Strategic Account Manager - Montreal

YOUR MISSION

The Strategic Account Manager is responsible for driving sustainable profitable growth within Generalist Lifestyle channels nationally. They will keep in mind brand priorities while serving the needs of the consumer. They identify opportunities for business growth in both footwear and apparel, work to strengthen relationships to maximize account performance and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver tailored solutions that meet the needs of both clients and consumers.

• Drive Sales Excellence: Manage and direct sales of PUMA footwear, apparel, and accessories across all genders, ensuring alignment with brand goals.

• Proactive Account Management: Analyze sales performance to manage product life cycles, inventory, and sell-through rates. Identify and seize opportunities to improve existing business, penetrate new markets, and tackle challenges with data-driven, well-thought-out solutions.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with internal teams, including Account Services, Marketing, Merchandising, Planning, Sales Operations, and Finance, to deliver seamless service and exceed customer expectations.

• Deliver High-Impact Presentations: Prepare and execute seasonal product presentations, leveraging strategic negotiation and storytelling skills to secure retailer buy-in and drive results.

• Efficient Sample Management: Seasonally manage a full sample set for sell-in with key accounts and liquidation in a timely manner

• Maximize Retail Partnerships: Build strong assortments for both brick-and-mortar and digital channels, delivering a best-in-class experience that drives mutual growth.

• Leverage Data for Insights: Conduct formal sales reporting and analysis, using retailer metrics, trends, and customer data to drive actionable insights and decisions.

• Monitor Competitors & Trends: Stay ahead of the competitive landscape, implementing strategies to position PUMA as a market leader.

• Retailer Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with retail partners, fostering collaboration and trust.

• Showroom Management: Coordinate showroom setup and maintenance while supporting sample requests and shipment.

• Market Travel: Stay informed on trends and account opportunities with regular market visits (at least once per month).

• Adapt to Business Needs: Contribute to special projects and adjust responsibilities as the business evolves.

YOUR TALENT

• BA/BS with concentration in Business, Management, Marketing, Sales preferred.

• 5+ years of footwear and/or apparel selling or retail buying/merchandising/planning experience.

• Fully bilingual in French and English

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to build lasting professional relationships.

• Exceptional communication skills (both oral and written) and the ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization.

• Proven ability to analyze complex data, identify opportunities, and execute innovative solutions.

• Confident storyteller who can command attention, and drive retailer/account alignment.

• Detail oriented with ability to prioritize and provide complete follow-through on all responsibilities and KPIs.

• Sense of urgency to analyze a high volume of data/activity to meet tight deadlines.

• Possess strong analytical skills and working knowledge of retail math financial metrics: sales, inventory, turn, gross margin $, open to buy & order book management.  

• Working and continued knowledge of national trends and the competitive landscape.

• Strong computer proficiency in MS Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Word as well as experience using tools like PowerBI.

• Flexibility to travel for account visits, market research, and regional/national sales meetings as needed.