At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and manage strategic partnerships with key accounts in the UK.
- Company: Join a leading brand in outdoor apparel with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, staff discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with iconic brands.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 45000 £ per year.
Full‑time, Permanent position, Field‑based role (VF offices and Showrooms in London and Manchester, UK). Salary: £37,000 – £45,000 + bonus.
About the Role
Smartwool and icebreaker are looking for an exceptional Key Account Manager to join our team in London/Manchester, United Kingdom. In line with the strategy of the brands, you will develop and manage long‑term partnerships with key strategic accounts and field accounts based in the UK territory. You will be responsible for meeting brand and financial targets in line with the overall EMEA strategy and financial plan.
How You Will Make a Difference
- Strategy: Build a holistic, consumer‑centric strategic plan for the market, ensuring sales, merchandising, and marketing needs of the different segments are assessed and developed accordingly.
- Business Development: Research, identify and develop sustainable business opportunities in assigned territories aligned with the brand’s key accounts strategy.
- Sales Planning: Set top‑down and bottom‑up financial targets per market segment, key account, and distribution channel aligned with the brand’s financial plan. Define and execute action plans to hit revenue and profit targets. Lead merchandising segmentation and differentiation strategy across the key accounts, building the base for sustainable growth. Own the Go To Market process for the region, ensuring brand objectives and key initiatives are set, executed, and measured against GTM targets in collaboration with the Senior Sales Manager.
- Sales Management: Develop and provide accurate forecast and reporting files aligned with the brand’s GTM process. Meet key accounts and implement strategic business review processes to create sustainable plans and mutually beneficial partnerships. Plan and execute sell‑in meetings in line with seasonal sales campaigns, with direct responsibility for the brand showroom. Monitor business progress by tracking seasonal pre‑orders, re‑orders, and weekly calls with key accounts and headquarters. Collaborate with marketing to co‑develop and execute sales and marketing initiatives for key accounts across all territories. Coordinate with Ops and Sales Ops teams (demand and supply planning) to ensure market demand is met with on‑time deliveries, deadlines, and assortment needs.
Skills for Success
- A hands‑on, committed, high‑energy team builder with a proactive approach and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Drive to achieve targets, reporting metrics, and demonstrate analytical skills to improve results.
- Self‑driven professional and effective communicator with the ability to network, negotiate, and influence at different levels, both externally and internally.
- Analytical and strategic thinker.
- True passion for the brands.
- Fluent in English; additional foreign language considered a plus.
- Role involves travel; flexible approach and clean driving licence are essential.
A formal education and subsequent university bachelor or master’s degree are nice to have, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
What’s in it for You
- A supportive feedback‑based culture where respect and integrity guide us.
- An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together.
- Be part of an iconic portfolio of brands in a multi‑brand, multi‑country organization.
- Staff discount across the VF portfolio.
- Break‑out areas offering complimentary hot drinks.
Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a purpose‑led, performance‑driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to supporting disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.
Join Us
If you like what you have read and want to join our team, we would like to hear from you!
Strategic Key Account Manager – UK Brand Partnerships employer: Icebreaker
At VF, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive feedback-based culture that values respect and integrity. Our inclusive international environment fosters collaboration among diverse backgrounds, providing employees with unique opportunities for growth within our iconic portfolio of brands. With competitive salaries, staff discounts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, working as a Strategic Key Account Manager in London or Manchester means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to achieving meaningful results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Key Account Manager – UK Brand Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its values, especially around brand partnerships. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to share specific examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. It shows initiative and helps us get to know you better right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Key Account Manager – UK Brand Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Key Account Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in strategic planning and business development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about Smartwool and Icebreaker, and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've met or exceeded targets in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Icebreaker
✨Know Your Brands Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Smartwool and Icebreaker. Understand their values, product lines, and market positioning. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the brands and show how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in account management, business development, and strategic planning. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires analytical thinking, be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've set financial targets or developed action plans based on market research to illustrate your strategic mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's strategy, culture, and future goals. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations and values.
