Sales Director, Strategic Accounts - The North Face, UK
Permanent opportunity
Competitive salary with generous bonus and company share scheme
Target start date: May/June 2026
The North Face is currently looking for an outstanding Director, Strategic Accounts (JD) to join our team based in the UK (London, Manchester).
The North Face is the premier exploration company in the world. We spark curiosity. We dare to disrupt. We create communities. And we lead with integrity. We are a community of explorers and are constantly looking for new ideas, places and people to connect with. The North Face is a subsidiary of VF, the world’s largest apparel and footwear company.
Let’s Talk about the Role
Lead and coach strategic accounts team (today 5 people) to develop a mutual and beneficial long-term partnership with JD Group strategic accounts across EMEA. Responsible for delivering brand and financial goals for our strategic key accounts in line with our overall EMEA strategies and financial plans.
How You Will Make a Difference
Strategic planning (10%)
Lead strategic accounts teams to develop a 1–3-year strategic and financial account plan based on the EMEA Strategic imperatives (channel and account focus) in collaboration with supporting functional peers
Measure & track success thru scorecard metric to be implemented/evolved for the brand strategic / key accounts.
Forecasting and targeting (5%)
Develop the accounts FY and seasonal sales targets/forecasts based on the FY revenue budget and country Feedback (Bottom up and down approach) working in conjunction with finance, planning and Head of Strategic Accounts.
Monitor business progress by tracking seasonal pre orders participating to weekly calls and appropriates meetings.
Manage the business (50%)
Implement and nurture profitability in the way we manage our accounts (P&L in place with top line & profitability goals in place).
Meet top accounts and implement strategic meetings, business review processes to create, track and measure plans in a mutual beneficial partnership.
Make sure you differentiate accounts by implementing, when possible, SMU program and communicate effectively relevant strategies to country and key account managers.
SMU development process knowledge and experience is essential to your duty and within that strategic relationship
Channel product feedback and needs to appropriate product managers.
Lead and coordinate sales programs as well as various strategic account initiatives with the Sales Ops team (be the first contact for any requests regarding brand strategic / key accounts in your channel)
Coaching and leading (35%)
Develop a culture of feedback and coaching to support / develop your team members. Influence positively the culture survey results by creating a transparent and collaborative working environment for your team and peers.
Elevate our accounts sales team professionalism by reaching industry standards in terms of account management (process, financial approach, PLM, menu of services).
Other:
Work closely with channel directors, planning, finance, and marketing to keep the strategic accounts agenda (process, focus, support) as a priority.
Meet on weekly basis with Head of Strategic Accounts sharing business progress.
Skills for Success
Strong commercial instincts with proven success in growing sales and customer satisfaction through customer interaction and operational efficiencies
Previous experience of successfully working within Fashion Industries or Sporting goods at a similar level
Previous experience working with large scale retailer(s) and global markets
Strong communication skills : written, oral and presentation
Results orientated attitude
University degree in business with sales focus or equivalent
Excellent analytical and numerical skills
Strong presentation skills
A passion for growth, innovation, and the TNF brand
VF is a global apparel company connecting people to the lifestyles they cherish through our family of iconic brands.
At the heart of our journey lies our purpose: We power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. This is our purpose. It’s the reason we come to work every day. Our purpose unites us and leads us to pursue our goals, together.
This is our calling.
Learn more at vfc.com
What’s in it For You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.
A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks
Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, VF is committed to support disadvantaged groups whilst providing equal opportunities for both VF associates and applicants alike.
If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!