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 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 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:

• Develop & implement a long-term Commercial Excellence strategy for the sales channel of responsibility, ensuring best representation of the adidas brands and maximizing profitability of the Regional Channel of SEE jointly with the Senior Manager.
• Ensure Net Sales growth by setting clear targets and actions; constant tracking of results; analysis of risks & new business opportunities respecting the framework set by channel’s management team. Monitor competitor’s performance and propose win-win action plan to sustain & grow market share.
• Establish professional & personal relationships with main decision takers of key customers as a prerequisite for making adidas the ‘preferred supplier’.
• Align annual and seasonal Go-To-Market strategy of the Regional Channel working along with all internal and external stakeholders at SEE, South and EU level.
• Develop & implement sales strategy for fashion collections, including collaborations, limited edition releases and high-end product lines. Stay up to date on fashion trends & consumer needs in lifestyle segment.
• Display an intensified focus on driving sales across all sports categories and strive to ensure strong market presence in the sports industry.
• Ensure all involved functions are delivering against set expectations and contribute to our long-term Business Plans aligned with the Global & European guidelines.
• Organize and steer the sell-in process (support building the assortment plan, create range presentations and offers, give guidance on assortment recommendations) ​.
• Reconcile orderbook after key cut-offs for respective key categories.​
• Assist in the development of accounts’ strategies ​/ business models.
• Regularly monitor and process key figures such as sell-in and sell-out and provide category reporting to upward managers​.
• Set functional targets for the team aligned with channel priorities and SEE guidance.
• Negotiate & implement Trade Terms according to the respective Europe/Global Wholesale policies

Skills you'll need:

• Strong interpersonal skills: Very good communication and negotiating skills 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 on a professional level.
• University degree in business with Sales or Marketing focus
• Minimum 5 years of sales experience within large sales organization, ideally in apparel/fashion/shoes or FMCG
• High degree of commercial and business acumen
• Experience in managing people, leading virtual teams is a plus
• 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 tickets
• Car and Gas Allowance
• Premium gym membership discount
• Free access to self-learning platform
• Employee Assistance Program (personal counselling on variety of topics)
• Hybrid working model