Senior Strategic Accounts Manager in Manchester

VANS EMEA is looking for an outstanding Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts (JD Sports) to join our team based in Manchester, United Kingdom. Vans® is the original action sports footwear company, rooted in authenticity and creativity. Founded in 1966, we have thrived on a legacy of impacting our greater community through four pillars: action sports, music, art and street culture. By joining our family, you will be immersed in an environment of incredibly supportive and collaborative people. We work hard across a multitude of initiatives to bring the Van Doren Spirit to life. We live for what we do.

Let’s Talk about the Role

With a reporting line to the Director Wholesale EMEA, you will drive profitable and sustainable market share growth with JD Sports, representing the brand externally and the account internally as an ambassador towards all functions.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Lead strategic key account management and develop a strategic account plan based on brand priorities, creating partnerships across all departments and key stakeholders to support accounts growth in the most effective way.
• Develop the strategic partnership with JD delivering Fiscal Year and seasonal sales targets/forecasts based on the FY revenue budget working in conjunction with finance, sales operations and sales leader.
• Work closely with wider sales team, operations, finance and marketing to keep the strategic accounts agenda (process, focus, support) as a priority.
• Lead business review processes to create sustainable plans and mutual beneficial partnership.
• Execute effectively relevant brand and sales strategies, channel strategy and SMU program when needed.
• Ensure and manage efficiently the sell in, sales operations, G2N management and re-order management.
• Monitor business progress by tracking seasonal pre-orders participating in weekly calls and appropriate meetings.
• Partner with Marketplace merchandising, adding commercial and marketplace insights, to ensure Vans land the most consumer and brand relevant assortment plan on a seasonal basis.
• Measure & track success, in partnership with planning, through commercial KPI’s.
• Establish an understanding of core consumers and account relevant buying trends in order to formulate guidelines for consumer centric opportunities within the account.
• Close collaboration with the Merchandising team—particularly in assortment planning—as well as with the broader Wholesale team to ensure effective marketplace management and a strong focus on brand equity.

Skills for Success

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel:

• Mandatory experience managing JD Sports as a key account – proven track record of directly handling the JD business, with a deep understanding of its operating model, expectations, and ways of working.
• Comprehensive understanding of the fashion/sports lifestyle marketplace and retail landscape.
• Strong commercial acumen, with demonstrated ability to drive sales growth, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize operational execution.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills (written, verbal, and presentation), with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels across the matrix structure.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Results-driven mindset, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Strong analytical and numerical capabilities, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• High level of proficiency in presenting and storytelling, both internally and externally.
• University degree in Business, Sales, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Passion for growth, innovation, and brand development.

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 lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization.
• On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives.
• A discount card with 50% on all VF brands.
• 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 support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike. VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands. At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together. This is our calling.

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