What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Manager, International Business Development position at Designer Brands?
About Designer Brands
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
The Opportunity
Step into a role where global strategy meets creativity. As Sr. Manager, International for Keds, you’ll be the driving force behind expanding one of the most iconic lifestyle brands across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and EMEA. This isn’t just about managing markets—it’s about shaping how Keds shows up for consumers worldwide. You’ll lead strategic planning, uncover growth opportunities, and build partnerships that bring our brand to life in emerging markets.
What You’ll Be Doing
Your work will be dynamic and impactful, blending strategy with hands-on execution. Here’s how you’ll make a difference:
Partner & Market Leadership
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic vision with operational know-how:
Skills & Expertise
At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward.
The Opportunity
Step into a role where global strategy meets creativity. As Sr. Manager, International for Keds, you’ll be the driving force behind expanding one of the most iconic lifestyle brands across Asia Pacific, Latin America, and EMEA. This isn’t just about managing markets—it’s about shaping how Keds shows up for consumers worldwide. You’ll lead strategic planning, uncover growth opportunities, and build partnerships that bring our brand to life in emerging markets.
What You’ll Be Doing
Your work will be dynamic and impactful, blending strategy with hands-on execution. Here’s how you’ll make a difference:
Partner & Market Leadership
- Collaborate with international partners to ensure brand strategies are executed consistently across regions.
- Build strong relationships with distributors and partners, owning key milestones and fostering trust.
- Lead an in-region team managing day-to-day operations: account approvals, order fulfillment, marketing approvals, merchandising, and logistics coordination.
- Develop region-specific roadmaps with GM/VP to align marketing, merchandising, and communication strategies.
- Maximize business potential by integrating marketing and sales support into country-specific briefs.
- Identify new opportunities for expansion and present innovative ideas during quarterly business reviews.
- Drive financial accountability for regional revenue and profit targets.
- Navigate complex negotiations with legal and leadership to secure mutually beneficial contracts.
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic vision with operational know-how:
Skills & Expertise
- Strategic thinker with a knack for spotting growth opportunities in lifestyle and fashion footwear.
- Deep understanding of market-specific distribution, retail/wholesale operations, and merchandising.
- Strong financial acumen: forecasting, revenue tracking, and order processing.
- Skilled negotiator with experience in complex business agreements.
- Proficient in market analysis, competitive landscape, and brand protection strategies.
- Language: Fluency in Spanish required; Japanese, Mandarin, or Korean preferred.
- Exceptional communication skills to influence across leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Experience: 6 years in global business development, general management, or merchandising.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in merchandising, marketing, business, or equivalent experience.
- Preferred: MBA, prior APAC and LATAM market experience, and background in lifestyle/fashion distribution.
- Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi.
- Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work.
- Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives.
- We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & DSW.com, plus discounts across our family of brands.