International Sales Manager, UK, Europe & Middle East bei Fastretailing

The Company

At Theory, we create clothes that matter that empower and improve the way we live through exceptional fit, fabric, and style. In 1997, Theory was founded in New York on the simple idea that stretch fabrics in tailored clothing could change how we dress and live. Two decades later, we continue to perfect our offering of elevated wardrobe essentials for the ambitious, urban man and woman. From sourcing materials from the best mills in the world to the innovation and craftsmanship at our atelier in New York's Meatpacking District, the integrity of our process is just as important as our final product.

In 2004, Theory was acquired by Fast Retailing, spurring the international expansion of the brand. Operating 440 stores worldwide today, Theory is a New York brand with a global mindset. Our customers dream big, achieve goals, and aim for perfection. So do we, and so do our clothes.

The role

The Sales Manager will oversee our wholesale business in the UK, Europe, and Middle East, for the brands Theory and Helmut Lang, based in London.

Key responsibilities and duties

PRE-SEASON STRATEGY

• Collaborate with wholesale planning to create realistic seasonal budgets
• Negotiate seasonal Open-to-Buy (OTB) purchase budgets with key accounts prior to Market
• Ensure optimal assortment, aligning closely with NY Market and global marketing and merchandising strategies
• Travel to Brand HQ in New York City for proto and other milestone meetings,  (once a year, or as needed)

MARKET RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Provide pre-market unit projections to global merchandising and production to ensure adequate inventory before market 
• Plan and manage 4 seasonal markets in Paris
• Present product collections to accounts while in market, either in-person in New York City or Paris, or conducted via virtual appointments in the absence of travel, with support from Associate Account Executive
• Guide accounts product selection and order placement during market appointments 
• Track all orders received during markets against budget
• Collect, send, format, and finalize orders with the Order Entry team, with support from Associate Account Executive

BUSINESS ANALYSIS & IN-SEAON ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT

• Maintain daily communication with accounts to identify opportunities for growth
• Manage account-level shipping & credit issues
• Manage and track re-orders from accounts
• Guide Associate Account Executive to develop of product knowledge decks to support in-season retail sales and distribute visual merchandising guides and seasonal marketing materials to accounts
• Act as point of contact between brand store design teams and accounts for any new stores or renovations 
• Monitor weekly shipping, working with accounts and logistics team to ensure timely delivery or pick-up to maintain business momentum
• Manage monthly shipping to achieve shipping budgets
• Prepare business recaps for key account & total regions for market preparations
• Partner with manager to prepare recaps following each market to leadership and product teams

STORE SUPPORT

• Lead Theory Funded Staff at Selfridges and Harrods
• Conduct frequent local store visits (especially within London) to identify opportunities for growth, and provide in-person product knowledge trainings
• Partner with Visual Merchandising UK team to ensure Theory and Helmut Lang are represented properly in our department store locations
• Regularly review in-store locations, brand adjacencies, and sales representatives with accounts to maximize opportunity and brand exposure
• Identify opportunities for shop enhancements
• Visit key store locations regularly to assess competitive landscape and store opportunities

Key skills and experience

• Experience of working for a retail apparel and fashion brand  
• Experience working with accounts such as Selfridges, Harrods,  Harvey Nichols, John Lewis,  Printemps, Beymen, Zalando, etc.
• Experience with Blue Cherry, Skypad, Excel and Nuorder
• Superior retail math skills and strong analytical and business acumen
• Strong inter-personal skills with the ability to establish cross-functional multilevel relationships
• Ability to deal with rapidly changing organizational issues
• Self-motivation with a strong sense of personal accountability.

We regret that due to the high volume of applications we are unable to acknowledge every application. Please bear in mind that if you are selected for an interview, we will contact you within the next 14 days. However, if we think that your skills and qualifications may be suitable for other similar positions, we may hold your details on our database and contact you in the future.

Theory is an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from all profiles, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or background.

We take data protection very seriously and understand the importance of protecting your privacy and Personal Information. For the recruitment process, you can find the applicable privacy policy on our site: https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/privacy/eurecruitment.html.