The Wholesale Support Specialist focuses on developing key brick & mortar retail relationships. They help advance and maintain existing relationships to build brand market share. They analyze sales data, report, and communicate retail needs to the Marketing and Sales teams. The Wholesale Support Specialist works closely with the Sales Director, independent sales representatives, and Customer Service team to achieve sales goals.
Reports to: Sales Director—US Wholesale
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key existing brick and mortar customers (such as REI, Fleet Feet, Scheels) and support sales representatives responsible for key account growth.
- Generate rep-friendly sales forecasts and distribute reporting to the sales team, creating custom reports as needed.
• Collect and present field market data.
- Pull together regular seasonal reporting documents for Sales Director and sales rep team.
- Monitor account development and execute plans to improve sell through by door/location.
- Work with internal and external team members to help achieve sales and profit goals; coordinate shipping of sales samples.
- Work in conjunction with reps and buyers to build assortments that are catered to the specific accounts needs.
- Complete regular store visits and communicate with management at store level for feedback on brand as well as researching competition.
- Understand and react to current customer needs while having a full understanding of competitive set.
- Collaborate with brand leaders on lines being offered in each market.
- Leverage cross functional partnerships with product, marketing, planning and customer service to apply insights to drive sales.
- Help manage sales budget, communicate demo and seed budget updates.
- Effectively execute a brand/product presentation, build virtual sales presentations.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Self-starter and able to work independently (highly motivated individual eager to make their mark in the industry).
- Retail math - ability to use sales metrics and industry knowledge to anticipate trends and recommend strategies to drive sales.
- Analyze sales data and be able to report key findings.
- Proven track record of building strong customer relationships.
- Team player, exhibiting strong communication skills and flexibility.
- Strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills, attention to detail and accuracy.
- Professional demeanor and customer service oriented.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, strong Excel and PowerPoint ability.
• Required travel- up to 1 week/month.
- Extensive knowledge of specialty/run industry and competitive set.
• Creates and follows effective plans.
- Anticipates risks, creates contingency plans.
- Willing to take risks and suggests new ideas, approaches.
• Takes initiative.
- Builds effective relationships, related well to others.
- Delivers and responds to feedback in a constructive manner.
- Handles conflict, pressure, uncertainty and adapts independently.
- Dedicated to working with business partners on their expectations.
- Personally accountable for work performance targets and achieving results.
- Anticipates and handles obstacles effectively.
• Meets deadlines, works until finished.
Competencies:
SETTING GOALS – Creates and follow effective plans. Anticipates risks, creates contingency plans. Aligns plans with goals. Allocates adequate resources. Accepts and supports change. Willing to take risks and suggests new ideas, approaches. Takes initiative. Seeks out learning activities.
WORKING WITH OTHERS – Clearly articulates own, other’s goals. Promotes a team atmosphere by demonstrating humility and respect. Builds effective relationships, relates well to others. Delivers and responds to feedback in a constructive manner. Considers multiple perspectives. Handles conflict, pressure, uncertainty and adapts independently. Meets commitments. Dedicated to working with business partners on their expectations.
GETTING RESULTS – Personally accountable for work performance targets and achieving results. Prioritizes well. Anticipates and handles obstacles effectively. Makes good, timely decisions. Can simply and process complex problems. Understands underlying issues and addresses root causes. Meets deadlines, works until finished.
Qualifications:
Minimum Experience:
- 2+ years’ experience in a wholesale sales environment
• 1+ years retail store experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Footwear/accessory wholesale sales experience
- Specialty Run or Specialty Outdoor Retail background
- Experience using Netsuite or similar ERP
• Domo or Power BI experience
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience