The Job
In this role, you are responsible for driving and growing the business with our strategic partners, independent customers, and Key Accounts across the UK. As Area Manager, you take ownership of delivering profitable growth for STICHD and our network of retail partners, playing a pivotal role within the sales team. You build and strengthen long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients, while proactively identifying and unlocking new commercial opportunities that create value for STICHD and our brands. Acting as a key connector both internally and externally, you position yourself as the go-to sales and category expert for the UK market, translating market insights into impactful commercial actions.
Your Mission
• Drive profitable growth by developing strong partnerships and managing day to day sales and key accounts;
• Expand the sales network in line with the channel strategy per market, proactively identifying and onboarding suitable new business ;
• Build and manage the order book per customer during the main annual sell in, while capturing additional in season opportunities;
• Take ownership of shop floor excellence through frequent market and store visits, identifying both performance improvements and new account potential;
• Negotiate and agree on terms & conditions, assortment plans, shop floor space, and commercial support to drive sell through;
• Work closely with customers to ensure they have the right tools, insights, and information to represent our brands effectively and maximize results;
• Translate market needs and insights into concrete initiatives that support and accelerate sales growth;
• Partner closely with Sales Support to ensure efficient, accurate, and effective account management;
• Build and maintain strong, long term customer relationships while delivering first class service.
Your Talent
• You have a proven track record in (Key) Account Management within the Fashion, Sports Lifestyle, or FMCG industry;
• Solid understanding of the retail landscape and a sharp awareness of retailers' needs and challenges;
• Excellent negotiation and networking skills, with a natural ability to build strong, long-term partnerships;
• A collaborative team player with a solution-oriented mindset and a consistently high standard of execution and delivery, thriving in a small, close knit sales team;
• A passionate self-starter who brings energy, ownership, and drive to everything they do;
• Results-driven, proactive, and analytical, with a strong problem-solving attitude;
• Strong presentation skills and a clear, persuasive communication style across all levels;
• Confident, personable, and quick to build trust and rapport with both internal and external stakeholders.
This role is based in the UK. Working remotely from other countries is not possible.
To apply for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK. We will not apply for work or residence permits.
We Offer
• At STICHD you will have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and well-established company, as well as have a unique insight into global A-list brands combined with the expertise to create commercially successful products that drive substantial volume;
• Full time position (37,5 hours per week);
• Annual bonus scheme;
• Company car;
• Paid vacation leave 25 days per annum plus national leave days;
• Employee discount on (own) products;
• New hires (introduction) days;
• Great offer of e-learnings and a training offer for personal development;
• International working environment with colleagues of more than 50 different nationalities;
About Us
As a family of experts - currently employing over 750 people - we focus on creating exceptional products within our categories. From branded socks and underwear to fashionable swimwear and iconic fanwear, we are proud to Consciously Craft Convenience for customers and consumers.
Partnering with global A-list brands our current brand portfolio includes PUMA, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi's, Head and Calvin Klein for our Essentials. For our Fanwear business: BMW Motorsport, Formula 1, Williams Racing, Porsche Motorsport, Scuderia Ferrari F1 Team, Aston Martin F1 Team and Manchester City Football Club. And for our Lifestyle business: BMW Lifestyle.
Through weaving together Design, Sales, Logistics, Marketing and Digital, we create a seamless one-stop-shop environment. A member of the PUMA Group, STICHD is a licensee with its head office located in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. In addition, stichd has a global presence with sales offices throughout Europe, China, in Southeast Asia and North America. The company's warehousing and logistics are in Tilburg, Netherlands, Mexico City, Malaysia and the United States of America.
If you're interested in this position and meet the requirements, click 'Apply' now
Acquisition as a result of vacancies is not appreciated.
STICHD provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Equality for all is one of the core principles at stichd and PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.