RETAIL OPERATIONS MANAGER EUROPE Initial 12-month fixed-term contract, with permanent conversion thereafter (livello quadro)
Italy, remote
Start date: January 2027
OUTGROWN 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 evolving. And we believe in you.
ABOUT THE MISSION Columbia is entering a new phase of retail expansion in Italy. Today, our Italian retail network includes 8 owned and operated stores, with additional openings planned in the near future. Alongside the continued development of our own store portfolio, we are also launching and growing a network of Partner Stores. As Retail Area Manager Italy, your mission will be to drive the performance of our existing stores while preparing the organization for its next stage of growth.
Drive sustainable performance across our owned and operated stores
Lead and develop experienced Store Managers and their teams
Support the opening and ramp-up of new owned and partner-operated locations
Build trusted relationships with our retail partners
Ensure a consistent Columbia experience across all locations
Italy is an established and well-managed retail market for Columbia, supported by experienced and autonomous Store Managers. This role is about unlocking further potential, providing direction to strong teams, and building the structure required to support an expanding network. This is a hands-on, field-oriented position for someone who understands the realities of multi-site retail and wants to contribute directly to one of Columbia’s growing European markets.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE Drive the performance of our Italian retail network
Take ownership of sales, profitability, operational efficiency, and customer experience across our Italian stores
Use KPIs and field insights to identify opportunities and translate them into clear action plans
Ensure consistent execution of Columbia’s retail standards across all locations
Lead and develop our Store Managers
Lead, coach, and constructively challenge experienced Store Managers
Recruit and onboard Store Managers for new locations
Build strong and stable teams capable of supporting the continued growth of the Italian business
Support the expansion of our retail network
Lead the operational preparation and launch of new owned and partner-operated stores
Coordinate teams and internal stakeholders from pre-opening through to ramp-up
Adapt European retail strategies and standards to the realities of the Italian market
Build successful relationships with our Partner Stores
Build trusted relationships with our retail partners and support the development of their stores




Use your retail expertise to influence performance and operational execution without direct authority
Work closely with Wholesale and European support teams to deliver a consistent Columbia experience
YOU ARE A HANDS-ON RETAIL LEADER WHO STAYS CLOSE TO STORES, TEAMS, AND CUSTOMERS Autonomous and accountable, with the judgment to make sound decisions and involve others when needed.
Commercially driven and analytical, able to turn data and field observations into action.
A credible coach who can guide and constructively challenge experienced Store Managers.
Pragmatic and solution-oriented, comfortable moving between strategic priorities and operational details.
A strong communicator who can adapt their approach when leading internal teams or influencing independent partners.
Resilient, flexible, and comfortable with the travel and schedule realities of a field-based retail role.
Collaborative and committed to shared success across the European Retail organization.
YOU HAVE Solid experience as an Area Manager, District Manager, or in a comparable multi-site retail leadership role in the Italian market
A successful track record managing owned and operated stores, ideally within fashion, outdoor, sporting goods, or another customer-focused retail environment
Strong experience managing business KPIs, store budgets, and action plans to drive sales, profitability, and operational efficiency
Demonstrated experience recruiting, coaching, and developing Store Managers and retail teams
A deep understanding of Italian retail dynamics, customer expectations, and local people-management practices
Experience supporting franchisees or retail partners is an advantage, but not a requirement
Experience working in an international or matrix organization is a plus
Full professional proficiency in Italian and English
High mobility and the ability to travel frequently throughout Italy
A valid driving licence
WHY 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. 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:
Take a central role in shaping the next stage of Columbia’s retail growth in Italy
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 focuses on your wellbeing so you can be your best self




Travel around Europe for seminars and staff events and expand your professional network
Benefit from special staff discounts across our products
PERKS & BENEFITS Meal vouchers (€ 7)
Significant discounts on Columbia and Sorel products
Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning
Unlock your potential: access to in-house training courses (feedback, leadership, Insights®…)
DEI initiatives to exchange and strengthen our involvement around these themes
ABOUT THE CULTURE At Columbia Sportswear, we value an inclusive and open culture that emphasizes the absence of barriers between team members. We foster a sense of belonging by encouraging personal connections at all levels. Team members serve as ambassadors for our brand, motivated by being part of an organization dedicated to activities they are passionate about. We offer the opportunity to work for a US-based company within a multicultural environment, where your job has an impact across different countries. Our “Always Be Learning” culture enables employees to identify and develop the skills they need to continue growing within the company. “Unlock Your Potential” characterizes our vision of employee development: offering opportunities to grow in your job, in your team, or even to change jobs completely. We grow our people to grow our business. To learn more about us and our culture, visit our page on Welcome To The Jungle: https://bit.ly/49bl1i5
We welcome talent from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on age, gender, nationality, race, religion or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of our success as a global brand. We aim to recruit, develop, and retain exceptional people, ensuring fair practices and transparency in line with evolving standards. We are committed to equal pay for equal work and make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
Expected Pay/Retribuzione prevista: €51660 - €74200 *Pay decisions are determined by multiple factors, including job competitiveness within the market, a candidate’s capabilities and skills, years of experience, and internal equity. *Le decisioni relative alla retribuzione sono determinate da diversi fattori, tra cui la competitività della posizione sul mercato del lavoro, le capacità e le competenze del candidato, gli anni di esperienza e l’equità interna.
Expected pay listed on this job posting reflects the gross expected pay for Tempo pieno positions. This pay disclosure will not apply to roles subject to different pay structures due to age or employment category (such as minors, apprentices, or interns) permitted under applicable law/CBA Columbia is different. As a global apparel and footwear company with over 80 years of being ourselves and not apologizing for it, we’ve seen a lot and did a lot. But our motto remains: “It’s perfect. now make it better.” Learn more about how you can help us shape the next 80 years here.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Retail Area Manager Italy (Padova)
🏢 Columbia Sportswear
📍 Padova