Senior Sales Manager, Football (Germany, Benelux, Austria)

New Balance; Düsseldorf; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading sports brand in Düsseldorf is seeking a Senior Sales Manager Football to drive strategic growth and market leadership in the football category. The role requires proven sales leadership, a strong network in the German football ecosystem, and expertise in teamwear and licensed products. Competitive compensation, professional development opportunities, and a company car are offered.

Leistungen

Competitive compensation

Professional development

Company car

Qualifikationen

• Proven track record in strategic sales leadership within the football or sportswear industry.
• Deep understanding of the German football ecosystem and strong industry network.
• Expertise in teamwear, footwear, and licensed product categories.

Aufgaben

• Develop and implement a comprehensive football category strategy aligned with business goals.
• Identify and capitalize on growth opportunities across markets and channels.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers for long-term cooperation.

Kenntnisse

Strategic sales leadership

Negotiation

Project management

Analytical skills

Fluent in German

Fluent in English

Ausbildung

University degree in business or sports management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Jobbeschreibung

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: Strategic Growth & Market Leadership in Football

As the Senior Sales Manager Football, your primary mission is to drive strategic growth and business development across the football category in Germany, Benelux, and Austria. You will lead the creation and execution of a forward-looking, data-driven category strategy—with a strong focus on teamwear, footwear, and licensed products—to position the brand as a market leader. This role is pivotal in expanding our footprint, unlocking new revenue streams, and professionalizing key account partnerships through a structured, scalable approach.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

- Develop and implement a comprehensive football category strategy aligned with long-term business goals.

- Identify and capitalize on growth opportunities across markets, channels, and customer segments.

- Expand the lighthouse account model to new strategic partners, enhancing brand visibility and commercial impact.

- Collaborate with EMEA central & Global teamwear team to shape a future-proof channel strategy that balances performance and profitability.

Key Account & Market Expansion

- Lead strategic planning and execution for buying group networks and high-potential accounts.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with key decision-makers to ensure alignment and long-term cooperation.

- Drive go-to-market strategies, including pre-line planning, sell-in, and in-season execution.

Performance & Commercial Excellence

- Own and optimize sales KPIs (turnover, margin, sell-through) through proactive stock and sales management.

- Analyze market trends and customer data to inform strategic decisions and mitigate risks.

- Contribute to long-range planning and forecasting to support sustainable growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

- Partner with product, marketing, finance, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution of the football strategy.

- Co-create activation plans, promotions, and storytelling formats with marketing to elevate brand presence.

- Ensure operational excellence in customization, logistics, and service delivery.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

- Proven track record in strategic sales leadership within the football or sportswear industry.

- Deep understanding of the German football ecosystem and strong industry network.

- Expertise in teamwear, footwear, and licensed product categories.

- University degree in business, sports management, or a related field.

- Strong analytical, negotiation, and project management skills.

- Fluent in German and English; proficient in Microsoft Excel.

- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for football and customer-centric growth.

- Willingness to travel across the region.

WHAT NB OFFER:

- A high-impact leadership role at a top-tier sports brand.

- Opportunity to scale a high-growth category and build a dedicated team.

- Strategic influence and creative freedom in a dynamic, football-driven environment.

- Flat hierarchies, collaborative culture, and strong brand momentum.

- Competitive compensation, professional development, and a company car.

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.