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Sanja Popov

@sanjapopov

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SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & COMMERCIAL GROWTH LEADER

Serbia

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What I'm looking for

I’m seeking remote opportunities across Europe and EMEA in business development, strategic partnerships, commercial growth, e-commerce, marketplace, sales or commercial operations, and business operations.

MBA-qualified Senior Business Development and Commercial Leader with 13+ years of international experience across business development, strategic partnerships, retail, wellness and beauty, e-commerce, marketplace operations, commercial management and business operations across Europe and the Middle East.

Experienced in developing commercial opportunities from market analysis and partner identification through negotiation, implementation, performance management and growth. Proven record managing multimillion-euro retail portfolios, international brand and supplier relationships, multi-site operations, e-commerce businesses and cross-functional commercial initiatives.

Managed €5.2M annual retail turnover across 20+ locations, led teams of up to 85 employees, contributed to the launch of 25+ retail stores, managed relationships with 70+ international brands and suppliers, and negotiated an exclusive five-year regional agreement valued at €8.5M.

Strong background in B2B and B2C commercial environments, including partnership development, supplier negotiations, account management, assortment planning, inventory analysis, sales forecasting, KPI management, P&L-related decision making, customer experience, omnichannel growth and operational optimisation.

Entrepreneurial experience includes founding and operating a profitable e-commerce business from concept through sourcing, commercial development, customer acquisition, fulfilment and operations. MBA training adds formal expertise in business strategy, financial analysis, marketing, operations, market analysis, business modelling and organisational planning.

Currently based in Serbia and seeking remote Europe/EMEA opportunities in Business Development, Strategic Partnerships, Commercial Growth, E-commerce, Marketplace, Sales/Commercial Operations and Business Operations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Founder & Sustainability / Business

Current

DO. — Accountability Infrastructure Initiative

May 2026 - Present (4 months)

Developing a systems-design initiative focused on accountability infrastructure for sustainability, including frameworks for green claims, circular economy, and transparency. Conducting research, strategic analysis, and concept validation.

Sustainability Circular Economy Systems Thinking Behavioral Design Business Strategy Research Framework Development

Consultant

Stenders

Mar 2023 - Sep 2023 (6 months)

Developed marketplace-aligned go-to-market and expansion strategies for cross-border growth. Analyzed market trends and assortment gaps, and developed business cases for expansion initiatives.

Market Analysis Go To Market Strategy Business Case Development Feasibility Analysis Product Positioning Channel Strategy

Retail Area Manager (Wellness & E-commerce)

M.H. Alshaya

Jul 2018 - Dec 2022 (4 years 5 months)

Managed multi-site wellness and beauty retail operations across 20+ locations with €5.2M annual turnover. Delivered 20% YoY revenue growth, led omnichannel transformation, and launched concept stores exceeding sales forecasts by 45%.

Retail Operations P&L management Omnichannel Strategy Ecommerce KPI Analysis Inventory Management Team Leadership Customer Experience Visual Merchandising Forecasting Sales Performance operational optimization

Founder & E-commerce Director

Deluxe Balloons Doha

Oct 2019 - May 2022 (2 years 7 months)

Founded and operated a profitable e-commerce business from concept to commercial operation. Managed sourcing, supplier relationships, assortment, pricing, fulfilment, and customer acquisition, achieving profitability within the first year.

Ecommerce Business Development Supplier Management Digital Marketing Customer Acquisition Operations Pricing Assortment Planning

Sales Area Manager

Chalhoub Group

Oct 2015 - Sep 2017 (1 year 11 months)

Managed premium sports and lifestyle retail operations with €8.5M annual turnover. Implemented inventory optimization reducing holding costs by 15%, improved customer service by 25%, and supported exclusive brand launches.

Retail Operations Inventory Management Sales Performance Brand Management Visual Merchandising Customer Service Compliance Operational Efficiency

Brand Manager (B2B Partner& Procurement)

Abu Issa Holding Group

Mar 2014 - Jul 2015 (1 year 4 months)

Managed B2B relationships with 70+ international suppliers and brand partners. Negotiated an exclusive five-year regional agreement valued at €8.5M and represented the organization at international trade shows.

B2B Partnerships Supplier Negotiation Contract Negotiation Category Development Market Analysis Trade Shows Business Case Development

Area Manager — Luxury & Lifestyle

UNITED FASHION COMPANY

Sep 2008 - Dec 2013 (5 years 3 months)

Managed a luxury and lifestyle retail portfolio with €35M annual turnover. Led implementation of 15+ new stores, improved operational efficiency by 15%, and participated in buying meetings with international brands.

Luxury Retail Multi Site Operations Sales Performance Visual Merchandising Buying Brand Management Operational Efficiency team development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Universidad Europea de Madrid

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration

Activities and societies: MBA Strategic Business Project — Sustainable Consumer Wellness Venture

MBA with focus on Business Strategy, Commercial Management, Financial Analysis, Marketing, Operations, and Organisational Planning. Completed an MBA Strategic Business Project on a sustainable consumer wellness venture.