Nike Lead (Stellvertretung Abteilungsleiter) - Sandersdorf-Brehna, Germany

About Nike

Nike, Inc. is the world's leading sports brand, empowering athletes and innovators to push boundaries. More than just a company that outfits the best athletes, Nike fosters a culture of diversity, imagination, and achievement. With retail stores worldwide, Nike creates immersive brand experiences that inspire consumers. In Germany, Nike's retail operations exemplify premium service, innovative merchandising, and team-driven success. Joining Nike means becoming part of a global team that dreams big and delivers results.

Role Overview

As a Lead (Stellvertretung Abteilungsleiter) at Nike's Sandersdorf-Brehna store, you'll step into a dynamic leadership role within one of three specialized areas: Commercial, Athlete Experience, or Consumer Experience. This full-time position offers a 37.5-hour work week, perfect for balancing high-impact retail leadership with personal life. Nike's unique store structure uses sports-inspired titles—Head Coach for Store Manager, Coach for Department Lead, and Lead for your role—emphasizing teamwork like a championship team. Located in Saxony-Anhalt near Leipzig, this position drives sales, team motivation, and brand excellence in a high-traffic retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

Your role as Nike Lead focuses on operational excellence, team development, and customer obsession. Core duties include:

• Leveraging expertise in exclusive customer service and product knowledge to create unforgettable brand experiences.
• Coordinating, coaching, and motivating your team while fostering an outstanding work atmosphere.
• Supporting the management team to hit sales targets, incorporating digital services, visual merchandising, sales floor management, and marketing campaigns.
• Ensuring full compliance with Nike's standards and operational guidelines.
• Acting as a Brand Ambassador for Nike initiatives across all activities.

Commercial Lead Specifics

In the Commercial track, you'll oversee efficient operations from goods receipt to inventory accuracy and visual presentation standards. Ensure seamless door-to-floor processes, coordinate with your Coach on merchandising, implement monthly initiatives, use reporting tools for data-driven decisions, and lead by example in inventory and digital fulfillment.

Athlete Experience Lead Specifics

For Athlete Experience, equip your team for top-tier employee experiences, assist in new hire onboarding, deliver ongoing training, and cultivate a positive Nike culture collaboratively.

Consumer Experience Lead Specifics

In Consumer Experience, optimize all processes, lead by example in superior sales floor service, provide resources for brand and service knowledge, complete specialized trainings, and share expertise on athlete services.

Qualifications & Requirements

Nike seeks passionate leaders ready to thrive in retail. Ideal candidates bring:

• Proven retail leadership experience, preferably in fashion or sports retail.
• Exceptional customer service skills with deep product knowledge.
• Strong team coaching and motivation abilities.
• Familiarity with visual merchandising, inventory management, and digital sales tools.
• Commitment to Nike's brand values and operational standards.
• Excellent German communication skills; English a plus for global alignment.

No formal degree required—passion for sport, retail drive, and leadership potential are key.

Benefits & Perks

Nike invests in its Leads with competitive perks tailored for Germany:

• 37.5-hour week for optimal work-life balance.
• Attractive salary estimated at €60,000-€85,000 annually (USD equivalent provided), based on retail leadership benchmarks with buffer.
• Employee discounts on Nike products.
• Comprehensive training programs and career coaching.
• Health benefits, vacation, and social security per German standards.
• Dynamic store environment with global brand exposure.

Career Growth

Nike is a launchpad for retail careers. As Lead, you'll gain hands-on experience in sales, operations, and leadership, positioning you for promotion to Coach, Assistant Head Coach, or Head Coach roles. Nike's internal development programs, mentorship from store leadership, and exposure to digital innovations accelerate your path. Many Nike executives started in store roles—your potential is limitless.

Why Join Us

Work where innovation meets athletic passion. In Sandersdorf-Brehna, you'll lead a team delivering world-class retail in a growing market. Embrace Nike's culture of diversity, boundary-pushing, and reward for big thinkers. This isn't just a job; it's your chance to coach future stars, influence consumer experiences, and grow with a iconic brand. Nike Germany offers stability, excitement, and global opportunities.

Role FAQs

What is the work schedule?

A balanced 37.5-hour week, including retail shifts with flexibility.

Is experience required?

Retail leadership experience preferred, but Nike trains passionate candidates.

What are the three Lead roles?

Commercial (operations/merchandising), Athlete Experience (team development), Consumer Experience (customer service).

How does Nike support career growth?

Through coaching, trainings, and clear promotion paths in retail leadership.

Apply today to lead at Nike!

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