Head of Retail, Central Territory – EMEA

New Balance

. Define and deliver the cluster retail strategy aligned to EMEA priorities .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeRemote • Germany, Austria, PolandLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in multi-market retail leadership with a focus on driving top-line performance, margin growth, and customer loyalty through strategic planning and operational excellence. Proficient in analytics, P&L management, and team development to ensure effective execution of retail strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Multi-Market Retail LeadershipP&L ManagementAdvanced Analytical CapabilityAudit and Shrinkage ControlStrong Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Retail Strategy DevelopmentSales AnalyticsInventory ManagementPricing StrategyPromotions ManagementPerformance ManagementCapability DevelopmentMarket Share GrowthCustomer Loyalty ProgramsOperational Standards Compliance

Soft Skills

Executive PresenceCommercial JudgementChange OrientationInfluencing SkillsTeam Engagement

Tools & Technologies

CRM AnalyticsPerformance Review SystemsTraining ProgrammesVisual Merchandising ToolsStock Control Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid EU Driving License

Industry Keywords

Sportswear RetailFootwear RetailLifestyle RetailRetail OperationsMarket Expansion

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and deliver the cluster retail strategy aligned to EMEA priorities
Prioritise investments, local initiatives and resource allocation to grow market share, margin and customer loyalty
Own commercial levers driving top-line and margin performance, including pricing, assortment, promotions and productivity
Set stretch targets and hold the region accountable for delivery
Translate global campaigns and assortments into locally relevant plans
Use sales, traffic, inventory and CRM analytics to identify opportunities and risks
Implement interventions to improve conversion, ATV and stock turn
Ensure consistent execution of New Balance operational standards across owned and operated stores
Embed audit, compliance and loss-prevention disciplines
Partner with the expansion team on site selection, opening plans and post-opening ramp strategies
Manage regional operating costs, shrinkage targets and stock control processes
Safeguard visual merchandising, service standards and local activations
Line-manage Area Managers across the Central territory
Set objectives, run performance and talent reviews, and ensure coaching and capability development
Build bench strength through development plans, training programmes and succession planning
Interface between field operations and EMEA functions including Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR and Finance
Influence assortment, allocation and trade marketing decisions
Own relationships with landlords, shopping centre operators and key retail partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum 5+ years area/territory management with progressive responsibility
Proven success in multi-market retail leadership, ideally in sportswear, footwear or lifestyle retail
Executive presence and strong commercial judgement
Track record of building capability in dispersed/remote teams
Advanced analytical capability
P&L and budget ownership
Expertise in audit, shrinkage control and retail operations
Entrepreneurial, change-oriented and autonomous
Comfortable operating with remote leadership
Strong communication skills with the ability to present, influence and engage teams
Fluent in English and one or more local language
High travel readiness across the cluster and flexibility for peak periods, approximately 70–80% time on average
Flexible availability, including weekends and peak trading periods
Valid EU driving license (mandatory)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunity employer committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and inclusion
Workplace support and reasonable adjustments available for associates who require them