USA Director of Sales & Business Development

About us:

Diadora has been in the market for over 70 years and has helped write some of the greatest stories in the history of sport.

Located in the footwear district of Montebelluna, internationally renowned for expertly crafted sports shoes and home to some exceptional niche products, it has made craftsmanship, innovation and authenticity the key values at the heart of its sports and lifestyle collections.

Today, Diadora is present in more than 60 markets worldwide and continues to expand thanks to a vast array of cutting-edge performance-focused products, with its running, football and tennis lines and fashion products, with its premium Heritage and Sportswear lines.

Main responsibilities:

We are looking for a brilliant and enterprising USA Director of Sales & Business Development

to join Diadora in Philadelphia.

The ideal candidate will be in charge of the following activities:

• Bring a wealth of experience in the Specialty Sports industry, particularly in Running Specialty but also with a strong understanding of the Tennis, Soccer, and Premium Goods Market.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing sales team, setting clear targets and driving the achievement of revenue goals.
• Create, and manage a 3-5 year strategic business plan.
• Lead and influence stakeholders of progress, achievements, challenges through your clear communication and leadership skills.
• Understand and lead the KA’s assortment build and segmentation strategy needed for your account and channel base for best in class consumer connectivity across the four main channels.
• In partnership with the CEO and Global Sales Director, you will define the wholesale distribution across the US and support the plans for the overall America’s region.
• Working with Marketing, play a key role in the development and management of strategies for trade focused sell-thru on the specialty shop floor.
• Stay abreast of market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities.
• You will work closely with the internal cross functional resources (Customer Service, Operations, Finance, Credit) to enable the smooth running of the business model within the US, as well as Italy, to build a sustainable business for our future.
• You will liaise with the Italian teams to provide data to the team as and when needed.
• Ability to say no, make difficult but brand right long-term decision of a Specialty focused business model.
• Strong ability to manage within the key mantra of the brand, “At Service to Athletes”.
• Ability to manage other responsivities as they arise, and setting an example of expected brand orientated selflessness.
• Understanding of the challenges as well as opportunities of brand building, and be excited about this overall process.

Key requirements:

• +15 years’ experience and exposure to Specialty Sales, Product, and Marketing within the Sporting Goods industry, focusing on footwear and apparel.
• Proven, strong people leadership to nurture and build the next generation of specialty leaders.
• The confidence and credibility to take the lead and challenge or influence when necessary.
• Previous and existing key accounts management, distribution management experience and proven relationship build preferred.
• Inspiring communications skills to enable cross functional support, working with clear objectives and KPI’s.
• Able to travel on an ad hoc basis internationally & domestically up to +45%.
• Well organized with strong time management and prioritization capability.
• A great planner with the practicality to manage the everyday tasks that enable the business to work smoothly.
• Great at leveraging internal relationships across multiple functions.
• An honest and open character with the disposition to take and give constructive feedback. Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel & PowerPoint. Have previous experience and a reasonable level of familiarity working on ERP systems.
• Ability to work at a standard computer desk for 8+ hours per day, ability to lift +30 pounds.
• Strong self-motivator, ability to self-manage under times of change and evolvement.
• Connection with Diadora, strong connection with Sport Culture.
• Ability to work at a standard computer set up 40+ hours per week, with or without accommodations.

Why work with us?

This is an incredible opportunity to become part of a dynamic company that will spark interest, inspire and offer an extraordinary experience in sports and lifestyle through its passion and technological innovation and the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship. You will get the opportunity to learn, think and grow, while expressing your personality and talent.

We firmly believe that diversity in all its forms – gender, colour, age, race, nationality, culture, religious belief, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability – enriches the workplace. This is why we strive to create a diverse workforce.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.