New Zealand Country Lead | HOKA, VANS & UGG

About Accent Group

Accent Group is a leading retail group across Australia and New Zealand with over 850 stores and more than 34 iconic brands, including HOKA, Skechers, Dr. Martens, Platypus, Hype DC, Stylerunner, Nude Lucy, The Athlete's Foot, Sports Direct, Glue Store, Vans, and more. With a strong presence across 30+ online platforms, Accent Group is focused not only on footwear retail but also on shaping the future of the retail industry by fostering innovation, championing individuality, and rewarding performance.

Role Overview

We are seeking an accomplished retail leader to join as the New Zealand Country Lead for the Accent brands HOKA, Vans, and UGG. This role involves leading a high-performing retail network by driving sales growth, operational excellence, and fostering a culture rooted in passion and people. The Country Lead will work closely with the Head of Retail to implement commercial strategies, inspire store leadership teams, and ensure customer satisfaction and brand loyalty remain at the core of business activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Head of Retail to develop and implement commercial strategies across the region.
• Establish and communicate monthly and quarterly sales goals and KPIs, supporting teams to meet objectives.
• Promote a customer-first mindset and contribute to broad brand direction within the organization.
• Analyze performance metrics statewide, including KPIs, UPTs, staffing costs, monthly targets, and comps; identify gaps and strategize improvements.
• Drive enhancement in market offerings, employee engagement, and training programs in partnership with retail leadership.
• Support store leadership teams in performance management and disciplinary procedures, coordinating with stakeholders.
• Work alongside other State Managers to maintain consistent excellence across the brand portfolio.
• Conduct regular visits to stores for training, retail activations, audits, and operational advice.
• Develop store leadership through customized coaching, succession planning, and capability building.
• Lead state-wide meetings and represent the brand at leadership events and conferences.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive experience as a Country Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, or senior leader managing multiple retail sites.
• Proven business acumen with a history of achieving sales targets and operational goals.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills focused on team development.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence collaboratively.
• Experienced in managing large, geographically widespread teams.
• Passion for retail, exceptional customer experience, and brand storytelling.
• Energetic, adaptable, and thrives under changing conditions.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the store network.

Benefits and Opportunities

• Competitive salary package including superannuation and necessary work tools.
• Lead a portfolio of globally recognized brands in a leadership capacity.
• A culture that values collaboration and prioritizes people.
• Employee discount of 40% on all Accent Group brands including Hype DC, Platypus, Skechers, Dr Martens, Vans, UGG, and more.
• Access to supportive leadership and ongoing career development.
• Opportunity to influence and enhance retail excellence across New Zealand.

Diversity and Inclusion

Accent Group Limited fosters an inclusive workplace valuing diversity and equal opportunity across age, gender, identity, ethnicity, physical and mental ability. The company respects the traditional custodians of the land, including Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori people, and promotes a work environment where all employees can be authentic.