Sales & Community Lead - DACH

We’re on a mission to reconnect people to nature and their natural potential. Vivobarefoot creates minimalist footwear designed the way humans evolved to move-natural, connected, and free while challenging the conventional footwear industry through sustainability, regeneration, and transparency. We believe the closer people are to the ground, the more connected they are to themselves and to the planet.

As Sales & Community Lead for DACH, you are responsible for growing Vivobarefoot’s commercial presence and community ecosystem across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

This role blends wholesale sales, partner leadership, and community development. You will manage key retail accounts, grow our Vivo Pro / affiliate network, and develop alternative offline sales and brand touchpoints such as gyms, clinics, movement spaces, and wellness centres.

You are both a commercial owner and a cultural steward, ensuring growth stays aligned with Vivobarefoot’s purpose, values, and long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Commercial Ownership

• Own and deliver the DACH wholesale sales plan in line with global objectives

• Drive sustainable revenue growth through key accounts and carefully chosen new partners

• Lead seasonal sell-in, forecasting, and order planning

• Support strong sell-through and healthy long-term partner performance

• Build on existing relationships in DACH region to support Vivo’s entry

Account & Partner Relationships

• Build deep relationships with outdoor, barefoot-specialist, lifestyle, and health-focused retailers

• Act as a trusted partner to accounts, supporting joint business planning and growth

• Ensure partners understand and represent Vivobarefoot’s product philosophy and barefoot education

• Develop a strong sell-thru business, using POS and relevant support tactics

Community & Ecosystem Leadership

• Lead Vivobarefoot’s DACH community presence, working closely with central community and marketing teams

• Manage and grow the Vivo Pro / affiliate programme across health professionals, coaches, and movement leaders

• Develop alternative offline sales and brand experiences (gyms, clinics, studios, events)

• Support local activations, education, and community-led brand moments

Market Development & Brand Representation

• Act as Vivobarefoot’s brand ambassador in the DACH region

• Represent the brand at trade shows, retail events, and community gatherings

• Identify regionally relevant growth opportunities and partnerships

• Track market trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with Marketing on retail activations, launches, and storytelling

• Share market insights with Product and HQ teams (assortment, sizing, consumer needs)

• Partner with Operations and Finance on forecasting and execution

• Report clearly on performance, opportunities, and risks

Success Profile

First 6 Months

• Built trust with key DACH wholesale partners and internal teams

• Clear view of which lighthouse accounts matter most for brand, credibility, and long-term growth

• Defined a focused target door list across retail, health, and movement spaces

• Vivo Pro / affiliate programme mapped and prioritised for the DACH market

• Strong understanding of market dynamics, opportunities, and friction points

First 12 Months

Secured a small number of high-quality lighthouse doors that anchor the brand in the region

• Measurable progress against a clear target-door strategy (quality over quantity)

• Sustainable wholesale growth across core DACH accounts

• Improved sell-through and deeper, more strategic partner relationships

• Active and engaged Vivo Pro / affiliate network with clear standards and impact

• First alternative offline sales partnerships live (gyms, clinics, movement spaces)

• Visible, credible Vivobarefoot presence in the DACH barefoot and natural health community

18–24 Months

DACH recognised internally and externally as a model region for integrated sales and community growth

• A stable mix of lighthouse doors, high-performing wholesale partners, and community-led revenue

• Strong advocacy for Vivobarefoot’s mission from respected retailers and movement leaders

• Clear, repeatable playbook for opening and nurturing future target doors

• Tangible contribution to Vivobarefoot’s European and global growth strategy.

Originally posted on Himalayas