Retail Area Manager

Reports to: Key Account Manager

Permanent contract (6-months trial)

Barcelona, Spain. 2 monthly travels expected

‍ Hybrid mode (2 days/week home-office)

Start date: at the earliest convenience

OUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.

At Columbia Sportswear, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.

Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving

Discover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands' engaging in-store and online experiences.

Nestled at the heart of the Alps in Geneva, Switzerland, our European headquarters hosts the Executive Committee, go-to-market functions, and Planning and Logistics teams. In Schiltigheim, near Strasbourg, our shared services center thrives with over 100 professionals managing Finance and Operations/Customer Service. Our distribution center in Cambrai ensures swift delivery to customers, while our 30+ Columbia stores adorn major European outlet centers. Finally, the Sales and Trade Marketing teams are displayed in 3 regions across Europe, close to their customers and markets.

We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.

And we believe in you.

ABOUT THE TEAM

You will be based in our Barcelona office, located right next to the city in Sant Just Desvern, providing easy access to our office while remaining connected to Barcelona's vibrant atmosphere.

The Retail Team consists of approximately 70 people divided into three key groups: Shop assistants operating in our ECI concessions, Regional Coordinators, and HR and Marketing Coordinators, ensuring a well-rounded and effective approach to supporting our retail operations.

The ECI team is dedicated to offering consumers the best in outdoor apparel and footwear, providing expert advice, and delivering top-tier service efficiently, ensuring a seamless and customer-centric shopping experience.

The retail team must demonstrate strong product knowledge in outdoor apparel and footwear, engaging with consumers through personalized advice and fostering a positive shopping experience. Motivation and engagement are driven and coordinated by the office retail team, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with service standards, while delivering exceptional customer satisfaction and inspiring loyalty.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As our Retail Concessions Manager, you will take ownership of the operations across 25 El Corte Inglés (ECI) concessions in Spain. You’ll lead a team of three Area Coordinators and approximately 70 Columbia staff members to deliver exceptional customer experiences and achieve sales targets. Your primary focus will be fostering a cohesive team environment ensuring all staff members work towards common goals. Your role will be crucial in driving the strategic direction and day-to-day efficiency of our ECI concessions, ensuring alignment with Columbia’s values and business goals.

In this role, you’ll serve as the central link between ECI site teams and our headquarters, working closely with the Key Account Manager to elevate our retail performance.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
- Lead Your Team: Manage a team of 3 ECI Area Coordinators and approx. 70 Columbia staff at ECI concessions across Spain. You’ll work together to deliver great customer experiences and meet sales targets.
- Support Staffing and Development: Partner with the HR Coordinator and your team on hiring, onboarding, and training. Ensure staffing levels are maintained during peak periods like sales events and holidays.
- Monitor and Improve Performance: Review weekly sales data by region and concession, share insights, and identify areas for improvement with practical steps.
- Be Present and Engaged: Regularly visit ECI locations to meet your team, review their work, and provide constructive feedback and support.
- Build Relationships: Negotiate with ECI centers and floor managers to secure better store locations, additional storage space, and new marketing opportunities.
- Manage Operations: Oversee the opening and closing of concessions, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Coordinate Inventory: Work closely with the Account Services Rep to keep track of product levels, handle special orders, and develop strategies to optimize stock availability based on store capacity.
- Implement Brand Guidelines: Coordinate visual merchandising, marketing initiatives, and promotional offers to ensure