Senior Key Account Manager – France

Our client, a leading global sportswear brand, is seeking a Senior Key Account Manager – France to lead and grow some of the most strategic retail partnerships in the French market—across Courir, Citadium, Intersport, Decathlon, Foot Locker France, and other key accounts.

This role is pivotal in accelerating commercial performance, elevating brand presence, and strengthening partnerships across both omnichannel and specialty retail. The ideal candidate combines commercial expertise, strategic mindset, and deep retail knowledge of the French sporting goods and fashion landscape.

Key Responsibilities

Account Ownership & Business Development

• Lead the strategic planning and operational management of major French key accounts, including Courir, Citadium, Intersport, Decathlon, and Foot Locker France.
• Own and drive account P&L, revenue growth, and profitability, ensuring the brand’s commercial success across all retail formats.
• Develop and implement joint business plans (JBPs) that align with internal growth targets and the brand’s premium positioning.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Partner with internal teams to create seasonal go-to-market strategies, ensuring commercial alignment and tailored execution per account.
• Drive sell-in processes and coordinate with merchandising and demand planning to deliver effective sell-through and replenishment strategies.
• Monitor performance and market activity, generating insights to optimize assortment, marketing, and promotions.

Retail & Brand Excellence

• Ensure premium brand presentation and storytelling across all account touchpoints, both physical and digital.
• Collaborate with the brand and marketing teams to activate impactful seasonal campaigns, retail moments, and product launches.
• Champion channel excellence across retail formats—leveraging digital and in-store levers to enhance consumer experience and drive growth.

Internal Leadership & Collaboration

• Act as the central point of contact and internal voice for all assigned French accounts, ensuring strong communication and collaboration across teams.
• Work cross-functionally with brand, product, logistics, and finance to ensure account needs are met with excellence and agility.
• Ensure strict compliance with trade agreements, commercial policies, and internal governance.

Candidate Profile

Professional Experience

• 6–10+ years in key account management or commercial roles within sport, fashion, footwear, or consumer goods industries.
• Proven experience managing omnichannel and specialty retailers in France (Courir, Citadium, Decathlon, Intersport, Foot Locker, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in driving account growth, building JBPs, and delivering commercial KPIs.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of the French retail environment, shopper behaviour, and local market dynamics.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking with ability to interpret commercial data and make informed business decisions.
• Skilled negotiator and relationship builder, confident operating at senior levels both internally and externally.
• Results-driven, structured, and self-motivated, with strong attention to detail and follow-through.

Languages

• Fluency in French and English is essential.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about sport, culture, and lifestyle, with a sharp eye for market trends and brand relevance.
• Adaptable and collaborative leader, comfortable in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
• Commercially sharp with a long-term view and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.