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- Tasks: Drive brand partnerships and manage the SMU process for JD's apparel.
- Company: Haddad Brands Europe distributes top children's apparel brands across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing company and make an impact in the fashion industry.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in account management with a passion for fashion and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Willingness to travel across Europe is required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Haddad Brands Europe, founded in 2017, specializes in distributing children’s apparel under exclusive licenses (Nike, Levi’s, Converse, Jordan, Polo Ralph Lauren…) across Europe.
Operational for 7 years, the company has experienced rapid growth and now employs over 500 people across the continent.
We distribute products through wholesale — to major specialized or multi-brand retailers — and retail, via our branded corners in department stores.
In concrete terms, if you\’re buying kidswear (ages 0–7 for Nike, 0–16 for Levi’s, Converse, and Jordan), whether in-store, online, in the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe, the product has passed through us — even if purchased in an official Nike or Levi’s store!
To support the growth of our Apparel category within the JD Group, we are seeking a Key Account Manager in the UK.
Key Responsibilities:
This role is crucial in driving strategic brand partnerships, managing the end-to-end SMU (Special Make-Up) process, and delivering innovative, consumer-focused product assortments aligned with JD’s brand positioning and business goals. The Key Account Manager will manage relationships with JD Apparel buyers, utilizing data and retail insights to achieve mutually profitable commercial success.
Apparel Business Development
- Collaborate with the JD buying team to identify and pursue growth opportunities in key Apparel categories.
- Analyze sales data, consumer trends, and market insights to guide seasonal planning and product strategy, working with business planning and merchandising to create profitable, consumer-relevant assortments.
- Partner with the JD Merchandising Manager to identify exclusive product opportunities and strengthen JD’s market position.
- Support range planning, product selection, and go-to-market strategies in line with JD’s commercial goals.
- Create comprehensive Seasonal Account Plans with long-term strategies and strategic pillars for sustained growth.
SMU Process Management
- Work with the JD Merchandising manager to oversee the SMU process from concept to delivery, ensuring timelines, margins, and brand consistency.
- Coordinate with JD Buying, and Haddad NY and Europe teams across Design, Merchandising, and Marketing to execute SMU concepts.
- Manage critical milestones and deadlines, maintaining full alignment with JD.
- Document and communicate all SMU projects effectively through internal systems.
- Achieve over 95% on-time and in-full delivery (DIFOT) for all SMU ranges.
Skills and Experience:
- 5-7 years in account management within fashion, sportswear, or retail industries.
- Strong commercial sense with a passion for product and understanding of sell-through drivers.
- Experience with branded apparel and familiarity with SMU or product customization is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, confident in working with internal teams and external partners.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with product lifecycle or merchandising systems is a plus.
- Willingness to travel across Europe (~20%).
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Opportunity in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment
- Collaborative and inclusive culture
- Career growth potential within a leading global company
If you are a commercially-minded individual with experience and drive in the Apparel sector for the JD Group, we would love to hear from you!
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Key Account Manager - JD Sport employer: HADDAD BRANDS EUROPE
Contact Detail:
HADDAD BRANDS EUROPE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager - JD Sport
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key players in the apparel industry, especially those related to JD Sport. Understanding their product lines and market strategies will help you speak their language during interviews and demonstrate your knowledge of the sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fashion and sportswear industries. Attend relevant trade shows or events where you can meet potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture at Haddad Brands Europe.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed key accounts in the past. Highlight your experience with data analysis and how it has driven sales growth, as this is crucial for the Key Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the SMU process by researching how it works within the apparel industry. Being able to articulate your knowledge of this process will set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager - JD Sport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company: Familiarise yourself with Haddad Brands Europe and their product offerings. Highlight your understanding of their brands like Nike, Levi’s, and Converse in your application to show you are aligned with their values.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant experience in account management within the fashion or retail industries. Emphasise your achievements in driving sales and managing key accounts, particularly in apparel.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the apparel sector and your commercial acumen. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and driven growth in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight skills that are crucial for the role, such as data analysis, relationship-building, and project management. Use specific examples to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas.
How to prepare for a job interview at HADDAD BRANDS EUROPE
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with the brands you’ll be working with, such as Nike, Levi’s, and Converse. Understand their market positioning, target audience, and recent trends in children's apparel to demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and retail insights in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where your analysis led to successful product assortments or sales strategies, as this role heavily relies on data-driven decision-making.
✨Emphasise Relationship Management
Since the role involves managing relationships with JD Apparel buyers, share experiences that showcase your communication and relationship-building skills. Discuss how you've successfully collaborated with internal teams and external partners in past positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations related to the SMU process or product selection. Think of examples from your experience where you managed timelines, coordinated with teams, or overcame challenges to ensure successful project delivery.
