Key Account Manager - JD Sport

Haddad Brands Europe, founded in 2017, specializes in the distribution of children’s apparel under exclusive licenses (Nike, Levi’s, Converse, Jordan, Polo Ralph Lauren…) across all of Europe.

Operational for the past 7 years, the company has experienced rapid growth and now counts over 500 employees across the continent.

We distribute our products through both wholesale — to major specialized or multi-brand retailers — and retail, via our branded corners in department stores.

In concrete terms, this means that if you’re buying kidswear (ages 0–7 for Nike, 0–16 for Levi’s, Converse, and Jordan), whether in-store, online, in the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, or anywhere else in Europe, the product in your hands has passed through us — even if you purchased it in an official Nike or Levi’s store!

To support the continued growth of our Apparel category across the JD Group we are looking for a Key Account Manager in UK.

Key Responsibilities:

This role will play a critical part in driving strategic brand partnerships, managing the end-to-end SMU (Special Make-Up) process, and delivering innovative, consumer-focused product assortments that align with JD’s brand positioning and business goals. The Key Account Manager will be responsible for managing relationships with JD Apparel buyers, and leveraging data and retail insights to drive mutually profitably commercial success. Apparel Business Development

• Work collaboratively with the JD buying team to identify and pursue growth opportunities across key Apparel categories.
• Analyze sales data, consumer trends, and market insights to inform seasonal planning and product strategy. Work with business planning and merchandising to create consumer-right and profitable assortments.
• Work closely with the JD Merchandising Manager to unlock exclusive product opportunities and enhance JD’s point of difference in the market.
• Support range planning, product selection, and go-to-market strategy in line with JD’s commercial objectives.
• Develop comprehensive Seasonal Account Plans, including long-term strategies and clearly defined strategic pillars to drive sustained growth and alignment. SMU Process Management
• Partner with the JD Merchandising manager to drive the end-to-end SMU process from ideation through delivery, ensuring timelines, margin targets, and brand alignment are met.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with JD Buying, and Haddad NY and Europe teams across Design, Merchandising, and Marketing to bring SMU concepts to life.
• Manage SMU critical path milestones and deadlines, ensuring JD’s full alignment.
• Ensure clear documentation, visibility, and communication of all SMU projects through internal reporting and tracking systems.
• Achieve 95%+ On-time and in-full delivery (DIFOT) for all SMU ranges.

Skills and Exeprience :

• 5-7 years of experience in an account management role within the fashion, sportswear, or retail industry.

• Strong commercial acumen with a passion for product and an understanding of what drives sell-through.
• Experience working with branded apparel and familiarity with SMU or product customization processes is highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills; able to work confidently with internal stakeholders and external brand partners.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and PowerPoint); familiarity with product lifecycle or merchandising systems is a plus.

• Travel : Willingness to travel across Europe as required (approx. 20% travel).

Benefits :

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment.
• A collaborative and inclusive company culture.

Career growth potential within a leading global company. If you are a commercially-minded individual with the experience and drive the Apparel business for the JD Group, we would love to hear from you!