Key Account Manager - Sporting Goods & Apparel

ABOUT OUTFORM:

Outform is a global retail marketing and display solutions company that partners with leading brands and retailers to bring bold, high-impact in-store experiences to life. We combine strategy, design, engineering, sourcing, and execution to deliver retail environments that drive engagement and results.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting directly to the Vice President of the channel, this role serves as the primary point of contact for assigned key accounts and is responsible for driving revenue growth, operational excellence, and long‑term partnership development. This role requires the ability to pivot quickly, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and collaborate effectively across internal teams to bring complex retail programs to life.

This is a remote position with travel required as needed to client locations and Outform facilities or offices to support client engagements and internal collaboration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Account Ownership & Client Partnership

Serve as the primary relationship owner and point of contact for assigned key accounts

Develop a deep understanding of each client’s business model, brand strategy, retail environment, and key success metrics

Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders at multiple levels, including senior leadership

Act as a strategic advisor to clients, providing insights, recommendations, and proactive solutions

Revenue Growth & Account Strategy

Identify and actively pursue opportunities to grow assigned accounts through upsell, cross‑sell, and new program development

Support account planning, annual forecasts, and long‑term growth strategies in alignment with vertical goals

Partner with leadership to develop and present strategic proposals, concepts, and business reviews

Cross‑Functional Program Leadership

Lead and coordinate cross‑functional internal teams including design, engineering, estimating, sourcing, production, logistics, and finance

Translate client objectives into clear internal briefs, scopes of work, and execution plans

Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to Outform quality standards

Proactively manage risks, timelines, and stakeholder expectations throughout program lifecycles.

Financial Management & Account Health

Monitor and manage account financials including revenue, contribution margins, forecasts, and project profitability

Partner with Finance to ensure accurate billing, forecasting, and financial reporting

Maintain visibility into account performance and communicate risks or opportunities promptly

Execution, Problem Solving & Client Experience

Navigate complex challenges with a solution‑oriented mindset while maintaining strong client trust and confidence

Manage changes in scope, timing, or requirements with professionalism and clarity

Ensure a consistently high‑quality client experience from program kickoff through completion

Reporting & Process Discipline

Maintain accurate documentation, pipeline tracking, and reporting using appropriate CRM, sales, and analytics tools

Provide regular status updates, forecasts, and insights to internal leadership

Support continuous improvement within account processes and customer engagement models

SUCCESS MESAURES (KPIs):

The successful Key Account Manager will be measured on:

Account Growth & Financial Performance

Revenue growth within assigned accounts

Achievement of account‑level forecasts and targets

Contribution margin performance and profitability

Client Satisfaction & Retention

Client retention rates

Client satisfaction and feedback

Repeat business and program expansion

Operational Execution

On‑time and on‑budget delivery of client programs

Quality and accuracy of internal briefs and scopes

Effectiveness of cross‑functional collaboration

Pipeline & Opportunity Development

Strength and visibility of opportunity pipeline

Number and quality of strategic proposals delivered

Internal Partnership & Communication

Quality of collaboration with internal teams

Accuracy and timeliness of reporting and forecasts

Proactive risk identification and issue resolution

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field required

Experience

5+ years of experience in account management, sales, or client‑facing roles within retail, sporting goods, fashion, apparel or related industries

Requires a strong understanding of sporting goods and/or fashion retail culture, combined with the confidence to engage senior‑level client stakeholders

Proven experience managing complex, project‑based programs with multiple stakeholders and deliverables

Experience working in a cross‑functional environment supporting design, production, and execution teams to bring retail programs to life

Skills & Expertise

Strong business and financial acumen, with demonstrated ability to manage margins, forecasting, and account performance

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; strong working knowledge of PowerPoint and Power BI (or similar reporting tools)

Excellent presentation, communication, and negotiation skills

Strong organizational and project management capabilities

Demonstrated success operating independently while collaborating closely with internal teams

Demonstrated expertise building positive relationships while working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment that requires pivoting as the priorities shift

Ability and willingness to travel as required

Characteristics & Behavioral Competencies

Client‑Centric & Relationship‑Driven – Builds trust quickly and maintains strong, long‑term relationships and partnerships

Strategic & Commercially Minded – Sees the big picture while driving measurable account growth

Results‑Oriented – Takes ownership and accountability for outcomes

Adaptable & Agile – Comfortable pivoting priorities in a fast‑paced retail environment

Collaborative Leader – Leads cross‑functional teams through influence, not authority

Problem Solver – Approaches challenges with creativity, persistence, and a solution focus

Detail‑Oriented & Organized – Manages complexity and multiple priorities without losing sight of execution fundamentals

Proactive & Self‑Directed – Takes initiative, anticipates needs, and drives action without waiting for direction

Professional & Composed – Represents Outform with confidence, credibility, and integrity

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Working conditions are in a normal office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; sit and stand; using the hands to handle, finger, or feel objects, tools, or controls.  Occasionally, the employee must crouch or kneel.  The employee must occasionally exert or lift up to 20 pounds.  Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses. Requires long periods of time working at a computer and includes phone work. Extensive travel required to serve the clients and participate in company or team events in Union City CA or Chicago.

DISCLAIMER

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.