Performance Technical Representative - Appalachians

Performance Technical Representative – Appalachians

Join KEEN as a **Performance Technical Representative** and play a pivotal role in driving brand growth, fostering retail partnerships, and elevating consumer engagement within the dynamic world of outdoor and performance footwear. This dynamic position is designed for an enthusiastic, results-driven professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about trail running, hiking, and outdoor adventure. As part of our dedicated team, you will leverage your expertise to strengthen KEEN’s market presence, enhance product visibility, and deliver exceptional in-store experiences that resonate with both retailers and consumers.

In this strategic role, you will collaborate closely with retail partners—including run specialty stores, outdoor retailers, and key strategic accounts—to align product education, in-store activations, and community-driven initiatives with their unique needs. Your responsibilities will span a diverse range of activities, from delivering compelling product training sessions to designing engaging in-store demonstrations and executing high-impact running events. By representing KEEN at regional and national trade shows, expos, and trail races, you will further amplify brand awareness and foster meaningful connections within the outdoor community.

As a bridge between KEEN’s internal teams and external partners, you will gather invaluable market insights, provide actionable feedback, and contribute to the continuous evolution of our product offerings. Your cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Merchandising teams will ensure seamless communication, strategic alignment, and the execution of impactful field initiatives. Additionally, you will maintain comprehensive reporting on key performance metrics, adapting to market shifts and retail dynamics to drive sustained growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Territory Management and Sales Growth: Lead assigned territories to drive sales and expand KEEN’s brand awareness among specialty and strategic retail partners, ensuring alignment with consumer and retailer needs.
• Retail Partnership Development: Build and nurture long-term relationships with retail accounts, delivering tailored product education, in-store engagement strategies, and market insights to strengthen brand presence and sell-through.
• Product Education and Training: Educate retail staff and consumers on the innovative features, performance benefits, and versatile use cases of KEEN’s running, hiking, and performance sandal products through dynamic presentations and interactive sessions.
• In-Store Engagement and Activation: Design and execute impactful in-store activities, demonstrations, and events that elevate product visibility, drive consumer interest, and foster brand loyalty within retail environments.
• Event and Community Engagement: Represent KEEN at trail races, expos, trade shows, and outdoor events—both regionally and nationally—to amplify brand visibility, engage with target audiences, and cultivate a vibrant outdoor community.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Merchandising teams to streamline communication, provide frontline feedback, and ensure cohesive execution of field strategies.
• Performance Reporting and Adaptability: Track and report weekly and monthly progress against defined goals, analyzing market trends and retail dynamics to pivot strategies as needed for optimal results.

This role is ideal for a proactive, entrepreneurial-minded professional who thrives in a collaborative yet independent environment. You will bring a deep passion for outdoor culture, exceptional interpersonal skills, and a commitment to driving meaningful impact—both for KEEN and the communities we serve.

Qualifications and Requirements

While KEEN values a diverse range of backgrounds, the following qualifications are essential for success in this role:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience: A minimum of three years in retail sales, account management, customer service, or a related field—with a strong preference for experience in running or outdoor retail environments.
• Knowledge and Passion: A deep understanding of trail running, outdoor pursuits, and the KEEN brand ecosystem. Genuine enthusiasm for fostering outdoor communities and inspiring adventure.
• Skills: Exceptional presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal skills—both in-person and virtually. Strong organizational abilities, self-motivation, and the agility to thrive in independent or collaborative settings. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Word) is required.
• Travel and Availability: Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time, including participation in regional and national events. A valid Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) is required.

KEEN offers a competitive total rewards package, including a base salary range of **$90,000 – $95,000**, complemented by a comprehensive benefits program designed to support your professional and personal growth. As a values-driven, independently owned brand, KEEN is committed to creating meaningful products, inspiring outdoor adventures, and building a culture that reflects our passion for life outside.

If you are ready to combine your expertise with a shared mission to elevate outdoor performance and community engagement, we invite you to join our team as a Performance Technical Representative.