At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global distribution and licensing strategies to optimise product delivery and drive sales growth.
- Company: Join Castore, a premium sportswear brand dedicated to making athletes better.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, 25 days leave, and generous staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced brand that values innovation and sustainability in sportswear.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior distribution roles and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Distribution and Licensing role at Castore. Castore exists for one single reason: to make athletes better. Our ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in our DNA and something we strive to live every single day. We utilise advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best.
The Role
The Head of Distribution and Licensing will be responsible for leading and optimising our global distribution and brand licensing strategy, ensuring efficient, scalable, and customer‑centric delivery of products across all channels. This role will oversee third‑party distribution network, order book management, stakeholder coordination and licensing of both the Castore and Belstaff brands in key categories, playing a critical role in supporting commercial growth and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a global distribution strategy aligned with commercial objectives.
- Lead cross‑functional initiatives to optimise sales performance, improve delivery performance, cost efficiency, and scalability.
- Develop and execute an effective brand licensing strategy for both Castore and Belstaff brands in key categories and markets.
- Sales Growth Objectives
- Define and deliver distribution strategies that support revenue growth across wholesale, retail, and e‑commerce channels in markets of strategic importance.
- Identify and unlock new market opportunities through strategic distribution and licensing partnerships.
- Collaborate with commercial teams to forecast demand, align inventory availability, and maximise sell‑through.
- Monitor and report on sales performance across distributed channels, driving continuous improvement and maximising revenue opportunities.
- Internal Collaboration
- Act as a key liaison with internal Operations and Merchandising teams to ensure alignment on product flow, timelines, and inventory planning.
- Support Go‑To‑Market planning by coordinating distribution readiness across internal and external stakeholders.
- Network Coordination
- Build and coordinate a high‑performing network team across multiple geographies.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration.
- Performance & Analytics
- Monitor KPIs such as OTIF (On‑Time In‑Full), inventory turnover, and delivery accuracy.
- Use data‑driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
- Sustainability & Innovation
- Drive initiatives to reduce environmental impact across distribution operations.
- Explore and implement innovative solutions such as automation, AI, and green logistics.
- Partner & Vendor Management
- Lead the relationship with external distribution partners, including quarterly business reviews (QBRs), stock management, commercial negotiations, and invoicing.
- Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to ensure high performance and cost‑effectiveness.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior distribution role, ideally within the apparel or sporting goods or consumer goods sector.
- Evidence of a rich network of distributors globally and an embedded experience of managing distribution partnerships.
- Proven track record of sales growth through brand distribution and licences in targeted geographies.
- Demonstrate an excellent understanding of licensing established brands in new markets and categories.
- Experience managing 3PLs and international distribution networks.
- Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Analytical mindset with proficiency in supply chain systems and performance metrics.
- Passion for sport, innovation, and sustainability.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Modern city centre office in Manchester
- An opportunity to work with global sporting partners
- Office breakout space with pool tables, dart board and TVs
- A chance to build a career with a fast paced, high growth brand
- Employee assistance programme
- Generous staff discount
Seniority Level: Executive
Employment Type: Contract
Job Function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Marketing Services
Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Head of Distribution and Licensing in Bury employer: Castore
Contact Detail:
Castore Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Distribution and Licensing in Bury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend events related to distribution and licensing. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about making connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Castore’s ethos and values. Understand their commitment to innovation and performance enhancement. We want to see your passion for sportswear and how you can contribute to their mission of making athletes better.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive sales growth or improve distribution strategies in the past. We love seeing candidates who can back up their experience with solid metrics and results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Castore team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Distribution and Licensing in Bury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Distribution and Licensing role. Highlight your experience in distribution, licensing, and any relevant achievements that align with Castore's ethos of innovation and performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about sportswear and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the market and how you can contribute to Castore’s growth.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, we want to see examples of your leadership experience. Share specific instances where you've led teams or projects that resulted in significant improvements or innovations in distribution or licensing.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining the Castore team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Castore
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Castore's ethos and product offerings. Understand their commitment to innovation and how they differentiate themselves in the sportswear market. This knowledge will help you align your experience with their vision and demonstrate your passion for the brand.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Distribution and Licensing, you'll need to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed teams or projects. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive performance, as this will resonate well with their focus on operational excellence.
✨Be Data-Driven
Castore values analytical insights for continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to optimise distribution strategies or improve sales performance in previous roles. Bring specific metrics or KPIs that showcase your impact, as this will underline your analytical mindset.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Innovation
With a strong focus on reducing environmental impact, be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or been part of that align with sustainability. Share innovative ideas you've implemented in past roles, especially those that could translate to Castore's distribution operations.