New Balance
Head of Retail, North Territory EMEA
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Who We Are
Since 1906, 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. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
JOB MISSION
As the Head of Retail for Territory North, 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. You will lead commercial and operational performance, shape the regional retail organisation, and build capability through your Area Managers. 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.
This 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 with the ability to travel 70-80% on average.
Territory Scope & Context
- Location: Within the assigned North region, ideally based near a store or office
- Reporting to: Retail Director, EMEA
- Direct reports: Area Managers across North territory
- Cluster North: UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark
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: In partnership with Finance and Commercial teams, 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.
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Operational Leadership & Execution
- Operational excellence: Ensure consistent execution of the New Balance operational standards across owned & operated stores. Embed rigorous audit, compliance, and loss-prevention disciplines.
- Estate & Openings: Partner with the 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.
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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 languages.
- 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.
At New Balance, our job is to aid athletes in their pursuit of excellence, whether that means helping professional athletes set records and win medals, or propelling everyday athletes to achieve a new PR, run their first 5K, or just to live a more healthy and active lifestyle. Our products are the perfect blend of function and fashion, giving you the performance technology you need and the style you want. Our associates around the world bring these goals to life with their high-level skills and creativity. While we offer the best product on the market, we’re also equally committed to giving back. So while we look to succeed, we believe in ensuring others have the same opportunity.
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