Gant Footwear is in the middle of an exciting transformation as we establish our own standalone business after many years in a licensed setup. We are building our organization, defining our ways of working, and shaping how we show up across markets. All with the ambition to elevate the brand and accelerate our growth globally. This is a unique moment in our journey, where foundations are being set and long-term structures are taking form.

The Head of Wholesale Footwear is responsible for leading and developing Gant Footwear’s wholesale business across Europe. This role is crucial during the establishment of our company as well as to grow our business in the coming years. You will oversee the execution of the commercial strategy within the wholesale channel, strengthen relationships with agents and key accounts, and secure strong sell-in and sell-through performance in all markets, with particular focus on Germany. 

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will translate strategic direction into clear sales plans, establish consistent ways of working, and lead the wholesale organization toward profitable growth while ensuring a premium brand experience across all touch points. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Sales Growth 

• Lead the full wholesale sales cycle, including budgeting, seasonal planning, execution, and review. 

• Implement structured reporting, forecasting, and performance follow-up processes. 

• Manage and support independent sales agents across Germany and wider Europe to deliver and exceed targets. 

• Identify and develop new business opportunities and potential market expansions. 

Commercial & Account Management 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key wholesale partners, sales representatives and agents  

• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing strategies, and seasonal targets with direct wholesale accounts in collaboration with the Sales Representatives & Commercial Director. 

• Oversee the sell-in process and ensure timely, accurate delivery of seasonal collections. 

• Evaluate and execute plans to ensure showrooms are in line with brand strategies.  

• Regular assessment of account portfolio  

Market Insight & Reporting 

• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to steer commercial decisions. 

• Provide senior management with business reviews, forecasts, and detailed performance analyses. 

• Translate insights into concrete actions improving profitability, efficiency, and market share. 

Team Management & Leadership 

• Lead, coach, and develop a team including Wholesale Manager, Sales Representatives, and external agents. 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for agents and sales representatives together with the Wholesale Manager. 

• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for the wholesale team. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus. 

• 7–10 years’ experience in wholesale, commercial, or sales leadership within fashion and footwear. 

• Proven track record managing European agents and sales teams; experience of the German market is highly valued. 

• Strong commercial acumen and deep understanding of wholesale dynamics and margin management. 

• Excellent negotiation, leadership, and relationship-building skills. 

• Strategic mindset combined with strong hands-on execution. 

• High organizational capability and ability to manage multiple markets simultaneously. 

• Fluent in English; German and French are strong advantages. 

• Willingness to travel extensively across Europe. 

Desirable 

• Experience within premium, contemporary, or designer fashion footwear. 

• Knowledge of ERP and B2B wholesale systems (e.g. SAP and Colect)