Retail Account Manager - Running Footwear
Description:
The World's Best Footwear Needs World Class Retail Marketing!
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is searching for a Retail Account Manager who finds excitement working with people and organizations that sell GORE-TEX® brand shoes. Based in Elkton, MD, this position will focus on influencing and creating retailer specification (at all levels including the "buyer") for trail and road running GORE-TEX® footwear manufactured by our customers, which include the top brands in the world. The Retail Account manager will work with the Running Category Team to assess the retail landscape and develop a comprehensive retail strategy for the category.
Success in our global initiative requires that we develop a high level of engagement and product specification with a primary focus on Specialty Running Retail channels in the North American region. This position includes working with key independents, nationally known specialty retail chains, and the retail doors of our key wholesale customers. We seek to create a high level of insistence for GORE-TEX® running footwear with these retailers, as well as a relevant connection to the consumer communities that they have created and service. The associate who makes this commitment will be expected to create and then drive the strategy to accomplish these goals. It is expected that the Retail Account Manager will work well with Gore's account management and strategic marketing team to come up with cooperative marketing ideas that can be used in stores to support the strategy. Success towards these goals will be measured by the growth in SKU's of GORE-TEX® running shoes in the specialty running channels, and the creation of effective points of connection with the running communities served by these retailers. The Associate will be a key member of the Global Running Footwear Team where their knowledge and insights will be utilized to evolve global strategic direction for the category, as well as collaboration with other regions as appropriate.
Qualifications:
- 3 plus years in sales or marketing to the specialty running retailer in NA regions
- Demonstrated ability to sell or support technical, performance products
- Track record of developing high level, influencing relationships with owners and buyers or retail operations
- Track record of conceiving, planning and implementing running consumer focused programs in conjunction with retailers
- Experience in delivering or managing the delivery of store staff product training programs
- Demonstrated ability to measure and track progress towards strategic objectives in a specialty retail context
- Avid runner (ideal)
- Bachelor's degree
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong computer skills.
- Effective negotiation skills.
- Self-starter, able to succeed with little supervision.
- Able to prioritize and multi-task.
- Resourcefulness
- Maintain aggressive travel schedule (50% average with seasonal fluctuation).
- Public speaking/large group presentation/product training skills.
*All interested applicants must apply online at www.gore.com/careers to be considered for this position by using the internal job number (081404)*