Retail Area Manager Poland & Czech Rep

🔝Reports to: Retail Operations Manager Europe📑 Initial 12-month fixed-term contract, with permanent conversion thereafter📍 Poland (remote)📆 Start date: at the earliest convenienceOUTGROWN YOUR OWN BACKYARD? COME PLAY IN OURS.At Columbia Sportswear, we’re as passionate about the outdoors as you are. And while our gear is available worldwide, we’re proud to be based in the Pacific Northwest, where natural wonders are our playground.Every product we make and every task we undertake is inspired by the famous words of our founder Gert Boyle: “It’s perfect. Now make it better.” As pioneers of relentless improvement, we are constantly evolvingDiscover a world of diversity within our team of 700+ across 13 European countries, united by the common goal of elevating Columbia to the pinnacle of outdoor brands in Europe. Our omnichannel approach seamlessly integrates Columbia and Sorel brands' engaging in-store and online experiences.We believe the outdoors is ours to protect and strive to keep our planet healthy. We believe in empowering people to experience the outdoors to the fullest.And we believe in you.ABOUT THE MISSIONColumbia is entering a new phase of retail expansion in Eastern Europe, with Poland and the Czech Republic at the heart of this growth.Over the next two years, the region will grow to around 15–20 stores, combining owned outlet stores and a strong network of partner stores.As Retail Area Manager, your mission is to build a high-performing, well-structured retail environment across both countries.You will play a key role in:Driving performance across our own storesBuilding strong and stable store teamsEnsuring consistent execution of our retail standardsBeyond execution, you will also act as a local expert, helping us better understand the market, the customers, and the operational realities of the region.This is a hands-on role focused on making things happen on the ground, supporting both owned stores and partners, and contributing directly to the success of a fast-growing region.HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCEDrive retail performanceMonitor KPIs, identify performance gaps, and implement action plansEnsure consistent execution of Columbia standards across all locationsLead and develop teamsRecruit, coach, and develop Store Managers for owned storesBuild strong, stable store teams in a growing environmentSupport and influence partner storesAct as a trusted advisor to partners on:Visual merchandisingTraining & product knowledgePerformance managementBuild strong collaboration with wholesale teamsOwn store openingsSupport new store launches (owned and partner)Ensure smooth execution from pre-opening to ramp-upBring local expertiseEnsure compliance with local regulations (especially Poland)Adapt global processes to local realitiesRemove language and operational barriersBe the link between HQ and the fieldTranslate strategy into actionable plansEnsure alignment across Retail, Wholesale, HR, and HQ teamsYOU AREA hands-on leader who leads by example, builds trust, and brings stability and structure to teamsAnalytical and driven: you make decisions based on data and know how to turn insights into actionSolution-oriented and pragmatic, focusing on what worksResilient and committed, with a sense of accountability and pride in delivering resultsA strong communicator who knows how to adapt messages to local markets, teams, and customer habitsCollaborative and team-spirited: you value shared success and contribute to a culture of mutual support across the European Retail teamYOU HAVE6-8 years of experience as an Area Manager or District Manager in the Polish retail market, preferably within fashion, outdoor, or sporting goods. Retail experience in Czech Republic is a strong plusA deep understanding of Polish and Czech retail dynamics, from customer expectations to team management and local regulationsA successful track record in recruiting, training, and developing retail leaders in multi-site environmentsExperience managing business KPIs, store budgets, and implementing action plans to drive growth and efficiencyFull professional proficiency in English and Polish, Czech is a strong asset; experience working in international or matrix organizations is a plusHigh mobility required: ability to travel frequently and efficiently across Poland and the Czech RepublicWHY JOINING US?You will have the opportunity to work for a company that has a positive impact on the people we reach, the places we touch, and the products we make. Indeed, one of our core values is to do the right thing, not just for our company, but also for our consumers, customers, employees and their communities.On top of that, you will have the chance to:Build new skills, develop your potential, and grow within our company.Join an inclusive employer where diversity and equity lead to creativity and empowerment.Be part of a company that focus on your wellbeing to ensure that you can be your best self.Travel around Europe for seminars or staff event and