WHOLESALE DIRECTOR EMEA & APAC (Maternity Leave Cover)

About This Opportunity

We are representing a confidential fashion brand in their search for a Wholesale Director EMEA & APAC to join their Paris headquarters on a fixed-term maternity cover assignment.

This is a six-month contract (CDD) starting early December 2026 and running through approximately May 2027, with the exact end date dependent on the return of the employee on leave. A structured handover is planned at both the beginning and end of the assignment.

As a key member of the Paris-based commercial team, you will step into an existing wholesale organization and provide leadership continuity across EMEA and APAC markets. You will directly manage a team of four—two Wholesale Managers (EU + ME/APAC), one ADV Manager (EU), and one Wholesale Support Intern—and own commercial and operational performance across a multi-market portfolio operated through key accounts, agents, and franchise partners. You will work closely with an internal Wholesale Strategic Advisor who supports continuity throughout your assignment.

This is a hybrid position based in Paris, with a preference for in-person work. The role reports directly to the CEO.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership to a team of four, ensuring business continuity and uninterrupted decision-making during the interim period
• Own commercial performance of the ME & APAC wholesale portfolio—sell-in, sell-through, forecasting, and seasonal budgets across key accounts, agents, distributors, and franchise partners
• Lead sell-in for any showroom season(s) falling within the contract period: oversee collection presentation, negotiation, seasonal budgets, and payment terms with senior buyers
• Oversee the network of agents, distributors, and franchise/shop-in-shop partners across ME and APAC: targets, seasonal action plans, brand standards, and performance reviews
• Ensure ADV operational execution through the ADV Manager: order management, key account shipping compliance, 3PL coordination, and delivery/stocklist reporting
• Act as the primary escalation point for key accounts and priority partners in EMEA & APAC for the duration of the assignment
• Partner closely with the Wholesale Strategic Advisor to ensure continuity on ongoing initiatives and institutional knowledge
• Report portfolio performance directly to the CEO—sell-in/sell-out KPIs, budget vs. actuals, stock and delivery status
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Production, Operations, and Finance to secure deliveries and resolve escalations
• Maintain continuity on any in-flight strategic initiatives (including agent-to-direct market transitions) without introducing new strategic shifts absent CEO sign-off
• Complete a structured handover with the outgoing Director in mid-December 2026, and prepare a full handover back ahead of her return around May 2027

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in fashion wholesale, including proven experience managing a commercial team across an international, multi-market portfolio
• Strong track record as Wholesale Director, Area Manager, or senior Wholesale Manager, with solid knowledge of EMEA markets; working familiarity with APAC market dynamics is expected, as the region is operated through agents and distributors rather than direct management
• Hands-on experience managing agents, distributors, franchise/master-franchise partners, and key accounts
• Strong command of sell-in/sell-out analysis, OTB logic, forecasting, and in-season performance management
• Experience overseeing a Sales Administration/Order Management function (ERP, 3PL coordination, key account portal compliance)
• Proficiency with B2B and ERP tools (JOOR, NuOrder, Cegid Orli, NetSuite or equivalent) and advanced Excel
• Fluent English and French required
• A confident, autonomous people manager, comfortable stepping into an existing team and reporting directly to executive leadership with minimal ramp-up time
• Available for a fixed-term assignment in Paris starting early December 2026, for the duration of the maternity leave

How We Work with You

Candidates apply directly through Get A Job.ai. Our talent team will screen applications and conduct initial interviews. Qualified candidates will be submitted to our client for consideration. Please do not attempt to contact the client directly—all communication should flow through Get A Job.ai to ensure a professional and organized process.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with profile and experience. Pay details will be discussed during the screening process with our recruitment team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive hiring practices. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.