Senior RTD Coffee Key Account Manager (Freelance)

Senior RTD Coffee Key Account Manager (Freelance) – Western Europe
Existing Retail Buyer Relationships Required | FMCG Beverages | Independent Sales Professional
About Tropical Mountains
Tropical Mountains is a Swiss premium organic coffee company preparing the launch of a new range of Ready-to-Drink (RTD) iced coffees, developed and manufactured in Austria.
Our initial range includes Organic Cappuccino, Organic Oat Cappuccino and Organic Vanilla Latte, packaged in an innovative 235 ml CartoCan with ambient storage and a targeted shelf life of 12 months.
We are looking for an exceptionally well-connected sales professional to help us enter major retail and convenience channels across Western Europe.
Who We Are Looking For
We are NOT looking for a traditional sales freelancer, cold-calling specialist or lead generation agency.
We need an experienced Key Account Manager, Sales Director or independent FMCG beverage sales representative who already has personal relationships with retail buyers, category managers and commercial decision-makers.
Previous experience with companies such as Emmi, Lattesso, Starbucks RTD, Danone, Arla, Oatly, Alpro or comparable beverage manufacturers would be particularly valuable.
Former senior sales executives who have transitioned into independent consulting are especially welcome.
Target Markets
Our priority markets are:
Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH)
France
Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg (Benelux)
Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland (Nordics)
Strong relationships in one or two markets are sufficient. We do not expect one individual to cover all of Europe.
Target Distribution Channels
We are particularly interested in existing buyer relationships with:
Petrol Stations: Aral, Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, Circle K and similar operators.
Convenience & Travel Retail: Lekkerland, Valora, k kiosk, Coop Pronto, Migrolino, 7-Eleven, Pressbyrån and similar networks.
Supermarkets: REWE, EDEKA, Coop Switzerland, Migros, Carrefour, Auchan, Albert Heijn, Delhaize, ICA and other major retailers.
Organic & Premium Retail: Alnatura, denn's Biomarkt, Bio Company, Naturalia and similar retailers.
Beverage distributors and wholesalers with established access to these channels are also relevant.
Your Responsibilities
Leverage your existing buyer relationships to introduce our new RTD coffee range.
Secure qualified meetings with retail buyers and category managers.
Coordinate product presentations, sampling and commercial follow-ups.
Support negotiations, pilot listings and distribution agreements.
Advise on pricing, retail margins, promotional requirements and market-entry strategy.
Help build long-term relationships with key retail accounts.
Success will be measured by qualified buyer access, commercial opportunities and retail listings – not the number of cold emails sent.
Requirements
5–10+ years of relevant FMCG beverage sales or Key Account Management experience.
Existing, active relationships with major retail, convenience or petrol station buyers.
Proven experience securing listings or distribution agreements.
Strong understanding of RTD coffee, dairy beverages, plant-based drinks or similar FMCG categories.
Ability to work independently and represent a premium Swiss brand.
Fluent English; German, French or other relevant European languages are an advantage.
Cooperation Model
This is a freelance / independent contractor opportunity, not a full-time employment position.
We propose starting with a focused 60–90-day pilot project, approximately 5–10 hours per week, with the possibility of a long-term partnership.
Compensation is negotiable and may combine an hourly or project-based fee with performance-related incentives.
You will work directly with the founder and CEO of Tropical Mountains.
How to Apply
Please answer the following questions:
Which major European retailers, petrol station chains or convenience operators do you currently have direct professional relationships with?
Which beverage manufacturers or brands have you previously represented, and in what role?
Which retail listings or distribution agreements have you personally secured?
In which countries is your buyer network strongest?
Which three to five accounts could you realistically approach for our RTD coffee launch within the first 30 days?
Please apply only if you have genuine FMCG beverage industry experience and existing buyer-level relationships. Generic lead generation, telemarketing and cold outreach services are not what we are looking for.
Tropical Mountains GmbH – Switzerland

Skills
Lead Generation, Account Management

Experience
5-10 yrs

Work arrangement
Yes