Western European Director of JD Group – CONVERSE

 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

At Converse, we believe that those independent enough not to follow will move the world forward. We’re a place to explore potential, break barriers, and push the edges. Inspired by our rich history, we are even more excited about what’s coming next, and YOU get to write the next chapter of our 100+ year-old story. We seek individuals who can grow, think, dream, and create. Our culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination, with each person bringing their authentic selves to a challenging and constantly evolving world to push things forward.

Do you have expertise in managing strategic accounts, leading large cross-functional teams, a deep understanding of the street and sportswear industry, and an interest in youth culture? Then we have the perfect role for you!

As Western Europe Commercial Director – Leading a Top Tier Wholesale Account, you will know how to create and cultivate strong relationships with senior stakeholders. You will work cross-functionally to unlock the full potential of the Converse brand while leading the strategy for your area of business. You will create a high-performance environment by motivating and growing our talent.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

You will be the business owner for one of Converse’s largest and most strategic wholesale accounts in Western Europe, strengthening relationships and sustainably growing the Converse business in alignment with our integrated marketplace strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the cross-functional partner team to sustainably grow the business in alignment with our Integrated Marketplace Strategy.

• Grow our talent to become leaders of the future in alignment with their career development plans.

• Collaborate across the Converse business with Customer Operations, Business Planning, Go-to-Market, Merchandising, Retail Marketing, Finance, and Commercial teams to achieve your business goals.

• Plan, Implement, Review & Optimize: Constantly learn to improve yourself and your team.

• Set the future: Partner with your wholesale account to build a long-term strategic partnership.

• Team Player: Be a key member of the Commercial leadership team, providing insights and support when needed.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

You will work closely with your direct reports, peers, and your manager, the Converse W.E Senior Commercial Director. Additionally, you will be part of the W.E Commercial leadership team and a key member of the broader W.E Extended Leadership Team. You will interact with global stakeholders on various topics as we look to unlock the full potential of a global wholesale business. The role is based in Converse EHQ, Hilversum, The Netherlands, with travel expected to meet our retail partners.

WHAT YOU BRING

Hard Skills

• Business Unit-level leadership experience with a regional or geo-market scope (European experience strongly preferred), and regular collaboration with senior stakeholders across merchandising, planning, marketing, operations, and finance.

• Extensive senior sales experience managing strategic partners, growing the business, and cultivating relationships.

• Strong commercial acumen with experience in financial forecasting and a firm understanding of the Gross to Net process.

• Experience in building and negotiating trade terms.

• Proven ability to use data and analytics to drive business decisions.

• Experience managing cross-functional collaboration across retail, marketing, planning, and brand.

• Experience managing at least 3 direct reports across multiple European markets.

• Experience in a leading senior role at geo level; European market experience is a strong plus.

• Implementation and delivery of a commercial strategy with a key strategic partner.

• Your senior expertise primarily stems from a commercial function; additional experience in planning, marketing, or merchandising is a strong plus.

• Experience in the same or adjacent industry is strongly preferred.

• Senior commercial leadership experience implementing complex strategies with major, high-profile partners.

Soft Skills

• Passion for the Converse brand and culture.

• Experience working within youth culture and/or street style/fashion spaces.

• A track record of developing and mentoring talent.

• Goal-setting and performance coaching mindset.

• Detail-oriented, organized, and results-driven.

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, matrixed environments.

• Ability to collaborate and build trust across cross-functional teams.

• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external partners.

• Curious, growth-minded, and constantly seeking to learn and evolve.

• Strong verbal, written, and presentational communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, building alignment across internal teams and external partners.

THE JOB POSTING WILL CLOSE JULY 11TH 2025
International relocation is available for this role