Distribution Manager (Sales) (1 yr contract)

Clarks is looking for an experienced manager to drive the business's sales, profitability and operational success in India, accountable for overseeing and managing all aspects of distribution partnership operations within the country. This role involves developing and executing strategic plans to drive sales growth, in collaboration with our distributor partner, and managing other relationships that include manufacturers and digital marketplaces to ensure the efficient distribution of products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail management, excellent partnership & collaboration skills, and a deep understanding of the local market.

What You'll Be Doing

• Strategic Planning:

  Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve sales targets and expand market presence.

• Distributor & Partnership Management:

  Build and maintain strong relationships with the distributor (based in Mumbai) & other partners, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.

• Sales Management:

  Monitor sales performance, analyse market trends, and identify growth opportunities.

• Selling Operations Oversight:

  Work with the distributor to oversee the distribution network, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of products to retail partners. This includes reviewing and signing off on new locations.

• Manufacturing Coordination.

  Act as the “bridge” between the distributor and Clarks' manufacturing partners to ensure a seamless supply of products and optimal effectiveness.

• Digital Growth:

  Partner with key marketplaces and the territory's distributor to deliver high digital penetration within the Clarks India business. Facilitate learning across the broader Clarks organisation.

• Budget Management & Leadership:

  Manage the country budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and maximising profitability. Line manage one Operations Coordinator to support the “back end” of operations in the territory (POs, billing, payments, administration, compliance, etc.).

• Compliance:

  Ensure all operations comply with local regulations and company policies.

• Reporting & Business Reviews:

  Act as the primary contributor and owner of the quarterly business reviews. Provide regular reports on sales performance, market conditions, and strategic initiatives to senior management.

What You'll Bring

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in retail management or distribution partnerships, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth.
• Influencing in a collaborative partnership engagement is a must-have.
• Strong understanding of the local market and retail landscape, including digital selling channels.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and make strategic decisions.
• Ability to work remotely from HQ and other key stakeholders

About Clarks

Two brothers, a small town, and shoes that changed the world. Based in Somerset, England, Clarks has redefined shoemaking since its foundation in 1825, when James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts and forever transformed the future of footwear.

Sparking revolutions and defining generations, our archive of over 25,000 shoes includes the inimitable Clarks Desert Boot™ and Clarks Wallabee™. And every pair we design today uses the same ground-breaking combination of invention and craftsmanship that started it all.

Progress is woven into our DNA. Whether we’re pioneering cutting-edge comfort technologies, championing social change, or working on trailblazing collaborations with cultural icons and KOLs, we’re always striding forward.

Join us in 2025 as we celebrate 200 years of giving people the freedom to move comfortably, proudly commemorating our legacy of craft, innovation, and impact – and looking boldly ahead, too.