Retail Area Manager Italy

In breve

Columbia Sportswear is expanding its retail footprint in Italy and is looking for a Retail Area Manager to lead that growth. The company, headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, designs and sells outdoor apparel and equipment worldwide. This role is a 12‑month fixed‑term position, with the possibility of becoming a permanent quadro‑level contract, and is based remotely in Italy, reporting to the European Retail Operations team. The day‑to‑day focus will be on driving sales, profitability, operational efficiency and customer experience across Columbia's eight owned stores and any new partner locations. You will use KPIs and field insights to spot opportunities, create action plans and ensure consistent execution of brand standards. Core duties include coaching and challenging experienced Store Managers, recruiting and onboarding managers for new sites, coordinating pre‑opening and ramp‑up activities, and building strong relationships with partner stores and internal European support functions. To be considered, candidates must have solid experience as an Area Manager, District Manager or a comparable multi‑site retail leadership role within the Italian market. A proven record of managing owned stores, preferably in fashion, outdoor or sporting‑goods retail, is required, together with strong competence in handling business KPIs, budgets and action plans. You must have demonstrated ability to recruit, coach and develop Store Managers, possess deep knowledge of Italian retail dynamics and people‑management practices, and be fluent in both Italian and English. Frequent travel across Italy and a valid driving licence are also mandatory. Additional assets include experience supporting franchisees or retail partners, and prior work in an international or matrix organisation. The role offers exposure to European seminars and staff events, generous product discounts, meal vouchers, unlimited LinkedIn Learning access and a focus on wellbeing and inclusive culture. What the role asks for: - Solid experience as Area or District Manager in Italy - Proven track record managing owned retail stores - Strong ability to manage KPIs, budgets and action plans - Demonstrated recruiting and coaching of Store Managers - Full professional proficiency in Italian - Full professional proficiency in English - High mobility with frequent travel across Italy - Valid driving licence (nice‑to‑have: franchise/partner experience, international matrix experience)