Role: Key Account Manager

Client: Performance and Lifestyle Footwear

Salary: £55,000 – £65,000

Location: England/National 

Are you passionate about the world of sports and lifestyle footwear? Do you thrive on building strong relationships and driving business growth?

Look no further – our client is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Key Account Manager to join their dedicated sales team!

As a leading global brand in athletic footwear, our client is committed to empowering individuals to move fearlessly and confidently. Throughout the years, they’ve not just been about selling shoes; they’re about fostering meaningful connections with their customers and partners to deliver exceptional experiences.

As our Key Account Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in nurturing and expanding the key account relationships across the UK. From managing existing accounts to identifying new opportunities, you’ll be at the forefront of driving revenue growth and brand presence in the market.

If you’re a strategic thinker with a proven track record in sales and account management, and you’re ready to take on the challenge of representing one of the most iconic names in athletic footwear, we want to hear from you!

Responsibilities:

• Develop strong relationships with current & new customers within the footwear sector. Enhance business partnerships through strong sales account plans which include product, distribution & marketing which reflect brand aspirations and our target to become the retailer’s brand of choice.
• Research, analyse and evaluate financial and market factors to capitalise on opportunities and minimise effects of competition within footwear sector.
• Build Strategic Partnerships on a “win/win” basis.
• Work closely with Sales Manager/Marketing Manager and Regional Sales Director, to help deliver powerful brand marketing campaigns with key account customers. Manage the process to final execution involving all relevant parties.
• Analyse open to buy, stock turns and sell through in order to impact sales plans with key account customers, and to win growth opportunities (Market Share).
• Work with product team to develop ranges targeted at key accounts.
• Coordinate training and visual merchandising support for key retail partners via marketing team in order to strengthen brand awareness and improve product presentation at retail.
• Work closely with Sales Manager and Regional Sales Director in relation to future sales plans, brand & product needs.
• Help with management of sales planning and product forecasting.
• Work to achieve the required sales and gross margin targets as defined by the brand group plan.
• As a senior member of the sales team, ensure strong communication links between all departments are maintained
• In conjunction with customer service, manage the ship to process.
• Manage to budget stock levels and ensure that sales are to forecast and plan.
• Perform duties consistent with the company’s policies & targeted objectives for the year relating to company’s appraisal scheme.
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by Sales Manager or Senior Management team.
• Attend and contribute during European Meetings and develop connections with other peers in Europe.

Experience and Skills

• Key accounts management experience with sales experience in Performance and/or fashion footwear environments within the region.
• Previous experience of working with our key accounts such as: JD Sports, Sports Direct, Runners Need, Decathlon or Go Outdoors.
• Able to demonstrate that they have significantly grown a key account business
• Implemented targeted marketing campaigns for key account businesses
• Experience of working on product development/product line management
• Provable negotiation and influencing skills
• Knowledge & experience of the apparel industry for future role development would be of benefit
• A degree/qualification in business, marketing, communications or equivalent work experience
• Good oral and written communication skills including English.
• IT proficient including Power Point, Excel and Word.
• Effective presentation and public speaking skills.
• Footwear product knowledge

Are you the person to drive forward this globally renowned brand?

If so, please contact me direct with you CV to