At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and build strong relationships with international partners.
- Company: Join Merrell, a leading outdoor brand known for innovation and performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for extensive international travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a team redefining the outdoors and making an impact globally.
- Qualifications: Sales experience in footwear or activewear and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside with everyone. We believe the "outdoors" is a much broader space than just the mountain summit; it’s any space beyond your front door. Our mission is to help our community rethink the outdoors by building gear that works everywhere, from technical alpine ridges to urban city streets. We don't just follow the trail; we help define where it goes next. We are a team that lives at the intersection of elite performance and modern style. Our history on the trail and commitment to innovation has made us the most awarded brand in the outdoor space.
We are now looking to hire an International Sales Executive to the team. This is a partner facing role with a focus on sales objectives through day‑to‑day management of existing distributor partners, driving account growth, partner relationship management and to co‑ordinate the brand’s market positioning behind its key strategic priorities. The role contributes to expanding Merrell’s market share across the wider EMEA region, developing new clients and markets while maximising the potential of existing partners. It requires close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to ensure seamless execution across order management, marketing, product, contract compliance and operations.
Business Development & Growth- Identify and implement strategies to drive revenue, margin, and market share growth across EMEA 3P markets.
- Promote Brand positioning and ensure partner alignment with global and regional strategic priorities.
- Identify, develop and onboard new partners spanning single or multiple territories.
- Build strong, trust‑based relationships with partners to ensure long‑term success.
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and commercial terms within company policy.
- Manage and develop existing partner relationships, ensuring operational excellence and client satisfaction.
- Coordinate with owned business, sales leads and PLM’s to deliver a unified multi‑channel approach for pan‑European clients.
- Manage and develop seasonal GTM process to enhance partner experience and ensure unified & impactful product launches.
- Support partner sell‑ins, range presentations, and trade events to promote the brand and generate new opportunities.
- Develop DTC channel with a focus on regional E‑comm platform alignment to build consistency in brand tone of voice and identify and implement KPIs with partners aligned to owned market strategy.
- Where identified, support re‑patriation of 3P markets.
- Act as the key liaison between partners and internal teams (Operations, Product, Planning, Marketing, Compliance & Legal).
- Coordinate with Operations team to ensure order accuracy, timeliness, and compliance across all markets.
- Monitor in‑season performance and address issues proactively to optimise growth opportunities.
- Ensure consistent alignment across regional calendars, marketing activities, and product deliveries.
- Partner with Marketing to develop localised campaigns aligned with brand values and seasonal priorities.
- Contribute to range planning to ensure identified regional market needs and partner opportunities are catered for during the GTM process.
- Produce accurate sales forecasts, performance reports, and actionable insights for internal stakeholders and external partners.
- Complete market visit reports highlighting brand positioning, competitor insights, opportunities and actions to improve brand performance.
- Input into EMEA 3P strategy.
- Achievement of EMEA 3P revenue and profit growth targets.
- Acquisition, activation & growth of new partners.
- Growth and profitability of existing partners.
- Forecast accuracy and margin performance.
- Forecast & financial planning accuracy.
- Partner satisfaction, performance, and compliance across markets managed.
- Commercial sales experience in footwear or activewear across wholesale and/or International channels desired.
- Proven record in business development, negotiation, and account/partner management.
- Strong understanding of international trade, governance, and market entry strategies.
- Experience managing multi‑market accounts/partners across a wide geographic area.
- Excellent communication skills, Written & Verbal and secondary language skills advantageous.
- Advanced commercial and financial acumen (budgeting, forecasting & analysis).
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
- Strong organisational and analytical capabilities; proficient in Excel, PowerPoint.
- Order management experience (SAP or similar system preferred).
- Skilled at presenting product, trend, and performance insights to partners and internal teams.
- Commercially astute and globally minded.
- Proactive, organised, and detail‑oriented.
- Resilient and resourceful under pressure.
- Passionate about the footwear sector and brand growth across international markets.
- Extensive International travel required with some travel taking place outside of core working hours or over weekends.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
International Sales Executive employer: Wolverine Worldwide
Merrell is an exceptional employer that champions a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to embrace their passion for the outdoors while driving innovation in the footwear sector. With a strong focus on professional growth, team collaboration, and a commitment to diversity, Merrell offers unique opportunities for career advancement and personal development, all within a dynamic environment that values creativity and performance. Located in a region that celebrates outdoor activities, employees can enjoy a lifestyle that aligns with the company's mission of redefining the outdoor experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Sales Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Merrell’s products, values, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to sales and partner management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace International Sales Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When writing your application, let your love for the outdoors shine through! Share experiences that highlight your connection to nature and how it aligns with Merrell's mission. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about promoting outdoor activities.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your commercial sales experience and any relevant achievements in business development. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value effective communication, so make sure your written application reflects that by being easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and keen to join our team at Merrell!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wolverine Worldwide
✨Know Your Gear
Familiarise yourself with Merrell's product range, especially the latest innovations like the MTL SpeedARC Peak. Being able to discuss specific products and their features will show your passion for the brand and understanding of the market.
✨Understand the Market
Research the EMEA market trends in footwear and activewear. Be prepared to discuss how you can drive revenue and growth in these regions, and share insights on potential new partners or markets that could be beneficial for Merrell.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your experience in relationship management during the interview. Share examples of how you've successfully built trust with partners in previous roles, as this is crucial for the International Sales Executive position.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with sales forecasting and performance reporting. Highlight any tools or systems you've used, like Excel or SAP, to manage data effectively and make informed decisions.