Key Account Manager in London

Full-time, Permanent position

Field based role (VF offices and Showrooms in London and Manchester, UK)

Salary: £37,000 - £45,000 + bonus

Our merino wool stands out from the rest. We ensure the use of the highest-quality merino wool by fostering close relationships with our growers and upholding rigorous care standards for their flock.

We were the first outdoor company to create performance Merino wool ski socks, revolutionising the category and forever changing the way outdoor enthusiasts viewed their feet. Since then, we’ve continued to innovate and perfect our craft, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Merino wool.

Merino wool is the key ingredient in almost every item we make. It’s soft, manages moisture, regulates temperature, and resists odours. Merino wool is what makes our base layers, hiking socks, running socks, and other outdoor apparel so incredibly comfortable and effective in any condition.

Let’s Talk about the Role

Smartwool and Icebreaker is 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’ll develop and manage long-term partnerships with our Key strategic key 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, making sure sales, merchandising, and marketing needs of the different segments are assessed and developed accordingly.
• Business development: Aligned with the brand's Key Accounts' strategy, research, identify and develop sustainable business opportunities in assigned territories.
• Sales Planning: Aligned with the brand's financial plan, set top-down and bottom-up financial targets per Market segment, Key Account and Distribution channel. Define and execute the action plan to hit revenue and profit targets. Lead a merchandising segmentation and differentiation strategy across the Key Accounts, building the base for sustainable growth. Aligned with Senior Sales Manager, own the Go To Market process for the Region, making sure the Brand's objectives and key initiatives are set, executed and measured against the GTM targets.
• Sales Management: Develop and provide accurate forecast and reporting files in line with the brands' GTM process. Meet top accounts and implement strategic meetings business review processes to create sustainable plans and mutual beneficial partnership. Plan and execute sell in meetings in line with the seasonal sales campaigns, with direct responsibility of the showroom of the brand. Monitor business progress by tracking seasonal pre-orders, re-orders and weekly calls with KA and HQ. Integrated collaboration with Marketing department to co-develop and execute sales & marketing initiatives for Key Accounts across all territories. Create effective collaboration with Ops and Sales Ops team (demand and supply planning), making sure the demand of the market is met in terms of on-time deliveries, deadlines and assortment needs.

Skills for Success

• A hands-on, committed, and high-energy team builder, with a proactive approach & entrepreneurial mindset.
• A drive to achieve targets, reporting metrics and demonstrating your understanding of data to improve your own results.
• A self-driven professional and effective communicator with the ability to network, negotiate and influence at different levels, both with external and internal stakeholders.
• Analytical and strategic.
• A true passion for the brands.
• Fluent in English, any additional foreign language would be considered as a plus.
• This role will involve travel so a flexible approach and a clean driving license will be vital.
• 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...

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.

• A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do.
• 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 countries organization.
• Staff discount across the VF portfolio.

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.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike. VF is an equal employment opportunity/ affirmative action employer of minorities, females, protected veterans and the disabled. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected factor.

If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!