Retail Area Manager, South UK

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Ideally based near one of the stores in the Southern part of the UK.

As an Area Manager, you are accountable for the commercial performance, operational excellence and people leadership across a defined group of New Balance stores within your Area. You ensure consistent execution of New Balance retail standards, drive KPI performance, develop Store Managers and teams, and identify opportunities for continuous performance improvement. You are a visible leader in-store, a strong operational partner, and a brand ambassador who role-models New Balance values at all times. The role requires a high level of autonomy, strong field presence and frequent store visits, typically spending 4-5 days per week in stores, depending on business needs.

Major Accountabilities

• Commercial Performance & KPI Delivery: Own and drive store performance across your Area against agreed KPIs including sales, conversion, UPT, ATV/AOV, productivity and margin drivers. Use commercial reports, walkthroughs and dashboard insights to identify risks and opportunities. Partner with Store Managers to build and execute robust action plans that improve performance. Provide timely, structured performance updates and insights to the Head of Retail for area.
• Operational Excellence & Compliance: Ensure full and consistent execution of all New Balance operational standards. Conduct regular store audits, follow up on findings, and ensure corrective actions are completed on time. Own mystery shop results and action plans, driving sustained improvements in service and customer experience. Attend and support stocktakes, perform spot checks, and deliver post-stocktake action plans.
• Loss Prevention & Cost Control: Support Store Managers in loss prevention best practices, cash handling and security procedures. Review cash collections, petty cash, store floats and cash management processes. Monitor shrinkage results, investigate variances, and elevate risks appropriately. Manage controllable in-store costs with strong cost discipline.
• People Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, coach and develop Store Managers through regular feedback, in-store coaching and performance reviews. Build strong store leadership capability and succession pipelines within the Area. Oversee store-level HR activities including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, payroll accuracy, holiday planning, training and development. Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture aligned with New Balance values.
• Stakeholder & Regional Collaboration: Act as the primary operational contact for stores within your Area. Support the Head of Retail S/N/C through accurate reporting, project support and ad-hoc analysis where required. Collaborate with cross-functional partners (HR, Finance, VM, Operations) to support effective store execution. Travel within the EMEA region as required to support business priorities.

Requirements for Success

• Experience & Capability: Proven experience in retail management within multi-store or area management. Strong track record of delivering sales targets and operational KPIs. Demonstrated people leadership experience, including coaching and developing Store Managers. Solid understanding of retail operations, audits, shrinkage and cost control.
• Skills & Attributes: Strong commercial acumen and analytical skills. Ability to prioritise, plan and manage multiple stores effectively. High attention to detail with a continuous improvement mindset. Comfortable working autonomously in a field-based, remotely managed role. Strong communication skills with the ability to present, influence and engage teams. Proficient in MS Excel and retail systems.
• Additional Requirements: Fluent in English. Flexible availability, including weekends and peak trading periods. High mobility within the assigned Area and region. Valid EU driving license (mandatory).

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.