practices in the retail sector, as well as their relevant network to strengthen the public recognition of the Rainforest Alliance as a trusted certification partner, solution provider, and inspiring leader.

This is a strategic, externally facing role where strong relationship-building skills, a collaborative approach, and a passion for sustainability will drive the role’s success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develops positive relationships as the first point of contact for a portfolio of key retail accounts and handles these relationships – supported by expert teams – to drive partner satisfaction, loyalty, and impact.
  • Leads and implements the regional DACH retail strategy in coordination with the Regional Lead, DACH, including the development, execution, and monitoring of key account plans to improve opportunity for growth and impact while proactively addressing sector risks.
  • Contributes to the growth and expansion of Rainforest Alliance solutions in the DACH retail market, aligned with the organization’s Corporate Engagement & Partnership goals.
  • Establishes performance goals and regularly measures progress against them.
  • Sets clear objectives for partner interactions; tailors communication materials to pitch solutions that best meet partner needs; and finds opportunities to advance retail partners’ commitments to – and collaboration with – the Rainforest Alliance.
  • Works across relevant teams to configure relevant solutions with associated contractual terms that meet customer needs.
  • Acts as the Rainforest Alliance representative for (complex) account queries and resolves these in a timely manner, using internal expertise.
  • Uses feedback and insights from partners to provide input to relevant internal teams, in order to continuously improve existing programs/processes and inform new solution development.
  • Participates in cross-departmental discussions and working groups on selected key themes relevant to the success of the organization’s solutions in the market.
  • Gathers market insights and monitors developments in the retail sector and works across teams to build on opportunities and handle risks (among others Assurance, Advocacy, Data, Customer Success, and Regions).
  • Represents the Rainforest Alliance at relevant sector events and initiatives, continuously building a strong network of key stakeholders in the DACH retail landscape to promote the Rainforest Alliance’s positioning in the market.
  • Other duties, as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business economics, international development, agriculture, sustainability, communications or related
  • Demonstrated ability (7+ years) in customer relations, business development, key account management and/or project strategies
  • Knowledge of, and commitment to, fostering sustainability practices and solving environmental and social challenges in agricultural supply chains
  • Confirmed experience in establishing and maintaining successful account relationships within the corporate/retail sector
  • Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software preferred
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of the DACH and retail market as well as due diligence regulation desirable
  • Strong interpersonal skill with the ability to align stakeholders around a common agenda and collaborate with diverse individuals
  • Effective organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a time critical manner
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • A team-player and self-starter that is resilient and comfortable with a broad role
  • Written and verbal proficiency in English and German required (proficiency in other languages is a plus)
  • Ability to work remotely and travel within the DACH region up to 20% of the time, occasional international travel may be required


Level: 3

Deadline: 18 May 2025

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Notes: Only candidates legally authorized to work in either Germany or the Netherlands will be considered.

If you have any questions about the job vacancy, please contact the HR department: recruitment@ra.org

The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability and any other protected group.