New Balance - Strategic Key Account Manager, Apparel (m/w/d) - Düsseldorf

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.

Are you ready to make a real impact within a globally recognized brand and lead growth within one of our key category’s? As our new Strategic Key Account Manager for Apparel, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape and elevate our apparel category within strategic key accounts across Germany, Benelux, and Austria. This is a role where your expertise will directly influence the future of New Balance apparel in a fast-evolving industry.

You will take ownership of developing and driving our Apparel strategy across key accounts, including the European strategic key accounts, Zalando and Snipes, to unlock and maximize New Balance’s potential in this critical category. As the Strategic Key Account Manager, Apparel, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the apparel strategy is cohesive, impactful, and responsive to consumer trends across digital and brick-and-mortar channels.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, implement, and evolve the Apparel strategy across accounts in line with volume goals, working with GBU Sales Managers and Country Manager.
• Market Expertise: Cultivate a deep understanding of the European landscape, analysing competitor activities, product trends, and market variations.
• Category Development: Create specific strategies for Zalando, Snipes, and other key accounts, ensuring alignment with consumer demand, growth targets, and cross-functional goals.
• Collaboration: Work with EMEA Product and Channel Merchandise teams to deliver in-line and SMU product assortments that meet market needs.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Regularly share Apparel strategy updates with internal teams, providing insights and securing cross-functional alignment.
• Forecasting & Order Management: Develop precise forecasts and collaborate on order management to minimize cancellations and optimize replenishment.
• Sales Team Development: Equip the sales team with training to enhance their understanding of the apparel category and drive impactful execution.

Sell Through & Inventory Management:

• Data-Driven Analysis: Track weekly sell-through data and proactively manage stock levels to prevent gaps and reduce excess inventory.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate on forecasting efforts and take action on monthly and seasonal product performance.
• Replenishment & Optimization: Continuously assess sales data to refine replenishment strategies, ensuring in-demand items are well-stocked.

Communication:

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as the main advocate for the Apparel category, fostering collaboration across EMEA & Global teams.
• Account Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with key accounts through regular meetings and provide feedback on market trends and competitor products.
• Internal & External Alignment: Engage with internal stakeholders and support external decision-makers with insights into strategic account opportunities.

Efficiency & Organizational Knowledge:

• Operational Excellence: Utilize Office systems and adhere to New Balance policies to maintain smooth order processes and data accuracy.
• Strategic Budgeting: Collaborate with the Trade Marketing Managers to develop tailored activities with key accounts.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Education: Degree in Sports, Fashion, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience: Proven experience within key account management, with a significant level of experience, particularly in sport or fashion sectors.
• Skills: Strong communication and negotiation abilities; team player mindset; knowledge of local and regional market dynamics.
• Brand Affinity: Passion for the New Balance brand and products.
• Agility: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to agile working methods.

If you are passionate about driving growth in a dynamic and impactful role, are a true team player, and are ready to make a significant contribution to the future of New Balance’s apparel category, we want to hear from you! Join us and be part of a collaborative team dedicated to making a difference.

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.