Key Account Manager-Keds

Designer Brands Inc.•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Step into a role where relationships fuel growth and curiosity drives market impact. As an Expert IC #1 on our North America Sales team, you expand brand reach, strengthen customer partnerships, and shape the product and planning conversation through real-world insights. You lead a piece of our wholesale business by blending analytics, collaboration, and an instinct for what customers love—ultimately delivering sales, profit, and shipping results that move the business forward.

Requirements

Ability to work independently with a proactive, self-starting approach
Strong retail math skills with the ability to analyze metrics, identify trends, and build informed sales strategies
Experience making business recommendations based on analysis
Strong customer relationship‑building skills
Collaborative mindset with clear, inclusive communication
Strong organization, prioritization, and time‑management skills
High attention to detail and accuracy
Professional presence and customer‑focused approach
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel capability
Experience: 3+ years of related footwear or accessory wholesale sales experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in footwear/accessory sales

Responsibilities

BUILDING AND GROWING CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Develop and nurture strong partnerships with new and existing customers.
Understand each customer’s unique needs to create assortments that fuel growth and reflect brand opportunities.
STEERING THE BUSINESS THROUGH ANALYTICS + INSIGHT
Create and interpret forecasts and business reports to uncover customer needs, track performance, and guide future plans.
Monitor account progress—including sales, shipping, and opportunities—through consistent reporting and communication.
DRIVING SALES, PROFITABILITY & OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Negotiate internally and externally to meet sales and profit goals.
Manage orders, including the tracking and shipping of samples.
Partner with Planning to:
Maintain account P&Ls
Review markdown projections
Recommend markdown strategies
Identify alternative outlets for slower inventory
FUELING MARKET UNDERSTANDING & BRAND POSITIONING
Conduct store visits and competitive shopping to stay connected to customer perspective and industry trends.
Share real-time insights with leadership and cross‑functional partners.
BRINGING THE BRAND TO LIFE IN MARKET
Prepare for and support shoe shows, showrooms, and regional presentations.
Understand marketplace shifts and adapt assortments and messaging to support customer needs.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION
Partner with product, marketing, planning, and customer service to apply insights and unlock sales opportunities.
Manage and maintain Drop Ship accounts, including setup and ongoing oversight.

Benefits

Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi [https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi].
Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com [https://www.dsw.com/], plus discounts across our family of brands.

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