Build and Lead a New European E-Commerce Business
Location: Netherlands (Amsterdam preferred; open to qualified candidates elsewhere in the Netherlands)
Employment Type: Full-time
Workplace: Hybrid, with European travel
Experience: 8–12+ years preferred
Seniority: Executive / General Management
Compensation: Competitive executive salary + performance-based bonus + potential long-term incentives
About the Opportunity
An established U.S.-based consumer business is preparing to launch a new European e-commerce operation.
We are seeking an exceptional, entrepreneurial Managing Director / Chief Operating Officer to build, launch, and independently lead this business across Europe.
This is not a traditional corporate COO position. We are looking for a hands-on business builder who can take an opportunity from concept to execution, establish the operating infrastructure, recruit a high-performing team, and ultimately manage the business with minimal day-to-day involvement from the founder.
The company has existing international business experience and established supplier relationships that will support its European expansion.
The successful candidate will report directly to the Founder & CEO and assume responsibility for the European operation, including its financial performance, commercial growth, operational execution, and organizational development.
This is an opportunity to build a business—not simply manage one.
Key Responsibilities
Business Launch & Strategy
Develop and execute the European market-entry strategy.
Build the operating model for a scalable, online-only consumer business.
Establish the initial European headquarters and launch the first market.
Develop and execute 30-, 60-, 90-day and annual business plans.
Identify expansion opportunities across additional European markets.
Leadership & Team Building
Recruit, develop, and lead the initial European team.
Establish departments covering online sales, operations, logistics, marketing, and customer experience.
Define performance expectations, accountability systems, and management processes.
Build a company culture focused on execution, ownership, customer satisfaction, and measurable results.
Develop a leadership structure capable of operating independently from the founder.
Commercial Growth & E-Commerce
Take ownership of revenue growth, profitability, and commercial performance.
Build and optimize the online sales organization.
Oversee customer acquisition, digital marketing, conversion optimization, and customer retention.
Develop pricing, promotional, and sales strategies.
Establish reporting and performance dashboards across the customer journey.
Operations & Supply Chain
Develop and manage supplier relationships and commercial partnerships.
Establish efficient order fulfillment, logistics, and delivery processes.
Oversee supplier quality standards and operational compliance.
Build scalable operating procedures and service-level standards.
Identify and implement technologies that improve efficiency and reduce manual work.
Financial & Operational Accountability
Own the European business P&L.
Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and operating expenses.
Establish financial controls and performance reporting.
Manage external legal, accounting, regulatory, and technology partners.
Ensure the business operates in accordance with applicable European and local regulations.
Technology & Automation
Implement scalable e-commerce, CRM, reporting, and operational systems.
Automate repetitive workflows wherever practical.
Build real-time visibility into sales, marketing, inventory, operations, and financial performance.
Establish a management structure that minimizes dependence on the founder for daily decisions.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
Significant experience in general management, operations leadership, or building and scaling businesses.
Proven experience in e-commerce, marketplaces, consumer businesses, or technology-enabled operations.
Demonstrated ability to recruit and lead cross-functional teams.
Strong commercial understanding of sales, marketing, customer acquisition, and profitability.
Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
Ability to operate independently, make decisions, and take full ownership of results.
Strong English communication skills.
Based in the Netherlands or willing to relocate.
Highly Preferred
Experience launching a business, entering new markets, or building a new division from the ground up.
Experience operating across multiple European countries.
Background in direct-to-consumer e-commerce, marketplaces, or cross-border operations.
Experience managing logistics, supplier networks, and customer-facing operations.
Familiarity with automation, CRM systems, digital marketing, and performance management.
Additional European languages, particularly German.
The Ideal Candidate
You are someone who:
Thinks like an owner rather than an employee.
Enjoys building businesses from the ground up.
Is equally comfortable developing strategy and personally executing it.
Understands that revenue growth must translate into profitability.
Can recruit exceptional people and hold them accountable.
Makes decisions using data, sound judgment, and financial discipline.
Builds systems rather than becoming the bottleneck.
Does not need constant direction or supervision.
Wants to take responsibility for an entire business, not just a department.
We are particularly interested in candidates who have previously built a company, launched a new market, or managed a business unit with full P&L responsibility.
What Success Looks Like
First 90 Days
Develop a detailed European launch and operating plan.
Establish the initial organizational structure.
Identify and recruit key operational and commercial personnel.
Finalize the first-market launch requirements, operating processes, and supplier arrangements.
Establish budgets, financial reporting, and measurable performance targets.
First 6 Months
Launch the initial European market, subject to regulatory and operational readiness.
Establish functioning online sales, supplier, logistics, and customer service operations.
Implement core technology, CRM, reporting, and automation systems.
Demonstrate measurable commercial traction and a clear path toward profitability.
First 12 Months
Establish a scalable and professionally managed European operation.
Build a capable leadership team with clear accountability.
Demonstrate sustainable revenue growth and improving unit economics.
Reduce founder involvement in daily operations.
Prepare the business for expansion into additional European markets.
What We Offer
The opportunity to build and lead a new European business backed by an established international company.
Significant autonomy and decision-making authority.
Direct collaboration with the Founder & CEO.
The opportunity to recruit and develop your own leadership team.
Competitive executive compensation.
Performance-based bonuses tied to business results.
Potential long-term incentives based on company growth and performance.
A genuine opportunity to grow into the senior executive responsible for the entire European operation.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV along with a brief response to the following questions:
We are looking for a leader who can build, execute, and take ownership—not simply advise.
Confidential search. Additional company and industry information will be shared with selected candidates during the recruitment process.
