New Zealand Country Lead - HOKA, Vans & UGG

About Accent Group

Accent Group is one of the largest retail organizations in Australia and New Zealand, operating over 850 stores and representing 34 renowned brands, including HOKA, Skechers, Dr. Martens, Platypus, Hype DC, Stylerunner, Nude Lucy, The Athletes Foot, Sports Direct, Glue Store, Vans, and UGG. With a presence across more than 30 online platforms, Accent Group is dedicated to innovation, employee growth, and delivering exceptional retail experiences.

Role Overview

The New Zealand Country Lead will oversee and drive the success of Accent Group’s brands HOKA, Vans, and UGG within the country. This leadership position involves managing a high-performing team, shaping retail strategies, and cultivating a customer-focused culture. The Country Lead works closely with the Head of Retail to ensure operational excellence, meaningful sales growth, and a positive brand presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategies for the New Zealand regions in partnership with the Head of Retail.
• Establish and communicate sales targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) monthly and quarterly.
• Foster a customer-centric culture and contribute to the overarching brand strategies.
• Monitor statewide performance data, including sales metrics, wages, unit per transaction (UPT), and comparative benchmarks; identify areas for improvement and implement action plans.
• Enhance market offerings, employee engagement, and training programs collaboratively with leadership.
• Support store leadership teams through coaching, performance management, and disciplinary procedures, coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
• Work alongside other State Managers to ensure consistent standards across the Accent Brands portfolio.
• Conduct regular store visits to oversee training, retail events, audits, and operational support.
• Drive leadership development within store teams through bespoke coaching, succession planning, and capability building efforts.
• Lead state-level meetings and present at leadership conferences and company events.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience in senior retail leadership positions such as Country Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, or equivalent multi-site leadership roles.
• Strong commercial insight with a proven record of achieving sales and operational targets.
• Outstanding leadership and coaching skills.
• Effective, collaborative communication style with the ability to influence across teams.
• Experience managing broad, geographically distributed teams.
• Passion for retail, exceptional customer experience, and brand narrative development.
• High energy, resilience, and ability to adapt in a fast-moving environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout the country to engage with stores and teams.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salary with superannuation benefits and necessary work tools provided.
• Opportunity to lead a portfolio featuring internationally recognized brands.
• A culture centered on collaboration, inclusiveness, and people-first values.
• Employee discount of 40% across all Accent Group brands including Hype DC, Platypus, Skechers, Dr Martens, Vans, UGG, Nude Lucy, Stylerunner, HOKA, and more.
• Supportive leadership and ongoing career development opportunities.
• Opportunity to impact retail excellence across New Zealand through leadership and strategic influence.

Commitment to Diversity

Accent Group is devoted to fostering an inclusive workplace embracing diversity across many dimensions including age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and abilities. The company respects and honors the Traditional Owners and ongoing custodians of the land, including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori peoples.