Account Manager

As an Account Manager you will be responsible for building clear, robust go-to-market strategic plans for each country - ensuring you focus on the short-term/mid-term opportunity as well as achieving the annual budget for your team's region.
Using your experience, knowledge, and skills you will present back to the Head of Business Development your assessment and proposal on current distributors and the health of the distribution in each market, ensuring complete alignment with premium, and luxury distribution and your ultimate proposal for the future.
You will be responsible for robustly prospecting and shortlisting the best distribution partners, or alternative routes to market for each country and work closely with the Head of Business Development and your team to execute and grow our International footprint - ensuring the business is grown sustainable and with long term, brand building vision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create, develop, and deliver International distribution strategy plans for your markets- aligning with the objectives of the business
Ultimately responsible for driving sustainable long-term growth and brand awareness throughout the region
Review all current distribution partners and ensure they are the right partners for the future, ensuring their in-market execution and routes to market are aligned with the premium/luxury positioning
Identify geographical priority white space and provide market research and go-to-market strategies accompanied by proposed distributor options and opportunities
Accountable for building the forecast and budget for your region and delivering against it
Introduce formal touchpoints and controls with each partner to present strategic annual business plans, budgets, retail distribution (current and target), and marketing strategies
Lead the creation of sophisticated, forward-thinking and mutually beneficial partnerships with distributors, key customers, international department stores, e-commerce partners, and independent retailers alike
Identify regionally relevant marketing campaign, POS, or in-store activation opportunities and liaise with the marketing team to find relevant luxury ways to capitalize on the geographical opportunity
Maximise each route to consumers -
Travel to each region as necessary and build strong, respectful relationships with our partners
Work with the distributor/retailer partner on developing rolling 12-month forecasting process to support and maximise sales opportunities with distribution partners and support the best location for stock to ship from
Ensure our distributors are planning their inventory and buys in line with our lead times and reducing their reliance on our warehouse stock
Working closely with the head of the demand planning and production planning team to ensure sufficient factory capacity is planned in order to supply the projected forecast
Work closely with the Head of Business Development to roll out contracts and distribution agreements across the business
Present financial and commercial results to the Head of Business Development
Be the gatekeeper that ensures none of our partners seek a short-term financial gain at the detriment of the brand integrity and premium positioning in any market
Ensure best-in-class execution, brand positioning and compliance across all partners and regions
Present new collection launches to distributors remotely in the most compelling and engaging way possible
Identify the timings to best support seasonal sell ins & continuation collections to best support the business & maximise opportunities
Be sure that all partners are representing in the right way within market, from their channels of distribution through to marketing and social media
Control International cross boarder trading and selling on 3P platforms within regional legal legislation
Working closely with marketing, ensure social media channels are managed in accordance with our message and positioning
Develop an in depth understanding of designs
Evaluate and source the relevant tools, reports, templates to support the team achieve daily tasks and objectives
Assist and provide support to the Head of Business Development upon request

NECESSARY SKILLS:
Minimum 7 years-experience in a regional or Junior account manager position with a degree in business management or equivalent, with the same experience in the below skills:
Experience of managing mid / large international distributors in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pac territories is essential
Ability to build robust and credible go-to-market strategies and present them in a clear and concise way
Solid experience of building budgets, forecasts and market strategy as well as presenting them, basic understanding of P&L required
Strong commerciality building pricing modals for markets and an aptitude for analysis
Skills to be able to identify and prioritise focused objectives and remain on track to deliver to timeline
A clear appreciation for brand building and understanding every decision is long term and not financial gain
Experience in market research, prospecting distribution partners, SWOT analysis and risk assessment
Strong and clear communication and presentation skills are essential
Highly organised ability to multitask with an ability to perform well under pressure and deliver whilst adhering to deadlines
Dynamic and creative problem-solving abilities.
A strong client-focused mindset.
Proven track record of achieving objectives & budgets
Some knowledge and insight of distribution agreements and contracts
Project management experience
Strong negotiation, conflict resolution skills
Proficient in excel, PowerPoint and SAP
Additional languages would be a bonus
Tradeshow experience is preferred
Be able to demonstrate global cultural awareness and sensitivity
A true love and appreciation of the brand
Ability to have fun and smile with the team whilst carrying out the day to day!