Business Development Manager, Pickleball

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.

We are currently seeking a Business Development Manager who will own and deliver the commercial plan for the Pickleball business in the North America region.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop detailed plans for growth in the assigned markets by channel, integrating Wholesale, E-Com and Retail commercial plans
• Collaborate on product drops and flow of stories by channel and account type, including e-comm
• Validate the regional range plan / mix to the consumer and channel target opportunities:
• Determine the regional assortment plan by channel and account type, including e-comm (D2C & D2X), in accordance with the Distribution Policy
• Foster channel differentiation through our product tiering strategy
• Be the Pickleball point of contact for North America
• Be the Pickleball regional expert in understanding category ranges, key products, distribution, end user benefits and price/value relationship
• Together with Commercial and Product, determine pricing (wholesale and retail) across all channels & categories, and drive execution to achieve financial targets
• Build network and relationships with industry players, and first point of contact for Wilson Pickleball
• Deployment of strategy through local sales & marketing teams and provide supports for education of market sales teams on seasonal offering (product, price, programs)
• Actively pursue new and existing business in-line with Key Business Drivers set by Global Business Development Leader, including but not limited to driving door growth, Federation deals, partnerships and corporate business
• Effectively coordinate and communicate key stories, initiatives and selling activities during the sales process
• Partner with demand planner, Sales and Operations on forecasting, inventory planning and systema requirements
• Execute grassroots strategy in coordination with Global Grassroots leader by building network of ambassadors including players, coaches, federations/academies, and sport influencers.
• Provide Regional/local market feedback, specifically on range, channel design, competitors, consumer insights and commercial execution

This position requires a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years relevant commercial and/or merchandising management experience for consumer products, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with Pickleball or athletic and/or sporting goods market experience a plus.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work autonomously with limited direction and foster for growth
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the curiosity to think differently and create new opportunities
• Negotiation and deal closing Open-minded, team-oriented 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
• Driver’s license

What We'll Provide

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is $75,000 - $95,000 per year at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education, and/or training. Please note that the range details reflect the base pay only and does not include our competitive bonus program.

We also offer an innovative, inclusive, and people-first environment with competitive benefits and perks, including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Pre-tax transit discounts
• 401(k) with company match
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Volunteering programs
• Team building outings
• Discounts on Wilson and Amer Sports products
• Summer hours
• Company-sponsored sports leagues/teams
• Fun, active company outings around major sports events

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristics.