Account Manager – Combat Sports / Training, Specialist Sports Group
Overview
Specialist Sports have distribution responsibility for 14 product categories across UK, Ireland, Europe and several other territories around the world. The category portfolio includes Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Tennis, Track & Field, Olympic Sports and Teamwear featuring a range of products used by many of the world’s best athletes and grassroots enthusiasts. Specialist Sports are custodians of the adidas brand in these categories and hold Sports Marketing contracts with relevant Governing Bodies, leading clubs, and athletes. Additionally, sister company Specialist Sports Creation holds the global license to manufacture adidas apparel, accessories and hardgoods across a number of categories including Rugby, Hockey and Cricket in support of the wider commercial strategy.
Specialist Sports hold distribution rights for the adidas Boxing, Wrestling and Weightlifting categories. A collection of multi-discipline ‘Training’ category products are also brought to market to provide complete brand solutions for retailers, teams and athletes. A collaborative approach to product development, together with market leading service levels will ensure Specialists Sports strengthen adidas’ leading position within these product categories. Design and development of adidas Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting footwear and Training products is managed centrally by adidas AG with input provided from Specialist Sports and other key markets to help deliver cutting edge design and high-performance functionality, helping athletes to maximise their performance at all levels of their sport while innovative product design and desirability leads the competition commercially.
Specialist Sports are committed to growing adidas as an authentic performance brand in all categories and are seeking a dynamic Account Manager to further develop adidas Boxing, Wresting, Weightlifting and Training category sales within the UK, Ireland, the EU and further afield.
Responsibilities
* Implementation of strategic plan alongside category, sales, marketing and fulfilment colleagues
* Setting commercial targets & forecasting sales for short, medium and long term, ensuring they are realistic and achievable
* Management of specific customers and creating strategic relationships to generate advantages for Specialist Sports and adidas, maximising commercial revenues from all sales channels by ensuring timely order fulfilment and management of day to day queries
* Inputting to and maintaining the Specialist Sports wholesale strategy for the relevant categories
* Understanding of the Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting and Training markets with deep knowledge of competitors, customers and market trends regarding on-pitch footwear, teamwear and equipment
* Growing the categories through new and existing customers, using a pro-active approach to developing and find new business
* Work with line management to control inventory, maintaining optimal levels to maximise returns without encountering excess stock situations
* Creation of appropriate sell in tools for the categories and ensure Specialist Sports websites are maintained with correct products, pricing, specifications and associated resources
* Inputting to the category marketing plan, ensuring activity is in-line with strategic plan and agreed budget
* Working with existing sourcing channels to ensure the range can deliver on commercial targets
* Reporting sales and market developments to line management on monthly basis, highlighting successes and challenges
* Other ad-hoc duties as delegated from time to time by the Senior Category Manager, Chief Commercial Officer or any other person designated in their absence
About You
* Previous experience in a managerial role (preferable)
* Professional, proactive, and efficient
* An ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Location
Southampton
Benefits
The successful candidate will receive a remuneration package including a competitive salary, performance related bonus, car allowance, laptop, phone allowance and generous annual leave.
#J-18808-Ljbffr