Business Development & Grassroots Associate, Padel

Business Development & Grassroots Associate, Padel

Location: Field-Based (Netherlands or Belgium)

At Wilson, we are here to empower every human to live like an athlete. Passion. Creativity. Integrity. Teamwork. Ambition. Innovation. These are the qualities that have made Wilson Sporting Goods Co. the number one sports equipment brand in the world. We come together to win, grow, and celebrate. We all play for Team Wilson. We all have a role to play within our organization and are working towards the same goal. One team, one dream.

We believe that being an athlete isn’t something you do, it’s who you are. It’s a universal code of conduct, a way of seeing the world and how you show up every day. We seek out diverse voices and welcome all perspectives. Our team is composed of individuals with unique backgrounds, points of view and experiences. These perspectives create a rich and diverse culture in which we learn from one another through empathy and inclusion.

Evolving the sports world and being the best partner for players, athletes, and our community is no small task. We are continually looking to add enthusiastic, ambitious, team-first individuals who desire to make a difference —and who love to help others win. Together, we will create a better world through sport. Join us.

Your primary role is to execute the Padel business expansion & grassroots plan in line with the Global Business Director Padel and the Market Manager for Racquet Sports.  You will lead the development of grassroots business in the Benelux region by creating collaborative sales and activation plans with existing partners, while forging new ones with some of the biggest Padel Clubs, Federations, associations. Leagues and Institutions in the respective geographies.

Specific tasks and responsibilities include but are not limited to the ability to

• Act as the category expert in Padel for the zone, by identifying new sales opportunities, working with commercial to create strong commercial plans and selling the proposal.
• Drive growth of Padel Hardgoods Categories, setting sell-through activities and collaborating effectively.
• Work with the Omni-Channel Sales Team leaders and Territory Managers to manage distribution through the various channels available and provide access to Clubs and Institutions to Wilson direct channels for their purchasing needs.
• Provide feedback as the voice of the consumer and customer internally, specifically on range, channel design, competitor, and commercial strategy.
• Effectively communicate key brand and product stories, co-ordinate initiatives and selling activities during key events.
• Attend National and Regional meetings as required and present the Benelux Grassroots Business Strategy for Padel to internal teams.
• Build network and relationships with industry players, and first point of contact for Wilson Padel.
• As an owner of the Padel Advertising and promotion budget for this region, the candidate will design and develop best-in class consumer activations in alignment with Omni-channel regional leaders, maximizing ROI/ROAS.
• Actively pursue new and existing business in-line with Key Business Drivers set by Global Business Director for Padel, including but not limited to driving door growth, Federation deals, partnerships and corporate (club, Academies, etc.) business.
• Execute grassroots plans in coordination with Global Grassroots leader by building network of ambassadors including players, coaches, federations/academies, and sport influencers.
• Promote and ensure a collaborative cross-functional team culture.

2+ years demonstrated sales and/or grassroots experience executing the full sales cycle: prospecting, proposing, negotiating, and closing.

• Authentic knowledge of the Padel landscape in the geography, as a current of previous player, coach, college student, with established value network in the industry.
• Ability to work autonomously with limited direction and foster for growth.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the hunger curiosity to think differently and create new opportunities.
• Negotiation and deal closing capabilities
• Open-minded, team-oriented, partnership and networker personality
• Consumer centric and eager to support seamless consumer experience within OC approach
• Positive attitude and motivation to constantly thinking beyond and challenge the status quo
• Strong communicator, with excellent verbal and written French, Flemish, English skills, able to work cross functionally with and culturally with colleagues across Benelux.
• Ability to travel 50-60%, domestically and internationally.
• Driving license
• Strong planning and organizing skills
• Active sport participant at an experienced level in Padel, strong understanding of the Padel sport community (Players, Clubs, Leagues, Premier Padel, etc.)

What We'll Provide

• Competitive Salary
• Local benefits
• The opportunity for independent and self-reliant work
• A friendly and vibrant working environment in a dynamic and international team