Description du poste

Aqualung Group pioneered the creation of modern diving equipment in 1943 when Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau teamed with Émile Gagnan to develop the first “aqualung” that made underwater exploration possible. Today, the brand continues to be the leading global designer and manufacturer of dive and water sports gear. With a deep commitment to quality, research and testing, Aqualung Group has revolutionized the scuba diving and swim experience by setting industry standards for scuba and swim equipment in technology, comfort, safety and design.

Our mission: revolutionize the world of Diving and Swimming!

Bloch Consulting supports Aqualung Group with the recruitment of their future :

Position based in Valbonne (06)

Your mission!

This position is responsible for managing and developing EMEA activities across sales, marketing, customer service across direct offices in France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and Egypt , in addition to other markets operating through a distributor model.

More than business development, the mission is to elevate Aqualung Group brands to next level and bring a cultural change to position Aqualung as the Swim, Snorkeling and Diving leader. This, through strong innovation, ground breaking marketing initiatives and best in class consumer experience.

Key duties and responsibilities :

1. CREATE THE MARKETPLACE

• Ensure a Distribution mapping for the territory, differentiated between Dive & Swim, Snorkeling, business lines;
• Develop effective (distribution) strategy to maximize market potential and profitability. Identify new channels of distribution and develop sound business relationships with key retailers and distributors both existing and new customers within your territory;
• Elevate consumer experience at retail by rolling out brand spaces (Walls, corners, shop in shops).

2. CREATE DEMAND & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Drive Sales strategies to elevate key Sporting Goods & Digital partners. Align these strategies with Key Account Plans;
• Support Distribution strategy and provide clear, fact-based market feedbacks to influence product development;
• Ensure sufficient bookings against key marketing styles and manage allocations.
• Ensure monthly KPIs reporting for KA and Distributors;
• Develop, manage and support Aqualung brands development across every market by supporting local teams, identifying new opportunities and secure long terms agreements with KA and distributors.

3. KEY ACCOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTORS SUPPORT

• Demonstrates strong negotiating skills, can be both direct as well as diplomatic;
• Capable of building strong trusting relationships with collegues, customers and distributors.

4. ACHIEVEMENT OF GROSS & NET TARGETS

• Responsible for defining and executing the sales plan to achieve the expected sales and profit;
• Strategy implementation & target setting: Work with management to plan and establish sales and margin objectives annually and seasonally, that support business lines plans;
• P&L ownership which requires detail monthly reviews, reforecasting on top line and revenue level and taking corrective actions to hit budgets – in coordination and validation of the VP Sales.

5. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Manage, develop, coordinate, motivate and challenge Sales Team, demonstrating both strong coaching and mentoring skills.  Provide direct supervision to team members, formally (by means of Appraisal's process) and informally to get on-going feedback and ensure a strong business focus in line with policy. Enable the sales team to perform in their job;
• Ability to work well with colleagues within department and throughout the organization to fulfill common goals.  Supportive of individuals within team, working collaboratively to achieve common objectives;
• Manage and develop marketing activities (Merch and marketing assistants) to develop brands awareness and strong marketing activations to conquer market shares.

6. COMMUNICATION

• Provide essential communication link between business units, marketing and sales, in relation to product development, marketing initiatives and team sales strategy implementation;
• Effective Communication : Relates well to all kinds of people both outside and within the organization, capable of building appropriate rapport - a good listener, uses diplomacy and tact.  Holds strong relationships with team members and retailers;
• Ensure timely reporting of pre-book campaigns as well as gross to net results throughout the year.

Your profile!

• Bachelor’s degree is required;
• Significant experience in a similar position in an international context;
• Solid experience in sales force management;
• Very good knowledge of Sports industry, dive, swim or triathlon is a plus;
• Demonstrated deep understanding of distribution channels to manage multiple formats retail and online dealers, pricing and promotions matters, trade marketing as well as digital marketing;
• Demonstrated track record of progressive thinking with a bias towards removing barriers, creating the new and sales opportunities;
• Strong business and financial acumen with a strong analytical mindset;
• A track record of driving results in complex, multi-stakeholder, volatile and uncertain environments.

Your skills!

• Leadership – Ability to motivate and influence team members, delegating work and ideas effectively, to encourage others to think and communicate ideas and projects successfully
• Ability to drive a culture of change and embark the whole team into the ambition to revolutionize Dive and Swim industry
• Solutions oriented, proactive
• Tenacity mindset
• Curious, open-minded and adaptable