The role is responsible for managing and developing the PUMA brand within third-party operated PUMA (Partner) stores and distribution partners in the GCC region while managing, developing, and building upon sustainable and profitable businesses.

• Develop and implement profitable growth strategies with third-party operated PUMA (Partner) stores and distributors
• Management of partner store development. Align product range selection and PUMA operational procedures with O&O PUMA stores
• Ensure coordinated launches of key seasonal initiatives and implement and monitor consistent visual merchandising execution, balancing local requirements and brand consistency through close collaboration with the relevant partners
• Collect and analyse sales data from partner stores to identify and improve product and operational performance to manage product life cycles, inventory models and rates of sale
• Conduct effective seasonal range presentations at the time of sell-in period
• Assist in the implementation of applicable marketing plans on the account level
• Provide the highest level of service and product expertise each season from sell-in to sell-thru
• Achieve sales goals by quarter and category as defined by the Teamhead of Sales and Senior Head of Sales & Merchandising
• Annual & seasonal forecasting by account
• Proactive order book management
• Monitor competitors’ activities and performance, along with implementing strategies and tactics to compete
• Develop short & long term business reviews, strategy and planning
• Manage the store approval processes
• Assist with traveling requirements
• Managing & developing junior managers
• Seek additional business opportunities
• Implementation and improvement of processes

Education:

• Education: University Degree, preferably in the Business field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years relevant sales experience in the footwear and/or apparel sports, lifestyle or fashion industry

Capabilities:

• Results-driven
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Forecasting and data analysis skills
• Exceptional follow-through and organisational skills
• Ability to effectively manage time and work against business deadlines
• High-level energy, initiative, and professionalism
• Innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to business issues
• Proficiency in MS Office (word, excel, power-point)
• Fluency in the English language (speaking, reading, writing) at a business level
• Ability to travel throughout the territory (Middle East and East Africa)

Specialized Skills:

• Good understanding of sports lifestyle consumers and the industry
• Technical product (footwear and/or apparel) knowledge
• Understanding of footwear and/or apparel retailers’ financial metrics- sales, gross margin / IMU, inventory, turn, etc.
• Retail operations experience
• Responsible for the representation and sale of PUMA footwear, apparel and accessories with PUMA partners while managing, developing, and building upon sustainable and profitable businesses
• Execute the sales strategy for the area as set forth by the Head of Sales
• Manage the assigned PUMA partners and distributors in selected markets
• Plan general business activities for the applicable accounts
• Fair understanding of the particularities and challenges of cross border supply transactions including relevant financial tools (e.g. letters of credit)