Head of Retail, Central Territory EMEA

About New Balance

Founded in 1906, New Balance is dedicated to empowering communities worldwide through sport and craftsmanship. Our culture embraces innovation and bold action, encouraging all employees to contribute to shaping the future with respect and inclusivity.

Job Mission

As the Head of Retail for the Central Territory in EMEA, you will serve as a strategic partner to the Retail Director EMEA and a senior leader responsible for executing the EMEA retail strategy across multiple countries. This role requires overseeing commercial and operational success, developing the regional retail structure, and mentoring Area Managers. It demands strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a proven record of driving profitable retail growth across diverse markets.

Territory Scope & Context

• Location: Based within the Central region, preferably near a store or office.
• Reporting to: Retail Director, EMEA.
• Direct reports: Area Managers across Germany, Austria, and Poland.
• Travel: Average of 70-80% travel required.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the cluster retail strategy aligned with EMEA priorities, focusing on market share, margins, and customer loyalty.
• Own P&L responsibilities by collaborating with Finance and Commercial teams on pricing, assortment, promotions, and productivity; set ambitious targets and ensure accountability.
• Customize global campaigns and assortments for local markets, accounting for seasonal demands and consumer preferences.
• Leverage sales, traffic, inventory, and CRM analytics to identify opportunities and mitigate risks, improving metrics such as conversion rates, average transaction value, and stock turnover.
• Drive operational excellence by enforcing consistent execution of New Balance standards, audit compliance, loss prevention, and cost controls across stores.
• Collaborate with the expansion team on site selections, store openings, and ramp-up strategies to guarantee commercial success of new stores.
• Manage regional operating costs, stock control, shrinkage targets, and ensure robust omnichannel fulfillment processes.
• Maintain strong brand and customer experience standards through visual merchandising, service quality, and local marketing activations.
• Lead, coach, and develop Area Managers who oversee Store Managers, setting clear goals and managing performance and talent reviews.
• Partner with HR to design development programs and succession plans to strengthen leadership pipelines.
• Serve as the key liaison between field operations and EMEA functions such as Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, and Finance, influencing assortment and marketing decisions.
• Manage relationships with landlords, shopping center operators, and essential retail partners.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible territory or area management experience, ideally within multi-market retail in sportswear, footwear, or lifestyle sectors.
• Strong executive presence with excellent commercial acumen, decisiveness, and proven ability to lead remote and dispersed teams effectively.
• Highly analytical with solid experience managing P&L, budgets, audits, shrinkage, and retail operations.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with adaptability to change and autonomous working capability.
• Effective communication skills capable of influencing and engaging teams and stakeholders.
• Fluent in English and one additional local language.
• Valid EU driving license is mandatory.
• Flexibility to travel extensively (70-80% average) including weekends and peak trading periods.

Performance Metrics

• Financial: Achievement of regional same-store sales targets, gross margin improvement, and EBITDA contribution.
• Operational: Audit success rates, adherence to shrinkage limits, timely closure of corrective actions, and effective rollout of cross-functional initiatives.
• People: Engagement and retention rates, leadership pipeline strength, and completion and effectiveness of development programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

New Balance is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marriage or civil partnership.

If accommodations are necessary, please communicate your needs so that appropriate adjustments can be made.