Retail Area Manager Italy

RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER EUROPE Initial 12-month fixed-term contract, with permanent conversion thereafter (livello quadro)
Italy, remote
Start date: January 2027
OUTGROWN 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.
ABOUT THE MISSION Columbia 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.
Drive sustainable performance across our owned and operated stores
Lead and develop experienced Store Managers and their teams
Support the opening and ramp-up of new owned and partner-operated locations
Build trusted relationships with our retail partners
Ensure a consistent Columbia experience across all locations
Italy 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.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE Drive the performance of our Italian retail network
Take ownership of sales, profitability, operational efficiency, and customer experience across our Italian stores
Use KPIs and field insights to identify opportunities and translate them into clear action plans
Ensure consistent execution of Columbia’s retail standards across all locations
Lead and develop our Store Managers
Lead, coach, and constructively challenge experienced Store Managers
Recruit and onboard Store Managers for new locations
Build strong and stable teams capable of supporting the continued growth of the Italian business
Support the expansion of our retail network
Lead the operational preparation and launch of new owned and partner-operated stores
Coordinate teams and internal stakeholders from pre-opening through to ramp-up
Adapt European retail strategies and standards to the realities of the Italian market
Build successful relationships with our Partner Stores
Build trusted relationships with our retail partners and support the development of their stores
Use your retail expertise to influence performance and operational execution without direct authority
Work closely with Wholesale and European support teams to deliver a consistent Columbia experience
YOU ARE A HANDS-ON RETAIL LEADER WHO STAYS CLOSE TO STORES, TEAMS, AND CUSTOMERS Autonomous and accountable, with the judgment to make sound decisions and involve others when needed.
Commercially driven and analytical, able to turn data and field observations into action.
A credible coach who can guide and constructively challenge experienced Store Managers.
Pragmatic and solution-oriented, comfortable moving between strategic priorities and operational details.
A strong communicator who can adapt their approach when leading internal teams or influencing independent partners.
Resilient, flexible, and comfortable with the travel and schedule realities of a field-based retail role.
Collaborative and committed to shared success across the European Retail organization.
YOU HAVE Solid experience as an Area Manager, District Manager, or in a comparable multi-site retail leadership role in the Italian market
A successful track record managing owned and operated stores, ideally within fashion, outdoor, sporting goods, or another customer-focused retail environment
Strong experience managing business KPIs, store budgets, and action plans to drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency
Demonstrated experience recruiting, coaching, and developing Store Managers and retail teams
A deep understanding of Italian retail dynamics, customer expectations, and local people-management practices
Experience supporting franchisees or retail partners is an advantage, but not a requirement
Experience working in an international or matrix organization is a plus
Full professional proficiency in Italian and English
High mobility and the ability to t