member login

Home > Careers > Careers Development > Profiles - The Brand Manager

Career profiles from different sectors within the outdoor industries

The Sales Rep/ Brand Manager

 Name: Chloe Ticehurst

Job Title: Icebreaker UK Brand Manager

Age: 33

Companb: Bradshaw Taylor

How many years have you been working in the outdoor industry?:  15 Years

Summary of career path to date:  I spent 7 years working at Snow + Rock, mainly in the M25 Super store. I tended to work the winters, earn some cash and go traveling in the summers. I started in Mail Order then moved to the shop floor selling, then Kids Supervisor, Clothing Supervisor, then traveled to all the Snow + Rock shops doing clothing training, lastly I was Assistant Manager of M25. From Snow + Rock I went straight to Bradshaw Taylor, where I started in Sales and Training Schoffel Ski and Royal Robbins and Icebreaker including Denmark and looking after our agents in Norway and Sweden. Then briefly launched Life is Good in to the market and then stopped working on all other brands to focus on Icebreaker. Phew!

Why did you choose to work in sales in the outdoor industry?:  I chose to work in this industry purely because I loved to ski, I thought if I worked in the industry I would be in the mountains more. I ski less but can still talk the talk.

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?:  The people and the friends I have made, everyone has the same attitude to work and play.
I also love working for a brand that has a positive clear story that goes with it, if I don’t believe in what I sell, it is fairly obvious.

What’s the toughest part about your job?:  Pricing! Merino is expensive and it is a constant talking point. Early morning; traveling is great but I miss my dog and husband. (In that order!)

Which, if any, outdoor activities do you personally enjoy?  Erm, I used to ski.I walk my dog and I walk to the pub and stumble home, does that count?

What advice would you give to someone looking for a career as an account manager in the outdoor industry?:   It is a great industry to work in; you will meet lots of great like minded people along the way.
Be prepared for lots of long hours and hard work, but the good bits make up for it.
Product information can be taught, communication is key, if you can’t build relationships with your accounts at all levels from Directors to shop staff, it is really tough.I often say it is like selling yourself. If you work in retail, get to know your sales reps and agents, it is not what you know but who you know!
Be passionate, be prepared, and always trust your Tom Tom.
Avoid eating fast food when on the road, I learnt the hard way!
Negotiate hard when choosing a company car…….you are going to be in it a lot!

Back to top