Strategic Account Manager

At Mountain Hardwear, we're more than just an outdoor apparel and equipment brand – we're a community of free thinkers, adventurers, and mountain sport enthusiasts. We design gear and apparel that empowers people to seek wilder paths, connect with the outdoors, and embrace mountain culture. As we continue to grow, we're looking to amplify our brand to existing and new customers, engage with our community and culture, and build trust through our products.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Strategic Account Manager is responsible for driving sales growth and brand presence across key retail partners in the outdoor apparel industry. This role leads the development and execution of account strategies that align with brand values, consumer trends, and seasonal product initiatives. The ideal candidate is passionate about the outdoors, understands the technical apparel market, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Strategic Account Management

• Partner with sales leadership and cross-functional teams to drive sustainable, profitable growth across assigned strategic accounts. Manage day-to-day operations while identifying new opportunities through data-driven insights and alignment with brand priorities.

• Develop long-term strategic growth plans that reflect market trends and brand goals.

• Align cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, planning) to deliver seamless customer experience and maximize revenue

Sales Analytics & Forecasting

• Leverage consumer, product, and marketplace analytics to build and present compelling seasonal Go-to-Market strategies. Deliver accurate forecasts and execute account-specific plans that reflect the brand's point of view and goals.

• Utilize tools such as PowerBI and Excel to track performance and identify growth opportunities.

• Present compelling sales stories and data-driven insights to influence buy-in and maximize order volume.

Product & Merchandising Strategy

• Collaborate with product and merchandising teams to develop account-specific product roadmaps. Ensure alignment with seasonal initiatives, Go to Market dates and gates, and consumer demand.

• Lead the development of curated product assortments tailored to each strategic account, ensuring a balanced mix of core, seasonal, and technical offerings.

• Build compelling product lines that reflect brand priorities while meeting retailer-specific needs and consumer preferences in the outdoor space.

• Utilize sell-through and POS data to optimize SKU productivity and refine merchandising plans by account.

Retailer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key account stakeholders. Serve as the primary liaison between internal teams and retail partners to ensure seamless execution and communication.

• Conduct seasonal line reviews, product launches, and business presentations.

Long-Term Growth Planning

• Develop and implement long-range strategies that increase market share, elevate brand equity, and support sustainability and innovation goals.

Seasonal Product Presentations

• Deliver persuasive, story-driven product presentations in collaboration with product team that highlight technical features, sustainability efforts, and brand storytelling.

Marketing & Merchandising Integration

• Work with the Wholesale Marketing team and retail partners to create impactful marketing campaigns that drive sell-through, consumer engagement, and brand advocacy. Ensure brand consistency and visibility across retail channels.

Operational Excellence

• Work in conjunction with accounts services to manage order fulfillment and drop ship programs. Ensure timely delivery and accurate execution of account programs.

YOU HAVE

• 8+ years of experience in sales or account management, preferably in outdoor, apparel, footwear, or sporting goods industries.

• Experience in strategic purchasing, assortment planning, or product selection.

• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and managing complex retail relationships.

• Previous experience buying and/or merchandising within the outdoor industry or adjacent markets a plus.

• Deep understanding of the outdoor consumer and technical product features.

• Strong analytical skills with experience in retail planning, forecasting, and sales analytics tools (PowerBI).

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and sales enablement platforms.

• Passion for the outdoors and alignment with the brand's mission and values.

• Requires up to 50% travel.

#MountainHardwear

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Salary Range: $112,400 - $188,000

*Pay decisions are determined by multiple factors, including what the market is paying, a candidate's capabilities and skills, years of experience, and internal equity.

Columbia Sportswear Company and our portfolio of brands, including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear and prAna, know a thing or two about adventures. After all, we've been on one since 1938, working to perfect the art of enjoying the outdoors. Behind everything we make is an employee who's found that the greatest adventure starts with joining a company that strives to do the right thing.

This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function in the company. 

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.If you need an accommodation/adjustment to successfully complete and submit your application, please reach out to with the Subject: Applicant Assistance Requested.

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