Join adidas Europe and shape the future! For over 75 years, our European heritage has been a fusion of culture and innovation, driving global sports trends. Our offices, from Herzogenaurach to London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, Athens, Milan, Manchester and Paris, are centers of creativity and collaboration. We aim to be Europe's best sports brand, seeking pioneers and visionaries to join our bold journey. At adidas, you're not just getting a job; you're invited to make a global impact, joining a team that values creativity, courage and innovation. Are you ready to be part of our journey?

Purpose of the Role:

The purpose of this role is primarily to drive profitable and sustainable business growth within assigned strategic portfolio while enhancing the brand’s market presence through effective sales strategies & leadership, promoting and respecting the position of adidas brand. The Sales Manager will be responsible for implementing both product and brand direction across Sport & Fashion categories. Key responsibilities within the scope of the role are: leading and collaborate with a diverse team of people, organizing, monitoring seasonal sell–in and sell-out campaigns, aiming to achieve profitable growth with the accounts and ensure a strong, competitive position in the marketplace.

What you will do: 

Manage (own) the product flow:

• To set agreed objectives, strategies, and tactics for achieving business plans jointly with the respective Line Manager and relevant internal stakeholders always aligned with Cluster and Group priorities, both for B&M and eCom channels
• To allocate resources and ensure effective and efficient negotiation, implementation and tracking of action plan execution covering price adjustments, terms and conditions range
• Develop/update reports and plans according to the customer portfolio mapping strategies
• Monitor sell-out activities (KPIs) across channels (B&M and eCom)
• To ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, initiatives, and directives
• Measure progress on own KPIs

Monitor the market:

• Deliver and share with relevant internal stakeholders constant updates about competitors, market trends, product and technologies, customers and consumers buying behaviors both for physical and digital channels
• Execute and support company and customer strategies towards the consumer needs
• Monitor, report on competitors’ activities and developments on the market and propose/initiate/take actions

Build the partnership with internal and external partners:

• To act as the liaison person between sales front line teams and all other involved business functions/departments (DPC, Marketing, Finance, SC) to make sure all guidelines are applied, and all-important information is distributed accordingly
• To build and maintain personal relationships with key decision takers on highest possible levels
• Manage direct reports by setting personal objectives through 90-day plans, engaging in regular feedback, assessing performance and developing their skills and capabilities
• Establish clear development plans with your team & support their execution

Listen and understand customers’ needs:

• To ensure pre- and re-order buying
• To ensure reliable and cost-efficient supply of merchandise and responsiveness for requests and complaints of customers
• To prepare the sell-in of the collection, by ensuring the respect of the sales guideline, being aware of set targets, budget, and risks
• To offer sell-out support and advice, based on our seasonal focus products, technologies, and concepts

People management:

• Lead and develop direct reports
• Analyzing and Assessing Employee Performance
• Problem-Solving and Handling Conflicts Between Employees
• Work Together to Set Clear Strategic Goals
• Provide the Right Tools and support

Skills you will need:

• Strong people management skills (ideally proven team management experience)
• Strong interpersonal skills: Very good communications and negotiating abilities as well as high presentation, relationship management, and facilitation skills
• Strong methodological skills (e.g., Business planning, strategic development) and functional skills (e.g., Sales, Account Operations, Finance)
• Fluency in written and spoken English is a must
• University degree in business with sales & marketing focus (MBA would be a plus)
• Minimum 5 years of experience within large sales organization, ideally in apparel/fashion/shoes or FMCG
• High degree of commercial and business acumen
• Excellent Knowledge of MS Office
• Knowledge of Fashion/Lifestyle/Streetwear industry and marketplace will be appreciated. 

Life at adidas:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Annual bonus
• Private life & health insurance
• Monthly meal allowance
• Company car
• Fuel allowance
• Premium gym membership discount
• Unlimited access to self-learning platform
• Employee Assistance Program (personal counselling on variety of topics)
• Hybrid working model
• adidas Employee Discount