New Zealand Country Lead – HOKA, VANS & UGG

About Accent Group

Accent Group stands as one of the largest retail conglomerates in Australia and New Zealand, boasting over 850 stores and representing 34 distinguished brands such as HOKA, Skechers, Dr. Martens, Platypus, Hype DC, Stylerunner, Nude Lucy, The Athletes Foot, Sports Direct, Glue Store, and Vans. With more than 30 online platforms, Accent Group not only sells shoes but strives to shape the future of retail by fostering innovation, nurturing talent, and creating outstanding career pathways.

Role Overview

The New Zealand Country Lead for Accent Brands (HOKA, Vans & UGG) will oversee and enhance the retail network across the country. This strategic leadership position involves guiding store operations, amplifying sales effectiveness, and cultivating a culture centered on purpose, passion, and people. The role demands active engagement with store teams to coach, build relationships, and execute commercial strategies that prioritize customer satisfaction and brand advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Retail to design and implement commercial strategies for your regions.
• Establish and communicate monthly and quarterly sales goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring teams receive the necessary support and tools to meet targets.
• Promote a customer-centric culture and play a part in shaping brand strategy across the organization.
• Track performance metrics across the state, including KPIs, units per transaction (UPTs), labor costs, monthly sales targets, and comparative analyses, and develop improvement plans where needed.
• Innovate with new market offerings, employee engagement programs, and training initiatives alongside the Head of Retail.
• Provide coaching and guidance to store leadership in managing performance and disciplinary actions, collaborating with relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate with other State Managers to maintain portfolio consistency and operational excellence.
• Conduct frequent store visits to support in-store training, retail activations, audits, and operational assistance.
• Develop store leadership teams by delivering tailored coaching, succession planning, and continuous skill building.
• Lead state-wide meetings and represent the region at leadership conferences and events.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience in a senior retail leadership role such as Country Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, or overseeing multiple locations.
• Strong commercial insight with proven success in driving sales and operational outcomes.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a focus on coaching and team development.
• Effective communicator capable of influencing and fostering collaboration.
• Track record of managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Genuine passion for retail, customer service, and brand storytelling.
• Energetic, adaptable, and able to perform well in a fast-evolving environment.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout the store network.

Employee Benefits

• Competitive salary package including superannuation and necessary work tools.
• Leadership opportunity handling a portfolio of globally acclaimed brands.
• A culture that prioritizes collaboration and people-first values.
• Employee discount of 40% across all Accent Group brands like Hype DC, Platypus, Skechers, Dr Martens, Vans, Ugg, Nude Lucy, Stylerunner, HOKA, and others.
• Supportive leadership fostering professional growth and ongoing development.
• Chance to influence retail excellence across the entire state network.

Inclusion and Diversity

Accent Group is dedicated to creating an inclusive workspace that respects and values diversity in all forms including age, gender, identity, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and abilities. The company recognizes and honors the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land, including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori peoples.