At ASICS, we’re more than just a brand; we're a movement. A movement of movement, propelled by the belief that motion strengthens the body and uplifts the mind. Our name itself, an acronym for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body), encapsulates this commitment. Since taking our first step in Japan in 1949, our journey has been about more than just reaching the finish lines or clocking the fastest times. It's about the joy of moving and it's open to all.
If you're inspired to move yourself and the world toward a brighter, more inclusive future, we're looking for you.
Here at ASICS, we welcome diversity in our people, their backgrounds and life experiences. So, you could be the right person for this role regardless of your age, nationality, religious beliefs, or gender identification.
Your role in our shared journey
Located at our EMEA headquarters in Hoofddorp, near Amsterdam, you will join our newly established Central Strategic Governance (CSG) team as a dedicated Category Sales Manager. Please note that we are currently hiring for two positions within the same team, each covering a different product category: one for Performance Running & CPS and one for Sportstyle. Both roles share the same scope and responsibilities.
Sitting at the intersection of Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Category, and Training, you will be the central orchestrator shaping the 3-year category commercial roadmap, owning the Selective Distribution Policy across all European markets and channels, and driving the cross-functional alignment that turns strategy into measurable commercial results.
This is a founding role in a team that is actively being built; an opportunity to help define the ways of working, the frameworks, and the commercial agenda for one of ASICS Europe’s most strategically significant categories. With direct exposure to the Commercial VP and MT, and influence spanning the full channel mix from wholesale to DTC across all European markets, this role sits at the eye of the hurricane of ASICS’ ambition to grow from €800M to €1.4B.
Your key responsibilities will be:
- Own the definition and consistent implementation of the category Selective Distribution Policy (SDP) across all European markets and channels, including market segmentation, account distribution planning, and balancing brand elevation with commercial reach.
- Lead the 3-year category commercial roadmap, integrating regional market insights and SDP inputs, identifying growth levers and risks through data-driven analysis, and defining account, channel and market sales priorities.
- Track and report category KPIs (sales performance, margins, market share, turnover) in partnership with the Senior Business Analyst, delivering actionable insights and forecasts to the Commercial MT and senior stakeholders.
- Drive strategic cross-functional projects that enhance category commercial performance, leading GTM alignment with Merchandising and Planning and acting as the commercial voice in seasonal marketing planning for the category.
- Ensure channel-relevant alignment between marketing content and commercial priorities across wholesale and DTC, providing input on product storytelling, hero items, and campaign timing.
- Partner with the Sales Enablement Specialist to elevate sales force knowledge of the category across all channels and markets — identifying capability gaps, developing tailored training content, and supporting seasonal sell-in meetings and e-learning modules.
- Maintain the Pinnacle account distribution framework (REC/TEC/TOMO) for the category, defining and updating Pinnacle doors in alignment with category strategy, and monitoring distribution KPIs and compliance.
- Build and lead structured cross-functional alignment sessions across Commercial, Category, Merchandising, Planning, and Market teams, driving the CSG category agenda with credibility at every level of the organisation.
You have the following skills and experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing or a related field (or equivalent experience)
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9+ years of experience in category management, commercial strategy or related roles within consumer goods, retail, or sports/lifestyle industries
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Proven track record of developing and executing long-term category commercial strategies across multiple European or international markets.
- Experience across multi-channel environments including wholesale, retail, e-commerce, and distributor networks.
- Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel proficiency and experience with at least one BI or data visualisation tool (e.g. Qlik, SAC, Power BI or SQL).
- Exceptional ability to influence and drive alignment across diverse, senior stakeholders in a matrixed, international environment without direct authority.
- Strong project management skills — plans, executes, tracks and communicates complex multi-workstream projects independently.
- Strong storytelling skills — able to simplify complex data into a clear, compelling narrative for a senior commercial audience.
- Comfortable operating with ambiguity and limited precedent; able to create structure and build frameworks from scratch.
- Solutions mindset and resilience — anticipates roadblocks, addresses root causes rather than symptoms, and maintains momentum in a complex matrix environment.
- Experience with Selective Distribution Policy (SDP) or equivalent brand distribution governance frameworks is a plus.
- Familiarity with GTM processes, sell-in planning and seasonal merchandising cycles is a plus.
- Sports, lifestyle or fashion industry background is preferred; adjacent industries with transferable commercial depth will be considered.
- Fluent in English and at least one other European language (German, French, Italian, Spanish or Dutch).
Life at ASICS
When you join ASICS, you become part of something special. Here, your voice matters, your growth and wellbeing are important. We believe in fostering an environment where every step forward is celebrated, where diversity fuels our journey, and inclusion strengthens individuals. And together and as individuals we can inspire more people to move for body and for mind.
Our commitment to your wellbeing
We're dedicated to ensuring that every team member experiences the joy and benefits of movement. To support your wellbeing, we offer:
- Access to office gym and sports membership discount.
- Exclusive 50% discount on ASICS and ONITSUKA TIGER gear.
- Unlimited access to the Calm app for better sleep and mental fitness.
- Complimentary premium subscription to our Runkeeper Go™ app.
- A comprehensive wellness programme consisting of exercise and educational sessions.
- Professional support and meditation classes are available through OpenUp Access.
- Working abroad for four weeks every year.
- Hybrid working model. Combine the flexibility of working from home with the dynamic energy of an office environment.
How to Apply
Are you feeling inspired? We'd love to hear from you. Submit your application online and step into a role where you can truly make a difference. Let's move together, step by step, toward an uplifted world.
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