Sales Director (Kohl's & JCPenney)

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Adidas is seeking a strategic, relationship driven Sales Director to lead the regional business, deepen partnerships with key accounts, and shape the commercial strategy for growth in Portland, OR or Chicago, IL. The hybrid role demands market insight, senior level account management, and proven leadership to hire, coach and develop a high performing team while collaborating with Area Marketing and Merchandising to craft marketing plans and drive initiatives. The ideal candidate brings strong negotiating skills, the ability to translate market trends into actionable plans, and a track record of delivering results under change. To apply, tailor your resume to quantify regional wins with major retailers, showcase cross functional collaboration, and preview a concise regional strategy in your cover letter. Align with Adidas hybrid policy and its commitment to inclusion.

We’re looking for a strategic, relationship‑driven Sales Director to lead our regional business, deepen partnerships with key accounts, and shape the commercial strategy that fuels our next stage of growth. If you excel at turning market insight into action and inspiring teams to outperform expectations, this role is built for you. 

Key Accountabilities :

1. Build deep expertise in regional market trends and consumer dynamics and preferences
2. Develop senior level relationships with strategic regional Area accounts and understand account requirements
3. Establish and develop account relationships and cultivate relationships with key retailer personnel in order to influence and execute strategic direction with these accounts.
4. Offer counsel and insight to market trends and competitive activity and other factors that may affect sales within the Area
5. Partner with Area Marketing and Merchandise managers to develop relevant marketing plans to support and grow the Area Business.
6. Plan, analyze and implement projects and initiatives driven by the Head of Sales, adidas America
7. Carry out supervisory responsibilities including hiring, training, performance assessments, coaching and mentoring.
8. Attend and participate in Area Sales meetings
9. Lead and participate in pre-sell prep meetings

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

1. Widespread know-how for most or all areas within a department
2. Strong negotiating and influencing skills with both internal and externals parties. Ability to think strategically, define business opportunities and problems, collect, interpret and analyze abstract and concrete information, and create strategic, value-add solutions.
3. Ability to deliver effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to diverse audiences
4. Expert knowledge of the industry and market trends, and the ability to tie merchandise plan into forecast and execute accordingly.
5. Ability to provide a framework for performance
6. Strong leadership and coaching skills, and the ability to capitalize on and apply these skills, resulting in the growth and development of sales managers, representatives, and the region.
7. Proven background that reflects being results-oriented
8. Ability to cope with change, make decisions and act comfortably with risk and uncertainty.
9. Proven experience working with business deadlines

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university
2. Eight or more years retail, sales or management experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Location open to: Portland, OR or Chicago, IL

At adidas we offer a Hybrid work policy which requires attendance in the office Monday through Thursday, with the flexibility to work remotely on Friday each week. For work requiring a high degree of collaboration or an in-person presentation, in-office attendance is required even on Friday.

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.