About LOWA
“LOWA – simply more...” – For years, our slogan has stood for what we are at our core. LOWA stands for continuous improvement, the aspiration to offer an ever-better product and never standing still. We are a global outdoor company that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. We value our roots highly and are constantly developing further. We develop, produce and market high-quality outdoor footwear that meets three central requirements at all times: the highest quality, a perfect fit and innovation in all areas.
General Purpose of the Job:
We are seeking a Senior Manager of Sales Operations & Planning to join our dynamic LOWA team in Germany and drive the efficiency and effectiveness of our sales operations globally. This role is pivotal in optimizing the sales planning, forecasting and inventory management processes by steering a seamless collaboration between the sales, demand planning, and supply chain teams. The Senior Manager will provide strategic insight, data-driven decision-making, and lead initiatives to improve overall sales performance and profitability.
Main Responsibilities:
Sales Planning & Forecasting:
- Lead the annual and quarterly sales planning process, ensuring alignment with business goals and market trends.
- Collaborate with sales teams to develop and refine sales forecasts, providing accurate and actionable insights based on historical data, market intelligence, and current business conditions.
- Monitor, and track sales performance against forecasts, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions to meet or exceed sales targets.
Sales Operations Strategy:
- Develop and implement sales operations strategies that streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance overall sales performance.
- Work cross-functionally with marketing, supply chain, demand planning and finance to ensure smooth execution of sales initiatives and alignment on inventory planning and demand forecasting.
- Lead the integration of systems and tools that support sales processes, enhancing data accessibility, accuracy, and decision-making.
Inventory Management & Allocation:
- Oversee inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels, timely delivery, and reduced excess inventory across all channels (e-commerce, retail, wholesale).
- Work closely with the supply chain team to ensure alignment between demand and product availability, mitigating risks of stockouts or overstocks.
- Implement and optimize product allocation strategies to ensure the right products are available in the right markets at the right time.
Sales Performance Analysis & Reporting:
- Analyze sales performance data and provide actionable insights to senior leadership, highlighting areas of opportunity and risk.
- Create regular reports and dashboards to track sales trends, KPIs, and performance metrics, ensuring clarity and transparency across all stakeholders.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess sales effectiveness and propose strategies for continuous improvement.
Process Improvement & Best Practices:
- Identify and lead process improvements within the sales operations function, ensuring the adoption of best practices and the continuous refinement of workflows.
- Champion the implementation of new tools, technologies, and systems that enhance sales planning, tracking, and reporting capabilities.
Education
- Bachelor, or Masters, degree in business relevant field – MBA preferred
- Kept up to date with digital commerce and sustainability knowledge
Qualification
- 5+ years of experience in sales operations, sales planning, or related roles, preferably within the outdoor, apparel, or consumer goods industries.
- Strong background in managing global or international sales operations across multiple regions.
Skills
- Expertise in sales forecasting, inventory management, and data analysis.
- Advanced proficiency with sales and planning software (e.g., Salesforce, SAP, ERP systems, Excel, Tableau).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Outdoors and a personal alignment with the brand’s values is highly desirable.
- Very good knowledge of German and English.
Scope of work
- Location: Jetzendorf, Bavaria, Germany
Why join LOWA
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing brand.
- Work in an innovative, passionate, and values-driven company.
- Collaborate with a dynamic, global team of industry experts.
- Enjoy an inclusive, flexible, and supportive work environment
Do you want to help shape the future of LOWA together with us? Then we look forward to receiving your application. Start with us into the next 100 years of LOWA.
LOWA Sportschuhe GmbH
Hauptstr. 19
85305 Jetzendorf
www.lowa.com
