Strategic Account Manager - Montreal

The Strategic Account Manager is responsible for driving sustainable profitable growth within PUMA's Generalist Lifestyle channels nationally, balancing brand priorities with consumer needs. The role identifies growth opportunities in footwear and apparel, strengthens retail relationships to maximise account performance, and collaborates cross-functionally with teams including Account Services, Marketing, Merchandising, Planning, Sales Operations, and Finance to deliver tailored solutions.

• Drive sales excellence by managing and directing sales of PUMA footwear, apparel, and accessories across all genders, ensuring alignment with brand goals.
• Analyse sales performance to manage product life cycles, inventory, and sell-through rates; identify opportunities to improve existing business, penetrate new markets, and tackle challenges with data-driven solutions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams including Account Services, Marketing, Merchandising, Planning, Sales Operations, and Finance to deliver seamless service and exceed customer expectations.
• Prepare and execute seasonal product presentations, using strategic negotiation and storytelling skills to secure retailer buy-in and drive results.
• Manage a full sample set seasonally for sell-in with key accounts and ensure timely liquidation.
• Build strong assortments for brick-and-mortar and digital channels to deliver a best-in-class retail partner experience and drive mutual growth.
• Conduct formal sales reporting and analysis, using retailer metrics, trends, and customer data to drive actionable insights and decisions.
• Monitor competitors and trends to implement strategies that position PUMA as a market leader.
• Establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with retail partners, fostering collaboration and trust.
• Coordinate showroom setup and maintenance while supporting sample requests and shipment.
• Travel for regular market visits at least once per month to stay informed on trends and account opportunities.
• Contribute to special projects and adjust responsibilities as the business evolves.
• Working and continued knowledge of national trends and the competitive landscape.

• 5+ years of footwear and/or apparel selling or retail buying/merchandising/planning experience.
• Fully bilingual in French and English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build lasting professional relationships.
• Exceptional communication skills (oral and written) and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• Proven ability to analyse complex data, identify opportunities, and execute innovative solutions.
• Confident storyteller who can command attention and drive retailer/account alignment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritise and provide complete follow-through on all responsibilities and KPIs.
• Sense of urgency to analyse a high volume of data/activity to meet tight deadlines.
• Strong computer proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Word) and experience using tools like PowerBI.
• Flexibility to travel for account visits, market research, and regional/national sales meetings as needed.
• Pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

• BA/BS with concentration in Business, Management, Marketing, Sales (preferred).

• $87,040 - $110,976 Base pay plus bonus.
• Strong analytical skills and working knowledge of retail maths financial metrics: sales, inventory, turn, gross margin $, open to buy, and order book management.

• Corporate benefits package (Benefit Summary Corporate).