Head of Retail, Central Territory EMEA

Job Summary

As the Head of Retail for Territory Central, you will be the Retail Director EMEA’s strategic partner and the senior field leader accountable for translating EMEA strategy into market impact across multiple markets in Germany, Austria and Poland. You will lead commercial and operational performance, shape the regional retail organisation, and build capability through your Area Managers. This senior, hands‑on role requires executive presence, cross‑functional influence, and a proven track record of delivering profitable growth in multi‑market retail environments while travelling 70‑80% of the time.

Major Accountabilities

Strategic & Commercial Accountabilities

• Cluster strategy and growth: 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.
• P&L and commercial ownership: Own the commercial levers that drive top‑line and margin performance (pricing, assortment, promotions, productivity). Set stretch targets and hold the region accountable for delivery.
• Market adaptation: Translate global campaigns and assortments into locally relevant plans that capitalise on seasonal peaks and regional consumer behaviour. Use sales, traffic, inventory and CRM analytics to identify opportunities and risks; implement targeted interventions to improve conversion, ATV and stock turn.

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Operational excellence: Ensure consistent execution of New Balance operational standards across owned & operated stores. Embed rigorous audit, compliance and loss‑prevention disciplines.
• Estate & Openings: Partner expansion team with site selection input, opening plans and post‑opening ramp strategies; ensure new stores meet commercial milestones and deliver expected ROI.
• Risk and cost control: Manage regional operating costs, shrinkage targets and stock control processes; ensure robust processes across omnichannel fulfilment points.
• Brand and customer experience: Safeguard visual merchandising, service standards and local activations to deliver a consistent, locally relevant New Balance experience.

Leadership, People & Stakeholder Management

• Direct reports and team structure: 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.
• Talent and succession: Build bench strength through targeted development plans, training programmes and succession planning in partnership with HR.
• Cross‑functional influence: 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.
• External relationships: Own relationships with landlords, shopping centre operators and key retail partners.

Requirements for Success

Experience, Skills & Attributes

• 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, strong commercial judgement, 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.

KPIs & Success Measures

• Commercial: Regional same‑store sales vs target; gross margin and EBITDA contribution.
• Operational: Audit pass rate; shrinkage percentage vs threshold; time to close corrective actions; successful delivery and adoption of cross‑functional projects.
• People: Engagement & Retention for all levels in territory; leadership bench strength; training completion and engagement scores.

Additional Requirements

• 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).

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.