Summary Description:
The US Director of Footwear & Leathergoods is responsible for Independents and overseeing Key Accounts. In addition, maintaining high level of brand standards in all locations in their market to be in line with global standards, and to ensure that sales, profit, visual, and merchandising goals are met and exceeded. He or she will be responsible to define and implement the Commercial strategy, (including Sell In and Sell Out plan), and be the owner of the MTP for all independents, with a strong focus on Sales, Margin, Expenses and Operating Revenue. Lead and mentor Key Account Manager.
Lacoste aims to provide excellent sales support to all our retail partners. We are seeking a seasoned wholesale sales expert with a proven track record of sales success through managing teams to represent our brand. The successful candidate will have previous experience with a premium Sport/lifestyle/fashion brand, strong communication skills and a passion for the industry.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
Identify market trends, be aware of competitor activity and report back key data monthly to the relevant business functions
Build a strategic marketing calendar to promote both sell in and sell out
Manage the seasonal sell in process with all of our partners
Ensure product sell ins are merchandised to ensure clear brand expression
Elevate the brand perception and customer experience in all Independent wholesale touch points and specially redevelop trendy Boutiques
Build effective business relationships with customers
With partnership of the account manager team, always be continually analyzing the opportunities of each account to maximize sales, and adjust strategy based off of identified opportunity
Pioneer new dynamic wholesale partnerships while focusing on the brand's elevated position in the market assortments to specific channels of business
Plan and track account distribution, volume and revenue taking any necessary action to ensure targets are profitably achieved
Working within agreed upon parameters, ensure that all payment terms are adhered to and ordered are delivered in a timely manner
Plan and participate in industry trade shows and local events/selling days
Requirements/Qualifications:
- 5+ years of sales experience, with Independent and Key Account management and sales administration, merchandising and marketplace management in the footwear & apparel industry
- 3+ years of management
- Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with external vendors and accounts
- Possess computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Strong financial and analytical skills
- Must have strong communication skills including face-to-face meetings, email, phone, and writing
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with ability to work cross functionally between departments, external providers and remote teams
Core Values and Traits:
Play as One Team:
- Showing respect towards everyone
- Commitment for the team’s work and decisions
Play with Elegance:
- Striving for excellence
- Treating others with fair play and humility
Play by Daring:
- Having the courage to speak up, experiment and take initiative
- To explore new opportunities
Play with Tenacity:
- Constantly seek continuous improvement
- Learning from our failures