US Director of Independent Accounts, Footwear/Apparel/Lifestyle

At Lacoste, we think Life is a Beautiful Sport and hope you do too. If you want to be a part of a culture that values performance, innovation and joie de vivre then keep reading. Are you naturally competitive? Do others look to you for inspiration? Are you happy and upbeat? Do you want to play on the best team? If you answered yes, we want to talk to you! Lacoste strives to hire only the very best players who are at the top of their game.

Summary Description :

The US Director of Independent Accounts is responsible for Independents wholesale sales of the Footwear, Apparel and Lifestyle collections for Lacoste. In addition, this position is responsible for 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 independents 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 through management of a team of account managers.

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, preferably with Key Account management and sales administration, merchandising and marketplace management in the apparel industry
• 3+ years of management; ideally with demonstrated remote management ability
• Knowledge of managing an e-commerce product catalog including product copy, attributes, categorization and pricing
• 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:

Accountable -
Providing answers to questions
Proposing solutions
Integrating our role as a global economic player  

Collaborative -
Succeeding together
Working together
Sharing information
Trusting each other  

Caring -
Respecting our people
Caring for customers
Different points of view
Concern for others  

Audacious -
Taking risks
Being creative & innovative
Following the less taken path
Creating value

At Lacoste, we think Life is a Beautiful Sport and hope you do too. If you want to be a part of a culture that values performance, innovation and joie de vivre then keep reading. Are you naturally competitive? Do others look to you for inspiration? Are you happy and upbeat? Do you want to play on the best team? If you answered yes, we want to talk to you! Lacoste strives to hire only the very best players who are at the top of their game.

Summary Description :

The US Director of Independent Accounts is responsible for Independents wholesale sales of the Footwear, Apparel and Lifestyle collections for Lacoste. In addition, this position is responsible for 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 independents 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 through management of a team of account managers.

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, preferably with Key Account management and sales administration, merchandising and marketplace management in the apparel industry
• 3+ years of management; ideally with demonstrated remote management ability
• Knowledge of managing an e-commerce product catalog including product copy, attributes, categorization and pricing
• 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:

Accountable -
Providing answers to questions
Proposing solutions
Integrating our role as a global economic player  

Collaborative -
Succeeding together
Working together
Sharing information
Trusting each other  

Caring -
Respecting our people
Caring for customers
Different points of view
Concern for others  

Audacious -
Taking risks
Being creative & innovative
Following the less taken path
Creating value