Key Account Manager

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:

To manage and deliver sales goals for defined National and European Key Accounts.

To build long term plans and sustainable relationships with key retailers in partnership with NB France and EMEA.

This position is based in Paris. Travel is expected in France and Europe.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Produce strategic plan for each key retailers and categories.
• Build long term, sustainable relationships with Key Accounts and ensure multi-level contact.
• Responsibility for Key Accounts’ sales and product forecasting.
• Forecast monthly orderbook conversion on a weekly basis by account.
• Deliver sales targets.
• Develop action plans to achieve monthly/quarterly/annual goals and to rectify sales gaps.
• Work with Customer Services/Key Account Co-ordinator to maximise service levels.
• Provide structured monthly feedback on product to Marketing and Merchandising Department.
• Work closely with Finance/Credit Control to resolve payment issues.
• Effectively manage order book from sales order to on time delivery – Including order reconciliation, price checks, order tracker, order phasing etc.
• Work with the Marketing team to develop specific budget co-op activities with targeted Key Accounts.
• To obtain Weekly sell through data from accounts and act on the data provided.
• Create a product assortment plan for each account across all categories in line with account and brand strategies.
• Drive assortment plans with the National organization & different Category Manager.
• Control and participate in the application of stores plans : distribution, products activations, marketing event, sports marketing event.
• Be a performance products expert : store checks, trainings.

KEY CONTACTS

• Internal – Sales Team, Customer Services, Marketing, Product Footwear and Apparel, Supply Chain, Finance, Demand Planning
• External – Key Accounts (multi-level)

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Excellent English skills
• Master’s degree
• At least 5 years practical experience as a Sales Representative, Category Manager, Key Account Manager in the Sport, Fashion or FMCG industry, or retail experience at buying/merchandising level.
• Good knowledge of the sports market and the requirements of Key Accounts.
• High affinity to the brand, interest in sports.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Familiar with forecasts and sales planning.
• Strong sales and customer orientation.
• Sensitive in handling Key Accounts and communicating with different levels.
• Planning and organisational ability
• Understanding of operational requirements internally and externally
• Business oriented
• Strong adaptability and proactivity
• Team player

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.