Commercial Lead, EMEA Lifestyle & Kids Footwear

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

The Commercial Head of Lifestyle and Kids Footwear will lead in the development and execution of the Lifestyle and Kids Footwear commercial strategy for the EMEA region, ensuring the brand meets its commercial objectives for the region. They will provide strategic, sales, planning and process leadership to drive growth and mutual profitability throughout the whole organization.

The ideal candidate for this role must be a proactive strategic thinker, an excellent communicator and an influencer. They will have a proven track record in sales leadership in the sports industry and will be able to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage expectations at all levels is required within this role. This role will require quarterly travel internationally. We offer hybrid working and a flexibility to working hours to accommodate for a healthy work life balance.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Responsible for category sales number, profitability and market share in Lifestyle and Kids Footwear across the EMEA Region for both wholesale and DTC.
• Key Leader in the EMEA Triad of sales, merchandising and marketing teams to align the overall strategy, and to build and implement an EMEA Plan to drive sustainable growth across Lifestyle and Kids Footwear.
• Understand EMEA specific market trends, retail landscape, and competitor dynamics to tailor the strategy effectively.
• Direct, influence and galvanise the local market category champions and market teams to consistently follow the strategic business plan for Lifestyle and Kids Footwear.
• Ongoing review of current retail partners to ensure we are focused on supporting and driving the right wholesale partners.
• Identify must win accounts to authenticate and drive the business forward.
• Build long term, sustainable relationships with DTC, Global KA, Strategic KA, Women’s KA and Energy accounts across Europe.
• Collaborate with Category and Channel Merchandising to align on distribution, product segmentation, pricing, flow and launch.
• Collaborate with Pricing Analyst and ensure any necessary actions are followed through.
• Collaborate with Marketing to drive improved brand presentation and consumer communication at wholesale both online and offline.
• Provide structured feedback to Category and Channel Merchandising, Operations and Marketing to identify areas of focus and ensure EMEA Lifestyle and Kids Footwear needs are met in full.
• Develop effective connections with global and other regional teams in order to develop best practices and learn from each other.
  
  

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Previous experience working within Lifestyle and Kids Footwear
• Strong EMEA market understanding across wholesale customers, DTC, consumers and competitors
• Expertise and knowledge of GTM process
• Managing and building relationships at Global, Regional and Local level
• Proven ability to establish strong and influential relationship with key wholesale partners
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, presentation and communication skills
• Strong eye for business with analytical skills and proficient with key commercial financial and merchandising metrics with the ability to translate this data to inform strategic action
• Highly organized and ability to work to tight deadlines
• Teammate and continuous improvement approach
• Champion for Lifestyle and Kids Footwear internally and externally
• Willing and able to travel internationally (estimate 30%)
  
  

BENEFITS:

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Life Insurance
• On Site Gym
• Employee Discount
• Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.