Head of Commercial Operations

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Wolverine Worldwide is a global marketer of branded footwear, apparel, and accessories. With an established global footprint that spans approximately 200 countries and territories, as well as a rock-solid infrastructure, Wolverine Worldwide is dedicated to advancing the following brands that comprise the ever-expanding portfolio: Bates, Chaco, Cat Footwear, Harley Davidson Footwear, Merrell, Saucony, Sweaty Betty and Wolverine. Wolverine Worldwide’s continued success is driven by our ability to stay true to our simple mission: we empower, engage and inspire our consumers – every step of the way.
The Head of Commercial Operations sets strategic direction and aligns our enterprise commercial organization. This role leads the cross brand strategic operations for commercial integration and sales planning. This leader will align sales leaders, support and in-market teams to drive Wolverine Worldwide’s enterprise partnership management (EPM) for all key wholesale accounts and owned market commercial partners. This enterprise role is responsible for driving brand accretive modern channel and account strategy development and execution, including trade terms and KMPIs, as well as strategic direction and brand engagement of new and innovative distribution and partnership opportunities. The role partners with cross-brand and cross-functional counterparts to build commercial operations capability and drive enterprise thinking.

Primary Duties:

• Partners with the group presidents as a leadership team member to develop enterprise wholesale growth vision and key partner market share gain in support of our brand’s strategies and financial goals.

• Manages seasonal and annual sales planning, forecasting and target-setting roll-ups for the company’s owned markets.

• Partners with the value channel and online platform teams.

• Drives revenue, share planning and expense budgets.

• Drives best-in-industry key account partnerships; builds strong and sustainable trade term models, leading omni-retail agreements, and materially impactful programs with key partners.

• Effective and frequent communication and partnership with brand sales and channel leadership.

• Maintains positive open lines of communication with all of brand and corporate management, staff and other departments in order to contribute to the smooth flow of information and efficient operation of the organization.

• Aligns, influences and supports sales organizations in achieving enterprise partner sales goals, management and growth targets.

• Collaborates with all departments and brands to ensures commercial organizational design, talent and capabilities align and guide the long-term build of a modern commercial function.

• Provide ongoing and consistent feedback to collaborative functions on processes and engagement.

• Deep understanding of key retail partner sales, margin and turn requirements.

• Performs duties consistent with the Company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.

• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Drives for results:  Ability and desire to work at both the strategic and tactical levels with proven success at driving for measurable results.

• Strong communicator: Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Ability to communicate articulately and effectively – verbal, written and in presentations.

• Project management: Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritize work and meet multiple deadlines; detail orientated.

• Customer centric: Know your customers and meet and exceed their expectations, every day.

• Innovative. Innovative and intellectually curious thought leader who can constructively challenge conventional ways of thinking and introduce new ideas.

• Effective and efficient:  A strong and effective leader who can drive alignment and execution across a matrixed organization.

• Leadership:  Excellent interpersonal, advocacy and political skills; excellent reputation for integrity and good judgment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sales, Marketing or equivalent work experience. MBA preferred

• Minimum of 12+ years sales experience in consumer products, preferably in footwear and apparel accessories/equipment

• Exceptional leadership skills with at least 10 years at Director level, with the ability to inspire and set an all-encompassing sales vision

• Experience working directly with national/global retail partners is required

• Strong sales, commercial and finance background with a variety of commercial concepts, processes and experiences

• A proven and savvy partnership-oriented leader, with exceptional market knowledge

• A proven ability to drive commercial strategies that deliver against both financial and brand objectives

• Experience leading, collaborating and influencing cross functional teams to drive global brand growth efforts

• Knowledge of managing with and within budgetary responsibilities to deliver both top-and bottom-line targets

• Sound understanding of the consumer, retail environment, and competitive marketplace

• Understanding of sales planning and demand planning, its impact, and role in the future of the business

• Business management, financial acumen, and product management skills

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.  Frequent travel required.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.