
Strategic Partner Manager - French Speaking
Key Skills
Job Description
Who are we?
Be a key player in the Zelus squad!
Zelus is a global sportwear brand and Nike Inc’s exclusive licensee for the design, manufacturing, marketing, promotion and sale of teamwear apparel and equipment products to serve athletes and teams globally.
At Zelus our mission is to inspire, connect and serve every team athlete by adding a ‘Swoosh’ on their teamwear. We work with grassroot teams, educational bodies, right up to professional clubs in a wide range of sports including, rugby, basketball, track and field, and hockey.
With two core hubs in the UK and in Hilversum, The Netherlands and operations in the US Europe and APAC, Zelus is a well-established, fast-growing and international company built on a foundation of creative, dynamic individuals working across more than 10 different countries globally to create a cohesive, team focused environment.
The Role:
The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a strong sales and commercial background in the sports apparel industry.
Who are we looking for?
You will be able to influence your team and the wider business. You will be excellent at building relationships internally and externally with strong analytical skills and financial acumen. As an agile and fast growing business, you will be flexible and approach tasks with solutions and adopt a change mindset when necessary
What will you bring?
- A Commercial track record of managing KPI’s and understanding reporting & budgeting.
- Expert understanding of the Zelus consumer and the customer.
- Market knowledge and understanding of Market Research in the sports industry with Multi Regional / Cultural experience.
- Experienced and knowledgeable in Club business, Wholesale business, and Direct To Consumer.
- React quickly to market and account needs and support to capitalize on commercial opportunities in close alignment with key stakeholders
Required Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field.
- Proven track record of at least 3 years in sales and commercial roles within the sports apparel industry.
- Strong understanding of sports licensing and distribution channels.
- Exceptional negotiation and communication abilities.
- Ability to develop and execute strong strategic plans
- Willingness to travel regularly within the EMEA region and occasionally beyond
- Fluency in English and French is require
- A valid driving license.
Why join Zelus?
At Zelus, you’ll have the opportunity to lead with impact, work closely with a globally recognised sports brand partner, and help shape how teamwear product comes to life for athletes worldwide. We offer a collaborative, inclusive culture, strong benefits, and real opportunities for professional growth.
Zelus is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the Netherlands at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Core Responsibilities
The Strategic Partner Manager will lead commercial initiatives and manage key performance indicators within the sports apparel sector. They will build and maintain strong internal and external relationships while aligning market opportunities with organizational goals.
Requirements
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree and at least three years of experience in sales or commercial roles within the sports apparel industry. Fluency in both English and French is required, along with the legal right to work in the Netherlands.
Benefits
- Collaborative culture
- Inclusive culture
- Professional growth opportunities
About Zelus Sport
Industry: Sporting Goods
Company size: 51-200 employees
Zelus is Nike Inc.’s exclusive strategic partner and dedicated product engine focused on creating innovative apparel, accessories and equipment product and services for federations, clubs, teams, athletes and events globally. As Nike’s licensee, we design, develop and create these Nike dual branded products for both grassroot clubs and elite professional teams. Whether its team inspired fanwear or innovative on-field kits unveiled under floodlights, our mission is to inspire, connect, and serve every team athlete in the world. Our European HQ sits in Hilversum, Netherlands and Zelus’ UK HQ is based in Altrincham, just outside Manchester. Alongside these hubs, our team stretches across all key global markets. Whether office based or remote, we work as one team at Zelus.