Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts & Partner Excellence
VF Corporation · Switzerland
VF Corporation is looking for an exceptional Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts & Partner Excellence to join our Global Wholesale Operations team based in Stabio, Switzerland, on a permanent basis.
Let’s talk about the role!
The Senior Manager, Strategic Accounts & Partner Excellence is responsible for turning VF's strategic ambitions with priority partners into coordinated, scalable execution across brands, functions and markets.
The role combines end-to-end governance of the Zalando Group relationship with the development of new full-price and off-price marketplace capabilities, ensuring that commercial strategy, operating models, trading tools and partner ways of working are fully connected.
By establishing clear standards, decision forums and performance visibility, this position accelerates profitable growth, improves consumer reach and strengthens VF's ability to execute as one company with its most strategic partners.
How you'll make a difference
ZALANDO GROUP GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTION SUPPORT
Key responsibilities include:
- Define the “VF x Zalando” Playbook, covering both commercial and operational aspects, and support leadership in setting strategic priorities.
- Stay aligned with brand leaders and the EMEA Wholesale Digital POD.
- Build Joint Business Plans based on channel-agnostic ambitions and clear consumer acquisition targets.
- Support cross-brand, cross-functional account execution (1P & 2P models) at every step of the Go-To-Market process.
- Lead VF’s terms negotiation.
- Integrate BDG / ACT / FCT / LRP into one solid operating cadence.
- Run regular touch bases with account counterparts and identify the right contacts for back-office initiatives.
- Track and share visibility on cross-brand performance and consumer KPIs (sell-in, sell-out, consumer data, marketing investments).
NEW FULL-PRICE AND OFF-PRICE DIGITAL MARKETPLACES
Key responsibilities include:
- Work with brand leaders and the EMEA Wholesale Digital POD to select each new Digital Marketplace, with detailed business cases and long-term ambitions.
- Support the negotiation of 2P terms for every account in the region.
- Lead the playbook for building new 2P capability across full-price and off-price accounts in EMEA.
- Design 2P operating models (org, process, metrics, talent) based on brand readiness and commercial goals.
- Support training and change management.
- Contribute to the PMO updates together with DT and other functions.
TRADING TOOL ADOPTION AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT FOR DIGITAL MARKETPLACES
Key responsibilities include:
- Align 2P Go-To-Market execution with the account’s strategy (e.g., pre-Peak preparation).
- Monitor and drive in-season 2P tool adoption (dynamic pricing, replenishment) and plan future evolutions with DT.
- Act as the bridge between DCs and the account to resolve delivery, capacity, and booking issues.
- Build and sustain a strong trading community across brands, with continuous best-practice sharing.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Key responsibilities include:
- Make sure Emerging Brands get the support they need to capture and optimize growth opportunities.
- Run joint workshops and pilots with the accounts to improve Go-To-Market processes and test new ways of working.
- Prepare business decks and executive summaries.
- Hold regular touch bases and follow-ups with central enabling functions (Finance, Strategy, Legal, Supply Chain, etc.).
Skills for Success
- 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.
- Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into scalable operating models, playbooks, governance routines and measurable execution plans.
- 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.
- Fluent English required; additional European languages are an advantage. Willingness to travel up to 30%.
What’s in it For You
We’re in the business of unleashing human potential, driven by the ideas, energy and commitment of our people. That’s why we offer comprehensive benefits that encourage mental, physical and financial well-being for all VF associates. When it comes to benefits, we’re the total package.
- A supportive feedback-based culture where respect and integrity guide us in what we do
- An inclusive international environment where people of diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nationalities love working together
- Be part of an iconic lifestyle brand in a multi brand, multi countries organization
- On site gym offering health and well-being initiatives
- A discount card with 50% on all VF brands
- Break out areas offering complimentary hot drinks
Free to Be, Inclusion & Diversity
As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day.
If you like what you have read and want to join our team then we would like to hear from you!
R-20260907-0016