Key Account Manager - JD Sports

HADDAD BRANDS EUROPE; London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's apparel distributor in London is seeking a Key Account Manager to drive strategic partnerships and manage the SMU process. The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of account management experience in the fashion or retail industries. This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Dynamic work environment

Career growth potential

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in account management within fashion, sportswear, or retail.
• Experience with branded apparel and product customization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic brand partnerships and manage the SMU process.
• Analyze sales data to inform product strategy.
• Manage relationships with JD Apparel buyers.

Skills

Account management experience

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Microsoft Office proficiency

Job description

Haddad Brands Europe, founded in 2017, specializes in distributing children’s apparel under exclusive licenses (Nike, Levi’s, Converse, Jordan, Polo Ralph Lauren…) across Europe.

Operational for the past 7 years, the company has experienced rapid growth and now employs over 500 people across the continent.

We distribute our products through wholesale — to major specialized or multi-brand retailers — and retail, via our branded corners in department stores.

In concrete terms, this means that if you’re buying kidswear (ages 0–7 for Nike, 0–16 for Levi’s, Converse, and Jordan), whether in-store, online, in the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe, the product has passed through us — even if purchased in an official Nike or Levi’s store!

To support the growth of our Apparel category across the JD Group, we are looking for a Key Account Manager in the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

This role is crucial in driving strategic brand partnerships, managing the end-to-end SMU (Special Make-Up) process, and delivering innovative, consumer-focused product assortments aligned with JD’s brand positioning and business goals. The Key Account Manager will manage relationships with JD Apparel buyers and leverage data and retail insights for mutually profitable success.

Apparel Business Development

• Collaborate with the JD buying team to identify and pursue growth opportunities across key apparel categories.
• Analyze sales data, consumer trends, and market insights to inform seasonal planning and product strategy. Work with business planning and merchandising to create consumer-right and profitable assortments.
• Work closely with the JD Merchandising Manager to unlock exclusive product opportunities and enhance JD’s market differentiation.
• Support range planning, product selection, and go-to-market strategies in line with JD’s commercial objectives.
• Develop comprehensive Seasonal Account Plans, including long-term strategies and strategic pillars for sustained growth.

SMU Process Management

• Partner with JD Merchandising to drive the end-to-end SMU process from ideation to delivery, ensuring timelines, margin targets, and brand alignment.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with JD Buying, and Haddad NY and Europe teams across Design, Merchandising, and Marketing.
• Manage SMU critical path milestones and deadlines, ensuring full JD alignment.
• Maintain clear documentation, visibility, and communication of all SMU projects through internal systems.
• Achieve 95%+ On-time and in-full delivery (DIFOT) for all SMU ranges.

Skills and Experience:

• 5-7 years of experience in account management within fashion, sportswear, or retail industries.
• Strong commercial acumen with a passion for product and understanding of sell-through drivers.
• Experience with branded apparel and familiarity with SMU or product customization is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; confident working with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint); familiarity with product lifecycle or merchandising systems is a plus.
• Willingness to travel across Europe (~20%).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment
• Collaborative and inclusive company culture
• Career growth potential within a leading global company

If you are a commercially-minded individual with the experience and drive to lead the Apparel business for the JD Group, we would love to hear from you!