Account Executive – Lifestyle Accessories

Cole Haan•New York, NY

5d•$130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Account Executive is responsible for strategically planning, developing, and executing a business plan to achieve and exceed sales growth targets for Cole Haan’s lifestyle category. The role manages the Lifestyle Business across men’s and women’s bags and women’s small leather goods within major department stores, specialty retailers, and new business opportunities. It builds strong business relationships and serves as a strategic partner and Cole Haan brand ambassador, using in-depth knowledge of department store business practices. The Account Executive develops account strategies and product assortments, forecasts account needs, monitors sales and inventory, and coordinates with internal teams and retail partners to meet service expectations and business goals. The position is based out of the New York office, reports to the Senior Director of Sales - WFW and Lifestyle Accessories, and requires travel as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of handbag or accessories sales experience.
Entrepreneurial drive and ability to manage day-to-day details while defining and executing long-term strategic vision and objectives.
Demonstrated track record of meeting sales or revenue goals with major account responsibility.
Understanding of retail profitability components.
Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
Ability to establish and build effective working relationships.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
Based out of the New York office.
Flexibility to travel as required.

Nice To Haves

Department store-specific experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the Lifestyle Business across men’s and women’s bags and women’s small leather goods within major department stores, specialty retailers, and new business opportunities.
Attend quarterly sell-in meetings and execute account plans in line with Cole Haan brand objectives.
Formulate and implement short- and long-term strategic business plans with senior leadership to achieve corporate sales and profit goals.
Develop recommended product assortments across categories and franchise businesses.
Liaise with the Cole Haan Merchandising team, providing product feedback and communicating long-range product needs to support robust assortments and development.
Forecast account needs and manage account on-order against monthly financial goals.
Maintain mastery of product and brand information, selling strategies, and marketing strategies to inform and drive the business.
Coordinate between Cole Haan departments and customers to meet service levels and expectations, collaborating with Customer Service, Marketing, Planning, Finance, and Merchandising.
Monitor weekly and monthly retail sales performance against account goals and develop sell-through strategies for underperforming categories.
Monitor stock levels and identify and communicate opportunities for reorders, new orders, and special orders.
Identify opportunities to improve account product assortments and communicate competitive trends.
Build strong relationships with buyers and maintain effective collaboration and partnership.
Use Cole Haan and retailer sales automation systems and tools to analyze, manage, and plan the business and prepare business reports.