Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts & Partner Excellence

The role of Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts & Partner Excellence at VF Corporation involves driving the company's strategic goals with key partners, particularly the Zalando Group. VF Corporation is a global leader in lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories, with a portfolio of iconic brands. The company operates in various markets and is committed to sustainable business practices. The main day-to-day responsibilities include defining and implementing the "VF x Zalando" Playbook, which covers both commercial and operational aspects. This involves setting strategic priorities, building joint business plans, and ensuring seamless execution across brands and functions. The role also includes negotiating terms, integrating various operating models, and tracking performance metrics. Additionally, the Senior Manager will work on developing new digital marketplace capabilities, both full-price and off-price, and ensure the adoption of trading tools and change management for these marketplaces. To excel in this role, candidates must have proven experience in leading strategic accounts, digital marketplace operations, or wholesale transformation in a complex, multi-brand organization. A strong understanding of 1P and 2P digital business models, including commercial terms and operational dependencies, is essential. Advanced commercial and analytical skills, along with the ability to translate strategy into scalable operating models, are crucial. Fluency in English is a must, with additional European languages being an advantage. Nice-to-have skills include the ability to lead cross-functional programs and manage change across diverse teams. The role offers a supportive and inclusive work environment with comprehensive benefits, including an on-site gym, discounts on VF brands, and a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. The position is based in Stabio, Switzerland, and may require up to 30% travel. What the role asks for: - Proven experience leading strategic accounts, digital marketplace operations, partner governance or wholesale transformation in a complex, multi-brand and matrixed organization. - Strong understanding of 1P and 2P digital business models, including commercial terms, Go-To-Market processes, trading levers and operational dependencies. - Advanced commercial and analytical acumen, with the ability to build business cases, interpret consumer and performance data, and turn insights into clear decisions. - Exceptional stakeholder leadership and influencing skills, with credibility to align senior leaders, brand teams, account teams and enabling functions without relying on direct authority. - Strong negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, with the confidence to manage ambiguity, resolve trade-offs and escalate issues constructively. - Track record of leading cross-functional programs, change management and capability adoption across markets and diverse teams. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create concise executive narratives and facilitate effective senior-level forums. - Fluency in English. - Willingness to travel up to 30%.