Wholesale Account Manager

At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging and creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome—both here and Outside. We value individual differences and are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment where everyone can bring the best of their experience and talents and truly thrive.

Position Purpose: Play key role in driving LLB’s wholesale channel to achieve sales and operating contribution goals, while remaining aligned with the LLB brand. As primary LLB point person for designated wholesale accounts, will develop strong relationships and deliver the highest level of customer service. Through a deep understanding of partner needs and LLB’s product line, will help guide the assortment, ordering and in-season reaction processes. Will utilize experiences to inform future actions and help create a continuous improvement model for future growth.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary Account Manager for designated accounts for LLB Wholesale business

• LLB product expert for select categories, attends all appropriate product development/merchandising meetings

• Establish strong, long-term client relationships

• Provide clients with customer service that meets the L.L.Bean standard

• Act as a liaison between clients and internal teams for product, assortment, pricing, inventory, logistics, marketing. merchandising and all things operational

• User of internal LLB systems to self-serve: JDA Assortment Planning, Product Information System, Product Costing, Excel, PowerPoint

• Prepare for and lead meetings for each account including (but not limited to) – strategy sessions, assortment sell-ins, read & react, contract negotiations

• Drive sales to achieve or exceed volume and category targets (up to $15M annually)

• Provide input into the overall account vision and strategic approach and key driver of developing and executing curated product assortment, site & in-store merchandising, marketing plans and operational initiatives

• Develop process and timelines that meet partner & LLB needs. Ensure orders are written on time and facilitate inventory being delivered on-time as expected.

• Manage and report out business performance on a regular basis

• Based on trends, reproject sales expectations as needed. Provide critical input into P&L.

• Work closely with account and internal partners to manage promotions, markdowns, returns and product exit strategies

• Deliver required reports and effective presentation materials in a timely manner

• Play key role in corporate wholesale communication (i.e. present at various all-hands meetings, create intranet content, etc.)

• Play key role in continuous improvement efforts related to process, tools & systems

• Represent LL Bean brand and expected level of ethics in all business dealings within company and with customers

• May supervise direct reports:

• Provide a motivating organizational environment
• Review and update organizational structure, job descriptions, salaries and staffing levels to accomplish desired outcomes
• Establish departmental and individual performance objectives that meet divisional and operational goals. Monitor and report results
• Make or approve decisions regarding employment, promotions, transfers and terminations
• Coach and develop people in job related skills or personal development through work assignment, direct training, career discussions and regular feedback

• Assume additional responsibilities as requested

Health and Safety Requirement: Every employee is responsible for contributing to a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected to be active participants in health and safety by following all safety policies and procedures, reporting unsafe conditions or at-risk behaviors to leadership, and conducting work in a safe manner. Those in a leadership role are also expected to model safe behaviors, evaluate risk, and ensure that risks are reduced to acceptable levels.

Education Level: 4-Year Bachelors Degree
Years of Experience: 5+ years

Skills and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant experience managing large apparel/outerwear/footwear accounts
• Must be an effective collaborator with strong bias for action. Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as analytical, organizational and presentation skills also important.
• Must be computer proficient including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of basic retail math measurements (i.e., gross margin, turn and markdowns)
• Must have the ability to travel ~ 25% of time

If you care about the outdoors, joining L.L.Bean is a great way to feel good about what you do. Our benefits package makes a good thing even better, with programs and perks designed to support your health and financial goals. Plus, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and re-charging outside are all part of the plan.

If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you'd be great at this role, we'd love to learn more about you!   At L.L.Bean, we believe the outdoors brings out the best in all of us.  We strive to reflect this every day in our commitments to employees and partners and in our efforts to promote belonging.