At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow retail accounts while driving sales and brand representation.
- Company: Ridgeline, an outdoor clothing brand with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, birthday off, and generous staff discounts.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the outdoor apparel industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Autonomous role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Field-Based (Midlands) | Hybrid | Head Office – Rugby, Warwickshire
We’re looking for a commercially driven Wholesale Account Manager to manage and grow a portfolio of national and independent retail accounts across the Midlands. This is a highly autonomous, field-based role focused on driving sales growth, managing national retail relationships and delivering strong seasonal order commitments. You’ll play a key role in representing the Ridgeline brand across the UK retail landscape.
Ridgeline is an outdoor clothing brand rooted in New Zealand’s outdoor heritage and trusted by those who work and live outdoors. Ridgeline clothing is stocked by leading rural, country and outdoor retailers across the UK and internationally.
The Role:
The Account Manager will manage a portfolio of wholesale and retail accounts, working closely with buyers, store teams and internal departments to drive sales performance and ensure the Ridgeline brand is represented effectively in-store. This role combines sales, relationship management, merchandising and commercial analysis to maximise account performance and identify new opportunities for growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Account Management & Sales Growth
- Manage and develop a portfolio of national and independent retail accounts.
- Drive sales growth by identifying opportunities within existing customers.
- Build strong relationships with buyers, store managers and retail partners.
- Seasonal Presales & Orderbook Management
- Lead the seasonal presales process, securing forward-order commitments.
- Manage the orderbook to ensure sales targets and delivery timelines are achieved.
- Support credit control processes and assist with resolving account queries.
- Retail Store & Merchandising Visits
- Conduct regular store visits to monitor brand presentation and product performance.
- Support retailers with merchandising guidance and product training.
- Ensure Ridgeline’s brand standards and visual merchandising guidelines are maintained.
- Commercial Analysis
- Analyse sales data to identify opportunities for growth within the account portfolio.
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform strategy.
- Provide insights to internal teams to support product planning and commercial decision-making.
- Brand Partnerships & Projects
- Manage dual-branding projects and commercial partnerships with retailers.
- Represent Ridgeline at trade shows and retail events where required.
About You:
Essential
- Proven experience as an Account Manager or similar commercial role managing B2B or wholesale accounts.
- Strong foundation in numeracy and literacy (GCSE or equivalent).
- Experience leading seasonal presales processes and securing forward orders.
- Demonstrated history of conducting store visits and merchandising reviews to drive commercial results and maintain brand standards.
- Strong commercial management of accounts including sales analysis, orderbook oversight and resolving invoice or credit queries.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Strong IT skills with intermediate Excel capabilities (lookups, logical functions, pivot tables).
- Experience working within the apparel or fashion industry, ideally with national retailers.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage complex account issues.
- Knowledge of Brand Protection principles to ensure brand integrity.
Desirable
- Relevant degree or professional qualification in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related commercial discipline.
Requirements
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel extensively across the UK for multiple overnight stays, trade shows and retail visits.
- Physical capability to work long hours in a physically demanding environment.
Personal Attributes:
- Commercially driven and focused on delivering results.
- Highly autonomous with excellent organisational skills.
- Confident negotiator with strong influencing ability.
- Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced commercial environment.
Why Join Ridgeline:
- Join a growing outdoor brand with international heritage.
- Work closely with retailers and partners across the UK.
- Autonomy to manage your own accounts and drive commercial success.
- Competitive Salary.
- Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme.
- Company Vehicle, Laptop and Mobile Phone.
- Your Birthday as a day off.
- Generous staff discount scheme.
- Company Pension Scheme.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you - apply now or get in touch to find out more - jamesm@ridgelineclothing.co.uk
Wholesale Account Manager (Midlands) – Outdoor Apparel employer: Ridgeline of New Zealand
Contact Detail:
Ridgeline of New Zealand Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Wholesale Account Manager (Midlands) – Outdoor Apparel
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Ridgeline's values, products, and market position. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events or trade shows where Ridgeline might be present. Making connections with current employees or other industry professionals can give you insider info and boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to account management and sales growth. Think about specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Wholesale Account Manager (Midlands) – Outdoor Apparel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Wholesale Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing B2B accounts and any relevant achievements that showcase your sales growth skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about outdoor apparel and how your skills align with Ridgeline's values. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with buyers and retail partners. Share examples of how you've successfully managed accounts and driven sales through collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeline of New Zealand
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Wholesale Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on sales data analysis and be ready to discuss how you've driven sales growth in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've used data to identify opportunities and make informed decisions.
✨Build Rapport with Retailers
Relationship management is key in this role. Before the interview, think about how you can showcase your ability to build strong relationships with buyers and store teams. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your communication skills and how you've successfully navigated complex account issues.
✨Showcase Your Merchandising Skills
Since you'll be conducting store visits and providing merchandising guidance, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Bring examples of how you've improved brand presentation and product performance in past roles. This will show your understanding of the importance of visual merchandising.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy
This role requires a high level of autonomy, so be ready to discuss how you've managed your own accounts and driven results independently. Share specific instances where you've taken initiative and adapted to challenges in a fast-paced environment, showcasing your problem-solving skills.