Sales Director Northern Europe

Napapijri is looking for an exceptional Sales Director to join our team based in Stabio, Switzerland.

For over 30 years, Napapijri has pioneered the future of fashion. From our Italian beginnings, innovating outdoor apparel in the shadow of Monte Bianco, to tackling nature’s most challenging environments on polar expeditions, our desire to lead the way is what makes us who we are. As a premium outdoor lifestyle brand, we provide an urban outdoor aesthetic combined with functionality and comfort for an eco-conscious consumer.

Let’s Talk about the Role

The main goal of the Area Sales Director is to plan, build and execute market & channel right strategies for its perimeter in sync with the regional brand strategy and priorities (OGSTM) to drive and achieve all performance metrics (Revenue growth / Market share / Brand health / Profitability). You will manage a Sales team for a specific area across channels of distribution. You will also operate as a lead for the North area (UK, GAS, Benelux and Scando). As Sales Director, you will drive and implement the Go To Market (GTM) process in line with the annual target, brand calendar and initiatives and generate input supported by market trends and competition insights. You will curate and nurture a selected distribution composed of multi brand retailers, online and offline, across different channels of distribution. You will build on strong working relationships with your reseller network and build a pipeline of qualified new business sales opportunities in your area by implementing and ensure perfect execution of Napapijri seasonal Go To Market strategy and supported by thorough Gross to Net (G2N) planning and execution with a sellout 1st mindset. Finally, you will measure and report success on a monthly and quarterly basis.

How You Will Make a Difference- Initiate a long-term business plan, implement the plan and deliver the achievement of market share, brand health and profitability.- Prepare and maintain the annual strategic plan for your area and for the area across all product categories.- Effectively manage the Sales organization and their account profitability to grow within budgeted cost parameters. Manage all key variables: top line sales, gross margins, returns, discounts, coop marketing budget (G2N))- Drive and execute GTM plans for your area and channel of choice.- Work closely with our marketplace manager to execute the MPS strategy- Create and maintain strong relationships at a senior level with all SKA across Europe (e.g., JD, Foot Locker, ASOS, Zalando, Frasers Group...)- Work in close collaboration with other functions (Brand / Channel Marketing / Merchandising) to make sure your GTM plans are achievable through the right assortment and investment strategies.- identify the most effective programs for sell-through. Co create activation initiatives with partners of choice, aligning the collateral and supporting sales tools, track the specific activations and ROI.- Maintain expert knowledge of products and competition products. Picking up new technologies- Identify challenges and opportunities, leverage resources and propose business solutions.- Ensure that accounts and distributor partners are contacted and visited regularly at both head office and key store level. Understanding their needs and requirements to drive sales growth (sell in and sell through performance) of the brand- Drive commercial service level agreement negotiations with key partners to insure best execution of the OGSTM & G2N plans.- Cooperate with other VF brands to ensure that all synergies and opportunities for VF are maximised- You will work with key partners to optimize operational process.

Skills for Success

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or abilities required for the individual to be successful in this position.- Education: MBA or University- Experience: Successful Wholesale management from supplier side (or possibly multiple retail) with history of regular achievements in our business category.
- A proven track record in managing sales teams and agents, achieving strong results.- Language skills: English (speaking and writing) Speaking any extra language (Italian, French, German, Spanish) is an advantage- Analytical Skills: Strong skills, able to analyse KPI reports, turnover, stock reports and product forecast reports.
- Highly aware of margins, OTB analysis, direct product profitability and retail KPI’s and all measurements in wholesale - turnover, account contribution in sales etc

What’s in it For You

We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.- A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do- An inclusive international envi