Key Account Executive (Sporting Goods)

Job Title: Key Account Executive (Sporting Goods)Location: Home based in the Pittsburgh, PA areaIndustry: Sporting GoodsMarket: US & CanadaChannel: Key Accounts / National Sporting Goods retailersReporting to: Key Account ManagerTraveling: 2-4 times per year to LA and Portland, ORSalary Range: (USA) Around $100k to $120k in annual base salary depending on experienceVisa: No sponsorship possible. Must have valid work authorizationJob ID: ZR_9592_JOB

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Remote work policy: On-siteJob Seniority: Middle Management LevelCompany size: Medium (50-1000 ppl)Industry(ies): Recreational / Sporting Goods,Function(s): Sales & Business Development (National),Region(s): Pittsburgh, NORTH AMERICA, USA, Pennsylvania
Company DescriptionOur client is a global leader in the sporting goods industry, specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of branded and licensed sports equipment and accessories. As one of the largest and longest-standing licensees of a leading global athletic brand, the company manages tens of thousands of SKUs across performance and team sports categories, including apparel, inflatables, hydration, and protective products. Privately held and headquartered in the Los Angeles area, with an international sales office in the Netherlands, it distributes to approximately 20,000 retail doors across North America.
Objective of the RoleOur client is seeking a Strategic Account Executive to own its largest and most strategic retail relationship, Dick’s Sporting Goods. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and reporting to the Senior Director of Sales, the successful candidate will create and drive a focused account plan, serve as the voice of the account internally, and lead seasonal go-to-market execution that supports retailer profitability and marketplace differentiation. This is an individual contributor position, working alongside an Account Manager and dedicated support functions, established to expand coverage of the account as the business continues to grow.
Ideal ProfileOur client will consider candidates from a range of backgrounds, including national account sales, buying, line planning, and assortment planning, provided they bring a strong command of retail dynamics and experience managing significant customer relationships. Sporting goods experience — brand-side, manufacturer-side, or with retailers such as Scheels or Academy Sports + Outdoors — is preferred, though experience with a specific brand is not required, as structured onboarding and mentorship are provided. xzbcwsv The successful candidate will be proactive and high in integrity, with sound commercial judgment and the ability to build credibility across internal and external stakeholders.
ResponsibilitiesOwn all business issues and execution for the strategic account, serving as its primary point of contactBuild and drive a three-year strategic account plan in partnership with the Strategic Account Manager and DirectorRepresent the account internally with product line managers, influencing door- and account-level assortments through fact-based sales analysisLead seasonal sell-in preparation, forecasting alignment, and long-range planning, and participate in go-to-market meetings and the pre-line processDevelop assortment plans aligned with channel consumer insights, and partner with merchandising and visual teams to evolve the consumer experience at point of saleProvide weekly, monthly, and quarterly analysis of sales, margin, turn, and sell-through, together with market share and competitive assessmentsCollaborate with the retailer on seasonal vendor plans, manage the seasonal special make-up (SMU) process, and maintain automatic replenishment accuracy of 90–100%Build relationships across the account’s buying organization and establish alignment between the brand’s sales teams and internal leadership
RequirementsBachelor’s degreeFive to eight years of selling experience, or equivalent experience managing a key strategic national accountComprehensive understanding of retail trade channels, including competitive landscape, trends, and business modelsStrong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales, margin, and market share dataExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to influence at multiple levelsAdvanced proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; Adobe Illustrator an assetBased in the Pittsburgh, PA area, or willing to relocate there, with relocation assistance available; this location requirement is firmApproximately 25% travel, comprising regular visits to the retail partner’s headquarters and two to four trips per year to Los Angeles and Portland for seasonal go-to-market meetings