National Key Accounts Director – Remote

Description

National Key Accounts Director – Sport Optics

Location: Remote

Employer: Leica Camera AG Sport Optics Division

Company Overview

Leica Sport Optics is a distinguished company with a rich legacy of 100+ years in the Optics Industry, celebrated for our unparalleled craftsmanship and commitment to producing the highest quality European produced products on the market. As we enter a transformative phase of growth, we are seeking a National Key Accounts Director to revitalize our brand while honoring our heritage.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented National and Key Account Director to lead our strategic initiatives in managing and growing our key accounts within the hunting, photo, and outdoor sectors. This role will be pivotal in developing and maintaining strategic relationships with our top accounts, ensuring their needs are met while driving profitable growth for the company. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of Omnichannel Management including brick and mortar and digital account management, as well as a passion for outdoor activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Account Management: Develop and implement tailored account strategies to maximize growth opportunities within key accounts in the hunting, photo and outdoor markets. Set clear plans and control execution to ensure targets are met, focusing on forecast accuracy and budget planning to align with overall business objectives and drive sustained growth.
• Digital Account Expertise: Utilize knowledge of online platforms and digital marketing strategies to enhance account performance and engagement, focusing on e-commerce channels relevant to the hunting, outdoor and photo industry.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead contract negotiations and renewals to secure favorable terms and conditions that benefit both the company and our customers.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including C-level executives in retail, distribution, and e-commerce, to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Sales Leadership: Work closely with a team of regional account managers to drive performance, store activations and merchandising, set sales targets, and achieve revenue goals specific to the market.
• Market Analysis: Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and market dynamics in the hunting, photo and outdoor sectors to identify new business opportunities and inform strategic decision-making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product development, and operations teams to ensure the successful delivery of products and services to key accounts, particularly in the digital space.
• Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess account performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports and presentations for senior management on account performance, market trends, and strategic initiatives.
  
  
  

The National and Key Account Director will develop strategies to maximize growth in key accounts within the hunting, photo and outdoor markets, leveraging digital platforms for enhanced performance and engagement. Responsibilities include building strong relationships with stakeholders, leading account managers to achieve sales targets, monitoring industry trends for new opportunities, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure effective product delivery. The role also involves managing contract negotiations, establishing performance metrics, and preparing reports for senior management on account performance and strategic initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

• Increase sales and profitability of Leica Sports Optics across National Key Accounts.
• Lead all aspects of sales, marketing, account strategy as well as day to day operations with National and Key Accounts.
• Work cross functionally to contribute and collaborate on the account marketing plans
• Develop top line plans to coordinate and manage in-store events, marketing initiatives, training sessions, and merchandising activities which will be executed by the Leica field sales team.
• Own and manage sales and budgetary forecasting, contract negotiations including terms and conditions.
• Manage all account sales and marketing budgets and provide monthly spend updates.
• Consult with dealers on retail operations, including Leica products, inventory mix, merchandising, and in-store events.
• Deliver Leica Sport Optics product training and education to dealers and their sales associates.
• Represent Leica in a professional and ethical manner as the face of the organization in the marketplace.
  
  
  

Position Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s Degree in related field
• 5 to 10 years of experience managing national, regional and online retailers, preferably in the outdoor retail sector.
• Experience working for premium equipment and/or soft goods brands.
• Strong understanding of sports performance, hunting and lifestyle brands and their distribution networks.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and make recommendations on potential solutions.
• Excels in research, composition, presentation, communication and project management.
• Natural relationship builder and networker.
• The ability to multi-task, combining strategy and execution; and a willingness to step in to get the job done.
• Ability to develop and implement sales and marketing plans based upon the understanding of customer and consumer needs.
• A track record of effectively working to a budget and measuring results.
  
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Dynamic Leader: Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong focus on identifying and pursuing sales opportunities within the hunting and outdoor markets.
• Sales Expertise: Proven track record in driving sales growth and managing key accounts effectively, with a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics.
• Project Management: Highly effective under pressure, adept at managing multiple sales initiatives and priorities simultaneously.
• Trade Marketing & Category Management: Utilization of modern tools to enhance the shopping experience through in store execution (off/online) while defining assortment strategies tailored to specific accounts.
• Brand Passion: Genuine enthusiasm for the outdoor and optics industries, fostering strong connections with customers and stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Strong strategic and analytical abilities to assess market trends, identify opportunities, and inform sales strategies.
• Budget Management: Experienced in budget development and management, ensuring effective resource allocation for maximum ROI.
• Independent Decision-Making: Capable of exercising independent judgment and making data-driven decisions that drive sales results.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging and influencing diverse stakeholders.
• Proactive and Motivated: Self-motivated, hands-on mentality, persuasive and persistent to get things done.
• Media Proficiency: Skilled in utilizing various media channels to convey clear and compelling sales messages to targeted audiences.
  
  
  

Working Conditions

• Exempt position
• Bonus eligible
• Up to 40% travel required: 60% remote work from home
  
  
  

If you are passionate about building a brand in the Outdoor Industry and possess the skills and experience outlined above, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and vision for this role.

Leica Camera AG Sport Optics Division is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

About the Organization Leica Camera is an international, premium manufacturer of cameras and sports optics. The legendary reputation of the Leica brand is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, German craftsmanship and German industrial design, combined with innovative technologies. An integral part of the brand’s culture is the diversity of activities the company undertakes for the advancement of photography. In addition to the Leica Galleries and Leica Akademies spread around the world, there are the Leica Hall of Fame Award and, in particular, the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA), which is considered one of the most innovative sponsorship awards existing today. Furthermore, Leica Camera AG, with its headquarters in Wetzlar, Hesse, and a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, has a worldwide network of its own national organizations and Leica Retail Stores.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.