Head of Retail, Central Territory – EMEA

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Germany, +2 more countries.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement the retail strategy for the cluster in alignment with EMEA priorities.

• Focus on prioritizing investments, local initiatives, and resource distribution to enhance market share, margin, and customer loyalty.

• Oversee commercial strategies that drive top-line growth and margin performance, encompassing pricing, assortment, promotions, and productivity.

• Establish ambitious targets and hold the region accountable for their achievement.

• Adapt global campaigns and assortments into plans that resonate locally.

• Leverage sales, traffic, inventory, and CRM analytics to pinpoint opportunities and potential risks.

• Initiate measures to enhance conversion rates, average transaction value (ATV), and stock turnover.

• Ensure the consistent application of New Balance operational standards across all owned and operated stores.

• Integrate audit, compliance, and loss-prevention practices.

• Collaborate with the expansion team on site selection, opening strategies, and post-opening performance initiatives.

• Manage regional operating expenses, shrinkage objectives, and stock control procedures.

• Protect visual merchandising, service standards, and local marketing initiatives.

• Directly manage Area Managers within the Central territory.

• Set clear objectives, conduct performance and talent assessments, and promote coaching and skill development.

• Enhance team strength through development plans, training programs, and succession planning.

• Serve as a liaison between field operations and EMEA functions, including Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, and Finance.

• Influence decisions regarding assortment, allocation, and trade marketing.

• Maintain relationships with landlords, shopping center operators, and key retail partners.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5+ years in area/territory management with increasing levels of responsibility.

• Demonstrated success in multi-market retail leadership, preferably in sportswear, footwear, or lifestyle retail sectors.

• Possess an executive presence and strong commercial acumen.

• Proven history of developing capabilities in dispersed or remote teams.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Experience with P&L management and budget oversight.

• Knowledgeable in audit practices, shrinkage control, and retail operations.

• Entrepreneurial, adaptable to change, and able to work independently.

• Comfortable leading from a distance.

• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting, influencing, and engaging with teams effectively.

• Fluent in English and one or more local languages.

• Willingness to travel extensively within the cluster, with flexibility during peak periods, averaging 70–80% of the time.

• Availability to work flexibly, including weekends and during peak trading times.

• A valid EU driving license is mandatory.

🏝️ Benefits

• An equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering equality and promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Workplace support and reasonable accommodations are available for associates who need them.