General Summary:The Key Account Manager is responsible for managing and growing profitable relationships between Steve Madden and its key retail partners.
This role oversees account financials, assortments, inventory flow, markdowns, advertising, and overall business performance. The Key Account Manager partners closely with buyers, Sales, Planning, Merchandising, Finance, vendors, and other cross-functional teams to drive sales, profitability, and strong customer relationships.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical and organized, with strong retail math and Excel skills, excellent communication abilities, and the confidence to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
This position is based in the Queens, NY office and requires working on-site.
Major Responsibilities: - Manage day-to-day relationships and business activities for assigned key retail accounts.
- Partner with buyers and account teams to review business performance, assortments, opportunities, and future growth.
- Analyze weekly sales, inventory, margins, sell-through, markdowns, and other key retail metrics to identify trends and opportunities.
- Develop and maintain financial plans aligned with sales and inventory flow.
- Manage assortment planning, inventory flow, markdown activity, and advertising initiatives for key accounts.
- Track advertising, review layouts, and ensure product availability and delivery timelines are met.
- Maintain accurate price sheets, cost sheets, specification sheets, and account documentation.
- Conduct account audits and help resolve pricing, inventory, delivery, and other account discrepancies.
- Prepare and maintain account reporting, trackers, and presentations for internal and external partners.
- Communicate effectively with buyers, sales representatives, vendors, and internal cross-functional teams via email, phone, and in-person meetings.
- Attend sales meetings, customer meetings, trade shows, and shoe shows as needed.
- Proactively identify and resolve business issues while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Business, Fashion Merchandising, Retail Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience in key account management, wholesale, retail buying, merchandising, sales, or a related field.
- Experience working with major retail accounts; footwear, fashion, apparel, or accessories experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of retail math, financial analysis, inventory, and sales planning.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, and data analysis.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong time-management and follow-through skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with sound business judgment.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across teams.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $80,000 - $100,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.
