Principal Key Account Representative

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Columbia Sales team partners with external partners (from wholesale key accounts to independent boutiques) and internal teams including Merchandising, Marketing, and Design to understand the needs of consumers and the realities of the marketplace, as well as how our product best fits into that equation. The Sales team’s business savviness and sales strategy expertise lends itself to strong partnerships and solid results. 

Columbia is looking for a Principal Key Account Representative to drive all sales functions for assigned key accounts, including the development and execution of sales strategies that support growth of the business.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Drive sustainable and profitable sales growth with assigned key accounts, including day-to-day business operations. 

• Utilize sales analytics and product, consumer, and marketplace insights to independently construct and effectively communicate compelling seasonal Go-to-Market plans.

• Lead collaboration with internal cross-functional teams to run a best-in-class business. 

• Build and maintain exceptional account relationships and serve as a liaison to various stakeholder teams.

• Drive development of long-term growth strategies that align to brand expectations and deliver on goals of increased market share while elevating brand equity. 

• Deliver compelling seasonal product presentations utilizing elevated and persuasive storytelling and directive selling techniques. 

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to create and implement marketing plans that build consumer awareness, drive conversion (sell-through), and lead to brand advocacy. 

YOU ARE 

• Able to identify and solve complex problems and make decisions with a high level of autonomy.

• A subject matter expert who can apply specialized knowledge of industry standards on key projects and initiatives.

• Communicative with the ability to convert technical information into compelling business context and advice.

• A strong leader who can provide training, leadership, and mentorship for other team members.

YOU HAVE 

• Bachelor’s degree, applicable certification or equivalent experience.

• 8+ years of professional experience in sales of Apparel, Footwear, Equipment, and/or equivalent industry merchant experience.

• Proven success in meeting deadlines and sales/revenue goals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with elements of ambiguity.

• Experience working within integrated cross functional teams and the ability to establish effective working relationships internally and externally.

• Advanced knowledge of retail analytics and current financial planning methods, including retail open-to-buy plans.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including relationship building, as well as strong persuasive speaking and proven negotiation abilities.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as advanced knowledge with Microsoft applications and sales software.

Travel Required: Approximately 25%

#LI-HS1

#Hybrid

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

At Columbia Sportswear Company, we’re proud to offer regular full-time employees a benefits package that includes a variety of services and products to help make your life and work more rewarding. Our benefit programs contribute to overall employee well-being by aligning those programs with the fundamental elements of well-being: physical, social/emotional, financial, career and community. Benefits that can protect your family’s financial future and help you save money through our 401k plan plus a generous company match. Columbia offers medical, dental, vision, life Insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, and an assortment of voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and legal services). In addition, Columbia offers EAP + which is free and confidential 24/7/365 counseling services. We have extensive wellness benefits, employee discounts and a generous time off program available.

If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to [email protected] with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.