ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - Independents

At FitFlop, we believe that if you want to live an inspired life, you’ve got to start with a great foundation.

So we create the world’s most exciting ergonomic sandals, shoes and boots, using world class design, a splash of fashion, and a continuously-innovating mix of beauty, brains and biomechanics.

Because the MicrowobbleboardTM midsole of our iconic first sandal was developed by two visionary biomechanists, and the upper was designed by a world-class fashion-loving graphic artist. It was ‘sportygorgeous’ on top and super-engineered underneath. And women absolutely loved it.

And so we realised that the really cool shoes (or sandals, or boots, or clogs) are the ones you wear until they fall apart because they look good with everything, the shoes that are so comfortable they call your name from the closet, the lived-in ones you love so much you can’t bring yourself to ‘bin’ them. The shoes with that same perfect combination of logic and magic.

We make them. And they – in turn- make us.

Job Title:   Account Executive – Independents

Northeast – (Maine thru Virginia, over to NY State and Pennsylvania)

Reports to: Sales Director - Independents

The Role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, sales hungry Account Executive to join our entrepreneurial US commercial team. We have big plans for the business so you’ll bring a plethora of enthusiasm, integrity and hunger to drive sales across our independent stores in the North East region. As a natural sales person, you’ll have a strong network in the North East independent footwear industry and you’ll thrive on maximizing sales at every opportunity.

You’ll be looking to make an impact in a growing business and have experience in retail buying and / or wholesale sales with an understanding of retail financial metrics to evaluate short and long term impacts to business. You’ll be fiercely passionate about footwear and looking to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities:

• Sell-in of FitFlop to existing and target retailers; ensuring that the business is maximized by selling identified collections of product, managing inventory flow, and profitable sell through
• Formulating various strategies and selling goals with the Sales Director that fosters the long term growth of FitFlop
• Working closely with various department heads and the Sales Director to ensure adequate communication of information.  Responsible for adhering to budgets and achieving sales targets
• Creating an environment that promotes a culture of motivated sales people and an excellence in service both internally and externally
• Work with the Sales Director to plan the sales and product distribution strategy across independent accounts. Identify and open appropriate and approved new points of distribution.
• Execute this strategy using a variety of sales tools, including weekly face-to-face sales meetings with customers, weekly financial analysis, and in-store interaction with sales associates and consumers
• Develop and maintain close relationships with customers in the territory, ensuring that relevant information is properly communicated to internal team. Conduct regular analysis of marketplace to identify opportunities and challenges for in-season business and future product line planning
• Communicate and report to Sales Director on the status of the FitFlop business in the territory. Analyse sales reports from customers and be proactive in suggesting an action plan on product
• Actively manage sell through at retail.  When necessary participate in clinics and FitFlop events at retail. Demonstrate “best in class” communication of brand and product messaging
• Manage seasonal product merchandise calendar synchronizing with UK product development team and US Go-To-Market timelines
• Partner with Sales Channel and Planning leadership as required throughout the Go-To-Market timeline process to ensure successful implantation of channel assortments
• Work closely with the Sales Director to manage the sell-off of unproductive and seasonal inventory

 The Person:

• Shoe Industry expert with experience managing independent accounts in the North East
• Possesses a strong understanding of financial measurements: sales, weeks of supply, inventory turn, sell-thru and how to impact them
• Strategic thinker, able to prioritize and think through a variety of issues at the same time
• Thoughtful decision maker
• Team player
• Maintain professional demeanour despite pressure situations
• Excellent leadership, organizational and communications skills
• Proven ability as a people manager, motivator and evaluator
• Sales, strategic planning, forecasting, business math, budgeting.  PC savvy, including Microsoft Office
• Ability to travel, including driving and flying 

Salary: competitive + bonus + benefits