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About the Role
As the Head of Retail for Territory Central, you will be the strategic partner to the Retail Director EMEA and the senior field leader accountable for translating EMEA strategy into market impact across multiple markets. You will lead commercial and operational performance, shape the regional retail organization, and build capability through your Area Managers. This is a senior, hands-on role requiring executive presence, cross-functional influence, and a proven track record of delivering profitable growth in multi-market retail environments. This role requires strategic leadership across diverse markets with strong seasonal demand, longer travel distances between locations, and a need for local commercial adaptation while maintaining global brand standards.
Responsibilities
- Define and deliver the cluster retail strategy aligned to EMEA priorities.
- Prioritize investments, local initiatives, and resource allocation to grow market share, margin, and customer loyalty.
- Own the commercial levers that drive top-line and margin performance in partnership with Finance and Commercial teams.
- Set stretch targets and hold the region accountable for delivery.
- Translate global campaigns and assortments into locally relevant plans that capitalize on seasonal peaks and regional consumer behavior.
- Use sales, traffic, inventory, and CRM analytics to identify opportunities and risks.
- Implement targeted interventions to improve conversion, ATV, and stock turn.
- Ensure consistent execution of New Balance operational standards across owned & operated stores.
- Embed rigorous audit, compliance, and loss-prevention disciplines.
- Partner with the expansion team on site selection input, opening plans, and post-opening ramp strategies.
- Ensure new stores meet commercial milestones and deliver expected ROI.
- Manage regional operating costs, shrinkage targets, and stock control processes.
- Ensure robust processes across omnichannel fulfillment points.
- Safeguard visual merchandising, service standards, and local activations to deliver a consistent, locally relevant New Balance experience.
- Line manage Area Managers who in turn manage Store Managers across the cluster.
- Set clear objectives, run structured performance and talent reviews, and ensure consistent coaching and capability development across the region.
- Build bench strength through targeted development plans, training programs, and succession planning in partnership with HR.
- Act as the primary interface between field operations and EMEA functions (Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, Finance).
- Influence assortment, allocation, and trade marketing decisions to reflect local market needs.
- Own relationships with landlords, shopping center operators, and key retail partners.
Requirements
- Minimum 5+ years of area/territory management with progressive responsibility.
- Proven success in multi-market retail leadership, ideally in sportswear, footwear, or lifestyle retail.
- Executive presence, strong commercial judgment, decisive under pressure, and a 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, autonomous, and 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 languages.
- 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.
Skills
- Retail strategy
- Commercial leadership
- Operational excellence
- P&L management
- Budget management
- Market adaptation
- Sales analytics
- Traffic analytics
- Inventory analytics
- CRM analytics
- Audit
- Compliance
- Loss prevention
- Estate management
- Risk management
- Cost control
- Visual merchandising
- Customer experience
- People management
- Talent development
- Succession planning
- Cross-functional influence
- Stakeholder management
- Communication skills
- Presentation skills
Location
- Within the assigned Central region, ideally based near a store or office
Work Type
- Full-time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- Senior level
About the Company
- Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world.
- We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged.
- We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
Equal Opportunity
- New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.
- We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.