VP/GM, Americas

Job Summary

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of The North Face Executive team, the VP/GM provides leadership and vision to drive the Americas region business by creating and executing the brand’s strategies in wholesale sales, Direct to Consumer and Merchandising.  The VP/GM is a collaborative leader who drives revenue growth and operating contribution while managing assets.   This position leads business development and strategic direction as well as provides dynamic, visible and inspirational leadership to positively impact business initiatives. The VP/GM is accountable for positive business results, profit & loss and executing key initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the overall wholesale sales, DTC and e-commerce, merchandising business strategies for TNF’s Americas business including full P&L responsibility.  Set high expectations and create an environment that maximizes results, achieves strategic and financial plans, and motivates people to succeed.
• Collaborate on the global 3 year and seasonal strategy.
• Responsible for implementing regionally relevant innovation and product concepts into the Territory teams and global product engine.
• Directs the development and execution of strategy that maximizes the performance of all functional areas within the North America region, i.e., merchandising, inventory management, store and wholesale management, operations, finance, marketing.
• Develop team and build a strong bench for critical roles.
• Develop effective working relationships with senior level management at major customers, including national retailers and department stores.  Establishes and upholds the brands distribution segmentation strategy for brand growth.
• Develop key relationships with VP Product and Territory GMs and other leadership stakeholders.
• Provide direction on consumer needs for the North America region through the product creation and development process.
• Collaborate with senior management, finance, legal, GBT and human resources to develop strategy and long-range business plans.
• Anticipate needs or events and their implications on the business; provide vision, direction, focus and motivation; scan the environment, gather information needed to solve problems and make informed decisions in a deliberate manner.
• Develop imaginative solutions and new ways of thinking about solutions, problems and opportunities; share information in ways that promote, clarify and keep people informed.
• Through actions and example, ensure that The North Face values (including sustainability) are fully incorporated into business strategies and consumer messaging; upholding the values of the Company in all business interactions and acting as a visible leader in promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives.

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 15 years’ experience within footwear or apparel business.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• Product merchandising, financial control and sales/profit maximization orientation required.
• Experience running a business of at least $500 million with proven results in developing, implementing and managing the operations of a wholesale and/or multi-unit specialty-retail company; ecommerce and merchandising.
• Solid track record of being a leader of large teams with strong team management/development and communication skills.
• Must be adept at handling multiple priorities and time sensitivities in a fast-paced environment.
• GLOBAL ACUMEN:  Keen understanding in global business dynamics. Invested in global consistency and local relevance.  Demonstrates continuously learning capacity.
• COACHES OTHERS: Regularly coaches others for business and individual growth.  Mentors and coaches the Regional GMS without direct performance oversight.
• LEADS CHANGE AND INNOVATION: Creates organizational environments where innovation and collaboration thrive.  Demonstrates agility by driving change and integrating new opportunities.
• BUILDS DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE TEAMS: Strengthens and leverages diversity of thought within the organization to drive business growth, connect with consumers and strengthen the brand.
• INFLUENCE: Excels at stakeholder engagement and management
• CULTIVATES NETWORKS: Is an effective collaborator and integrator across cultures and borders.
• AUTHENTICITY: Exhibits ethics, humility and maturity; ALWAYS acts with integrity.
• EXECUTIVE PRESENCE: Demonstrates 360-degree leadership; maintains composure under pressure.

Special Physical and/or Mental Requirements

• Long hours sitting/staring at a computer monitor
• Ability to be flexible in working late evenings/early mornings, when needed to meet project deadlines
• Travel required: 40%