Accent Group Limited is the leading digitally integrated retail and distribution business in the Apparel and Footwear performance and lifestyle market in Australia and New Zealand. With over 850+ stores, 34 brands and over 30+ online platforms. Our brands include; Glue, Platypus, Skechers, Hype DC, Vans, Dr. Martens, Subtype, The Athletes Foot, CAT, Merrell, The Trybe, Timberland, Stylerunner, Hoka, UGG, Saucony, & Nude Lucy!
General Manager - VF Brands
At Accent Brands, everything begins and ends with the consumer. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic General Manager to lead the next phase of growth for our esteemed portfolio of world-class lifestyle and action sports brands, including Vans, Dickies, Timberland, and Herschel. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires an expert in brand development across multiple channels and markets.
As the General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving the execution of our brand strategy, aligning closely with global and regional partners. You will lead the Product Merchandising, Brand Marketing, and Wholesale teams, ensuring we meet our fiscal aspirations while championing our global brand principles. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering strong internal and external relationships, maximizing commercial outcomes, and positioning our brands for continued success.

1. Lead Brand Strategy Execution

• Partnership with Global and Regional Teams: Collaborate closely with both global and regional brand teams to implement key brand strategies tailored to local market dynamics. Ensure that brand principles and positioning are consistently communicated and executed at all levels of operation.
• Brand Alignment: Act as the local lead for the global brand strategy, ensuring that all initiatives are aligned with the broader vision and objectives of the brand portfolio.
• Strategic Planning: Play a key role in the annual and quarterly planning process for brand development, including setting targets, forecasting, and ensuring strategic alignment with Accent Group’s fiscal goals.

1. Market Review & Strategic Analysis

• Comprehensive Market Insight: Conduct regular and in-depth reviews of the marketplace, tracking trends, competitor activity, and consumer insights to proactively adjust strategies. Use this analysis to drive brand relevance and growth.
• Collaborative Decision Making: Work cross-functionally with sales, commercial, and direct-to-consumer teams to ensure market strategies are aligned with business objectives, and that each department’s insights and feedback are integrated into decision-making.
• Performance Tracking: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for all brand activities and campaigns, ensuring clear visibility into results and quick adjustments when necessary.

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Team Management: Lead and inspire the Wholesale, Commercial, Product, Marketing, and Training teams to deliver best-in-class performance. Provide clear guidance and direction while empowering teams to make decisions and take ownership of their projects.
• Talent Development: Actively foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Mentor team members, identify development opportunities, and ensure that team objectives align with the broader organizational goals.
• Collaboration & Alignment: Encourage cross-department collaboration to ensure all teams work cohesively towards a shared vision. Facilitate regular communication across departments to ensure alignment and resolve challenges.

1. Pricing Architecture & Brand Positioning

• Developing Pricing Strategy: Create and implement a strategic pricing architecture that not only enhances brand positioning in the market but also drives profitable growth. Balance pricing competitiveness with premium brand value.
• Market Positioning: Ensure that pricing strategies are aligned with the desired perception of the brand within the market, enhancing brand equity while achieving commercial goals.
• Promotion Strategy: Oversee the planning and execution of promotional activities, ensuring they support the pricing strategy and drive maximum value for the brand and the business.

1. Commercial Trading Agreements & Strategic Partnerships

• Enhancing Commercial Relationships: Strengthen relationships with key accounts, retailers, and distribution partners. Negotiate and refine commercial agreements to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes and long-term partnerships.
• Expanding Reach: Identify and pursue opportunities to expand brand presence through new commercial channels or partnerships, ensuring optimal brand visibility and market penetration.
• Account Management: Lead key negotiations for major trading agreements, ensuring favorable terms that align with business objectives, and that trading terms are optimized to support commercial growth.

1. Go-To-Market (GTM) Process

• Leading GTM Execution: Oversee the end-to-end go-to-market process, ensuring a seamless and coordinated approach to product launches, seasonal campaigns, and brand activations across all channels.
• Channel Strategy: Work with the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Wholesale teams to ensure products are positioned and marketed effectively across all relevant touchpoints, including online, retail, and wholesale environments.
• Cross-Channel Consistency: Guarantee that the consumer experience is consistent across all channels, ensuring a unified brand message that resonates with customers and enhances brand loyalty.

1. Collaboration with Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Teams

• Retail and Online Strategy: Collaborate closely with the General Manager of Direct-to-Consumer to align retail (both physical and online) strategies with brand goals. Ensure brand messaging is amplified through owned retail channels like concept stores, outlets, and e-commerce.
• Customer Experience Focus: Champion a consumer-first mentality, working alongside the DTC teams to improve the shopping experience, drive engagement, and increase conversion rates both in-store and online.
• Digital Presence: Support efforts to enhance the online brand presence through digital marketing, e-commerce innovations, and consumer-facing initiatives that align with the overall brand strategy.