Head of Retail, South Territory EMEA

About the role

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. As the Head of Retail for Territory South, you are the Retail Director EMEA’s strategic partner and the senior field leader accountable for translating EMEA strategy into market impact across multiple markets.

Responsibilities

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. The 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.

• 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 the commercial levers that drive top-line and margin performance (pricing, assortment, promotions, productivity)
• Set stretch targets and hold the region accountable for delivery
• Translate global campaigns and assortments into locally relevant plans that capitalise on seasonal peaks and regional consumer behaviour
• Ensure consistent execution of the New Balance operational standards across owned & operated stores
• Embed rigorous audit, compliance and loss-prevention disciplines
• Partner expansion team with site selection input, 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 to deliver a consistent, locally relevant New Balance experience

Leadership, People & Stakeholder Management

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 programmes 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 centre operators and key retail partners

Requirements

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
• 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)

Qualifications

Proven track record of delivering profitable growth in multi-market retail environments.

Skills

Advanced analytical capability, P&L and budget ownership, expertise in audit, shrinkage control and retail operations.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with a global brand, competitive salary and benefits package, and a dynamic and supportive work environment.