Area Manager - Benelux

Job Mission

As an Area Manager, you will own and ensure all stores within the area adhere to operational policies and best practices through store visits and consistent execution of audits on site. Utilising store results to drive corrective action planning, you will work with Store Management to deliver continual improvements, supporting the Retail Regional Manager with administrative tasks and projects to enhance store and business performance.

As a brand ambassador, you will drive team performance and create a working culture that embraces New Balance values in a fast‑paced and energetic environment.

The Area Manager will be based at stores for three to four days per week, performing retail game‑plan checklists and collaborating with the stores in your area. One day will be spent at the Amsterdam DTC Office, connecting with the Regional Manager and wider team.

• Full ownership of in‑store operational game plan execution across your respective stores.
• Lead, guide and inspire teams through regular feedback, coaching and celebrating success.
• Take full responsibility for mystery‑shop action plans, ensuring the Retail Regional Manager receives regular feedback on progress and improvement plans.
• Attend stocktakes and perform spot‑checking to drive best practice, providing post‑stocktake action‑planning reports to the Retail Regional Manager.
• Actively drive KPIs such as sales, UPT, ATV and conversion using regular commercial report analysis and walkthroughs at store level with the SM & ASM.
• Provide cash and loss‑prevention support to all stores, including reviews of G4S collections, petty cash management, float checks before business peaks and timely reporting of any financial losses.
• Monitor and manage controllable costs in all stores, including stationary, essential back‑of‑house items, minor repairs and maintenance.
• Assist the Retail Regional Manager in profit & loss analysis, feeding back recommendations promptly.
• Publish all monthly audit results to the Retail Portal.
• Oversee store HR operations – recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, payroll, performance management, holiday tracking, training and development of the store team.
• UK/EMEA‑based travel may be required at the request of the Retail Regional Manager.
• Perform all other duties as required, always driving operational excellence.

• Proven retail management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve sales targets/budgets.
• Proven people management and leadership skills.
• Experience in coaching, driving and developing a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Quality‑focused with a continuous‑improvement mindset.
• Ability to organise and manage projects effectively.
• Proficiency with MS Excel and retail software.
• Commercial awareness of the retail market and consumer trends.
• Experience working in a stand‑alone, autonomous role and comfortable with remote management.
• Flexible work schedule includes weekends and holidays.
• Fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills; additional languages advantageous.
• Valid EU driving licence.

• Retail bonus opportunity.
• Discount on health insurance.
• 8% holiday allowance (if NL based).
• Pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave per year.
• Great development opportunities, including European project involvement.
• Employee discount.
• Flexible uniform package.
• Wellbeing and mental health benefit (24/7 employment assistance program & support).

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.