Account Manager, Lifestyle

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 core purpose of this role is to build and cultivate long-term, sustainable partnerships with independent retailers across the Lifestyle sector. By strengthening brand presence and growing distribution, the role will drive sales growth and contribute directly to achieving our strategic objectives across the UK & Ireland market.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Sales Engagement:

• Cultivate & strengthen long-term, sustainable relationships with Lifestyle accounts, ensuring multi-level engagement.
• Collaborate with accounts to design comprehensive product assortments, supporting preorder readiness and improving sell-through potential.
• Lead and facilitate seasonal line plan meetings and quarterly sell-in sessions with accounts.
• Consistently achieve or exceed sales targets for both footwear and apparel, aligned with our overall strategy.
• Maintain a proactive approach to forecasting monthly orderbook conversion, providing regular updates.
• Maintain an up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of our product range.
• Offer realistic account performance plans and forecasts.

Sales Performance Analysis:

• Continuously track & analyse sell-out data and order books for all accounts.
• Collaborate closely with the sales planning team to support seasonal product forecasting.
• Develop action plans to enhance monthly order book conversion rates.
• Oversee inventory management and monitor stock replenishment, working in coordination with customer services, marketing, and finance teams.

Effective Communication:

• Deliver insightful feedback on our product performance and competitor intelligence.
• Spend time engaging with accounts in the marketplace.
• Occasional travel to the headquarters of New Balance as needed.

Operational Efficiency:

• Efficiently supervise end-to-end order book management, from sales order placement to on-time delivery, ensuring regular order reconciliation.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of and adherence to New Balance policies and procedures.
• Serve as a consistent and reliable point of contact for all sales-related issues.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Proven ability to build, strengthen, and sustain diverse relationships with key stakeholders and retail partners.
• Proven success in sales, negotiation, and account management, with a track record of driving revenue growth.
• Strong communication skills, including written, oral, and presentation abilities.
• Strong planning and organizational capabilities, adept at handling multiple priorities and delivering against deadlines.
• Willingness to travel within the UK.
• Authentic passion for sports, fashion, and lifestyle culture, with a strong personal connection to the New Balance brand.
• Collaborative team player, able to work cross-functionally and contribute to collective success.
• Commitment to continuous learning and self-development.

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.

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