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- Tasks: Drive brand partnerships and manage the SMU process for JD Sports apparel.
- Company: Haddad Brands Europe distributes top children's apparel brands across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing company with a collaborative culture and impactful role in fashion.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in account management, strong commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Willingness to travel across Europe (~20%) is necessary.
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 the past 7 years, the company has experienced rapid growth and now employs over 500 people across the continent.
We distribute our products through wholesale — to major specialized or multi-brand retailers — and retail, via our branded corners in department stores.
In concrete terms, this means that 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 across the JD Group, we are looking for 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 and leverage data and retail insights for mutually profitable success.
Apparel Business Development
- Collaborate with the JD buying team to identify and pursue growth opportunities across key apparel categories.
- Analyze sales data, consumer trends, and market insights to inform seasonal planning and product strategy. Work with business planning and merchandising to create consumer-right and profitable assortments.
- Work closely with the JD Merchandising Manager to unlock exclusive product opportunities and enhance JD’s market differentiation.
- Support range planning, product selection, and go-to-market strategies in line with JD’s commercial objectives.
- Develop comprehensive Seasonal Account Plans, including long-term strategies and strategic pillars for sustained growth.
SMU Process Management
- Partner with JD Merchandising to drive the end-to-end SMU process from ideation to delivery, ensuring timelines, margin targets, and brand alignment.
- Support cross-functional collaboration with JD Buying, and Haddad NY and Europe teams across Design, Merchandising, and Marketing.
- Manage SMU critical path milestones and deadlines, ensuring full JD alignment.
- Maintain clear documentation, visibility, and communication of all SMU projects through internal systems.
- Achieve 95%+ On-time and in-full delivery (DIFOT) for all SMU ranges.
Skills and Experience:
- 5-7 years of experience in account management within fashion, sportswear, or retail industries.
- Strong commercial acumen 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.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; confident working with internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint); familiarity with product lifecycle or merchandising systems is a plus.
- Willingness to travel across Europe (~20%).
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment
- Collaborative and inclusive company culture
- Career growth potential within a leading global company
If you are a commercially-minded individual with the experience and drive to lead the Apparel business for the JD Group, we would love to hear from you!
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Key Account Manager - JD Sports 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 Sports
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the JD Group's brand positioning and their current apparel offerings. Understanding their market strategy will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fashion and retail industries, especially those who have experience with key account management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with buyers in the past. Highlight your ability to leverage data and insights to drive sales and product strategies, as this is crucial for the Key Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in children's apparel and the sportswear market. Being knowledgeable about current consumer preferences and market dynamics will demonstrate your passion for the industry and your readiness to contribute to the company's growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager - JD Sports
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in account management, particularly within the fashion or sportswear industries. Emphasise your commercial acumen and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Key Account Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the apparel industry and your understanding of the SMU process. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the growth of Haddad Brands Europe.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to mention your exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects in fast-paced environments, as this is crucial for the role.
Showcase Data-Driven Insights: Since the role involves analysing sales data and consumer trends, include any experience you have with data analysis. Mention tools you are proficient in, like Microsoft Excel, and how you've used data to inform product strategies in previous roles.
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 knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Data Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Highlight specific examples where you've analysed sales data or consumer trends to inform product strategies, as this is crucial for the Key Account Manager role.
✨Emphasise Relationship Management
Since the role involves managing relationships with JD Apparel buyers, share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained partnerships in the past. This will showcase your exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you would handle specific situations related to the SMU process or product assortment planning. Think through your approach to problem-solving and collaboration, as these are key aspects of the role.
