Retail Area Manager Spain & Italy

Reports to: Retail Operations Manager

Fixed-term contract (converted into permanent after 12 months)

Location: Spain or Italy

Start date: early 2025

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia Sportswear, we're as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we're proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: "It's perfect. Now make it better." As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving.

Discover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands' engaging in-store and online experiences.

Nestled at the heart of the Alps in Geneva, Switzerland, our European headquarters hosts the Executive Committee, go-to-market functions, and Planning and Logistics teams. In Schiltigheim, near Strasbourg, our shared services center thrives with over 100 professionals managing Finance and Operations/Customer Service. Our distribution center in Cambrai ensures swift delivery to customers, while our 35+ Columbia stores adorn major European outlet centers. Finally, the Sales and Trade Marketing teams are displayed in 3 regions across Europe, close to their customers and markets.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Area Manager for Spain & Italy will join our growing European Retail team, working closely with colleagues in Spain, Italy, and in the HQs in Geneva, CH and Strasbourg, FR (Marketing, Buying, Finance, Operations, etc.).

Based out of either Spain or Italy , this role is central to our continued growth in these regions, which includes a mix of 11 owned outlet stores and 2 partner stores so far. Our collaborative team culture ensures that every member is empowered to elevate the customer experience and drive operational excellence.

ABOUT THE POSITION

In this role, you will be responsible for optimizing the performance of Columbia Sportswear's retail outlets and partner stores across Spain and Italy. You'll be spearheading efforts to ensure the highest standards of customer service, operational excellence, and brand consistency in all locations. This includes optimizing in-store processes, ensuring compliance with company policies, monitoring performance metrics, and continually seeking opportunities for operational improvements.

You will also work to grow revenue by identifying new business opportunities, opening new stores, and strengthening relationships with our partner stores.

This position is instrumental in ensuring that every store achieves its sales targets, contributes positively to the brand, and provides a seamless customer experience.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Lead and optimize the performance of 11 owned outlet stores and 2 partner stores across Spain and Italy, ensuring that Company standards are consistently met.
Drive the success of our retail operations by conducting regular store visits, monitoring KPIs, and collaborating with Store Managers to meet financial goals.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners, such as franchisees and outlet centre managers, acting as a brand ambassador and ensuring a consistent consumer experience.
Oversee new store openings, relocations, and re-fits in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Train and coach Store Managers to ensure excellent customer service, effective visual merchandising, and operational efficiency.
Provide strategic guidance and support to the store teams, enhancing their performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Maintain and promote retail operational excellence by implementing high standards and monitoring adherence to company guidelines.
Analyze sales trends and market conditions, adjusting store strategies to maximize profitability.
Foster an inclusive and high-performing team environment, prioritizing people development and succession planning.
YOU ARE

A proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can easily adapt to change.
A strong communicator with the ability to influence and negotiate, both internally with teams and externally with partners.
Highly organized and capable of managing multiple stores and projects simultaneously.
Passionate about providing outstanding customer service and enhancing the consumer journey.
Based either in Spain or Italy next to an international airport and open to travel frequently across the two countries , spending up to 80% of your time visiting stores, which may include overnight stays and occasional weekend visits.
YOU HAVE

At least 5 years of experience in retail management, as an Area Manager, with exposure to both owned and partner stores.
Proven experience in managing partner stores and a deep understanding of the complexities involved.
Excellent leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
Strong financial acumen, with the ability to analyze P&L reports, set budgets, and make data-driven decisions.
Fluent proficiency in Spanish, Italian, and English.
ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS

1 Ready to unlock your potential at Columbia Sportswear Company? Apply now to help us connect active people with their passion! The hiring team will review your application in the following weeks.

2 If your application is selected: a 30-45mn introductory interview with our Talent Acquisition Team to talk about yourself, your motivations and the role.

3 In-person interview with the Retail Director and the Retail Ops Manager.

4 Online interview with the Retail HR Business Partner.

5 Your unique strengths align perfectly with our team: we are thrilled to extend you an offer!

PERKS & BENEFITS

Significant discounts on Columbia and Sorel products.

Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning.

A monthly Learning Hour for training, discovery and learning.

Unlock your potential: access to in-house training courses (feedback, leadership, Insights...).

DEI initiatives to exchange and strengthen our involvement around these themes.

ABOUT THE CULTURE

At Columbia Sportswear, we value an inclusive and open culture that emphasizes the absence of barriers between team members.
Team members serve as ambassadors for our brand, finding motivation in being part of an organization dedicated to activities they are passionate about.
We offer the opportunity to work for a US-based company within a multicultural environment, where your job has an impact across different countries.
Our "Always Be Learning" culture of continuous learning enables our employees to identify and develop skills that will enable them to continue to grow within the company.
"Unlock Your Potential" is the spirit that characterizes our vision of employees' development.
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company.

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