Retail Area Manager Italy

h3RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER EUROPE /h3pInitial 12-month fixed-term contract, with permanent conversion thereafter (livello quadro) /ppItaly, remote /ppStart date: January 2027 /ppOUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS. At Columbia Sportswear, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground. Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolving. And we believe in you. /ph3ABOUT THE MISSION /h3pColumbia is entering a new phase of retail expansion in Italy. Today, our Italian retail network includes 8 owned and operated stores, with additional openings planned in the near future. Alongside the continued development of our own store portfolio, we are also launching and growing a network of Partner Stores. As Retail Area Manager Italy, your mission will be to drive the performance of our existing stores while preparing the organization for its next stage of growth. /pulliDrive sustainable performance across our owned and operated stores /liliLead and develop experienced Store Managers and their teams /liliSupport the opening and ramp-up of new owned and partner-operated locations /liliBuild trusted relationships with our retail partners /liliEnsure a consistent Columbia experience across all locations /li /ulpItaly is an established and well-managed retail market for Columbia, supported by experienced and autonomous Store Managers. This role is about unlocking further potential, providing direction to strong teams, and building the structure required to support an expanding network. This is a hands-on, field-oriented position for someone who understands the realities of multi-site retail and wants to contribute directly to one of Columbia’s growing European markets. /ph3HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE /h3ulliDrive the performance of our Italian retail network /liliTake ownership of sales, profitability, operational efficiency, and customer experience across our Italian stores /liliUse KPIs and field insights to identify opportunities and translate them into clear action plans /liliEnsure consistent execution of Columbia’s retail standards across all locations /liliLead and develop our Store Managers /liliLead, coach, and constructively challenge experienced Store Managers /liliRecruit and onboard Store Managers for new locations /liliBuild strong and stable teams capable of supporting the continued growth of the Italian business /liliSupport the expansion of our retail network /liliLead the operational preparation and launch of new owned and partner-operated stores /liliCoordinate teams and internal stakeholders from pre-opening through to ramp-up /liliAdapt European retail strategies and standards to the realities of the Italian market /liliBuild successful relationships with our Partner Stores /liliBuild trusted relationships with our retail partners and support the development of their stores /liliUse your retail expertise to influence performance and operational execution without direct authority /liliWork closely with Wholesale and European support teams to deliver a consistent Columbia experience /li /ulh3YOU ARE A HANDS-ON RETAIL LEADER WHO STAYS CLOSE TO STORES, TEAMS, AND CUSTOMERS /h3pAutonomous and accountable, with the judgment to make sound decisions and involve others when needed. /ppCommercially driven and analytical, able to turn data and field observations into action. /ppA credible coach who can guide and constructively challenge experienced Store Managers. /ppPragmatic and solution-oriented, comfortable moving between strategic priorities and operational details. /ppA strong communicator who can adapt their approach when leading internal teams or influencing independent partners. /ppResilient, flexible, and comfortable with the travel and schedule realities of a field-based retail role. /ppCollaborative and committed to shared success across the European Retail organization. /ph3YOU HAVE /h3ulliSolid experience as an Area Manager, District Manager, or in a comparable multi-site retail leadership role in the Italian market /liliA successful track record managing owned and operated stores, ideally within fashion, outdoor, sporting goods, or another customer-focused retail environment /liliStrong experience managing business KPIs, store budgets, and action plans to drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency /liliDemonstrated experience recruiting, coaching, and developing Store Managers and retail teams /liliA deep understanding of Italian retail dynamics, customer expectations, and local people-management practices /liliExperience supporting franchisees or retail partners is an advantage, but not a requirement /liliExperience working in an international or matrix organization is a p