Head of Retail, Central Territory EMEA

About New Balance

Founded in 1906, New Balance is dedicated to empowering individuals through sport and craftsmanship, driving meaningful change worldwide. The company thrives on innovation driven by core values and a culture that encourages bold, transformative actions and inclusivity.

Role Purpose

As the Head of Retail for the Central Territory in EMEA, you will partner closely with the Retail Director EMEA and act as the principal senior leader in the field. Your role is to implement EMEA-wide strategies into tangible market results across multiple countries. You will lead both commercial and operational initiatives, guide your Area Managers, and develop retail capabilities throughout the region. This hands-on leadership role demands executive presence, cross-department collaboration, and a strong track record in delivering profitable growth in multi-market retail contexts.

Scope and Reporting

• Operating within Central cluster markets including Germany, Austria, and Poland.
• Reports directly to the Retail Director, EMEA.
• Manages Area Managers who oversee store managers.
• Location ideally near relevant stores or offices within the cluster.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute cluster retail strategy aligned with EMEA priorities focusing on market share, margin growth, and customer loyalty.
• Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams to manage commercial levers such as pricing, assortments, promotions, and productivity to drive top-line and margin outcomes.
• Localize global campaigns and product assortments to address seasonal trends and regional customer preferences.
• Analyze sales, traffic, inventory, and CRM insights to identify opportunities and risks, taking targeted actions to enhance conversion rates, average transaction value, and stock turnover.
• Drive operational excellence ensuring uniform application of New Balance’s operational standards including audits, compliance, and loss prevention in owned retail locations.
• Work alongside expansion teams to contribute to site selection, opening strategies, and post-launch performance to secure expected returns on investment.
• Manage regional operating costs, shrinkage control, and stock management processes across omnichannel points.
• Maintain brand integrity through visual merchandising, service quality, and local engagement initiatives to ensure a cohesive New Balance customer experience.
• Champion people leadership by setting clear objectives, conducting performance reviews, facilitating coaching, and fostering talent development across the regional team.
• Support succession planning and training programs in collaboration with HR to build a strong leadership pipeline.
• Act as the principal liaison between field operations and key EMEA functions, influencing assortment, allocation, and marketing strategies to fit local market demands.
• Maintain and develop external relationships with landlords, shopping centers, and retail partners.

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years’ progressive experience in area or territory retail management with proven success across multiple markets, ideally within sportswear, footwear, or lifestyle retail sectors.
• Strong executive presence with decisive commercial judgment and capability to develop dispersed teams.
• Advanced analytical skills, including P&L and budget management, retail audits, and shrinkage control expertise.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, adaptable to change, autonomous, and comfortable with remote leadership structure.
• Excellent communication and persuasive skills for team engagement and influence.

Performance Metrics

• Commercial KPIs: Same-store sales against targets, gross margin, and EBITDA contribution.
• Operational KPIs: Audit compliance rates, shrinkage control, timely corrective action, and successful project implementations.
• People KPIs: Employee engagement and retention at all levels, leadership development, and training participation.

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in English plus one or more local languages.
• Readiness to travel extensively across the cluster (70–80% average travel), including weekends and peak seasons.
• Must hold a valid EU driving license.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

New Balance promotes equality and inclusivity regardless of personal attributes including age, disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and more. The company provides support and accommodations for candidates as needed.