About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Sales Director to join our growing Athletic Footwear Division to support a new athletic & lifestyle footwear brand. This role is responsible for driving sales growth, developing retailer relationships, and identifying new business opportunities within a well-established company.
Responsibilities
- Drive and expand sales through off-price, department store, specialty, and other key retail channels
- Manage and grow existing retail accounts while identifying and securing new business opportunities
- Leverage industry relationships and market knowledge to develop new accounts and expand distribution
- Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, merchants, and key retail partners
- Partner closely with Design and Merchandising to develop product assortments that align with retailer needs and market trends
- Collaborate with brand partners and licensors and leverage broader brand marketing initiatives
- Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations and seasonal product presentations to retail customers
- Monitor sales performance and sell-through by account and product, identifying opportunities for replenishment and increased sales
- Research and analyze target retailers, competitive activity, market trends, and customer needs to support sales strategies
- Coordinate with Production on samples, costing, production timelines, and retailer product approvals
- Partner with Shipping and Operations to monitor delivery dates and proactively resolve potential discrepancies or issues
- Maintain accurate sales forecasts, account plans, and business projections
- Attend market appointments, trade shows, and customer meetings as needed
Requirements
- Minimum of 10 years of sales experience in footwear, or a closely related consumer product category
- Established relationships with off-price, department store, specialty, and/or athletic retailers
- Strong understanding of the athletic footwear marketplace, retail landscape, and consumer trends
- Proven track record of growing sales, developing new accounts, and expanding existing business
- Strong collaboration skills and experience working cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Production, and Operations
- Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, negotiation, and communication skills
- Ability to maintain composure and provide exceptional customer service in demanding situations
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through
- Entrepreneurial, self-motivated, and results-oriented
- Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
- Willingness to travel for customer meetings, market appointments, and trade shows
- Four-year college degree or equivalent experience
Skills
- Sales
- Footwear sales
- Retail account management
- Business development
- Relationship building
- Market analysis
- Presentation skills
- Negotiation
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Follow-through
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Results-oriented
Experience Level
- 10+ years of sales experience
Education Level
- Four-year college degree or equivalent experience
Salary/Compensations
- $150k - $175k annually plus incentive bonus
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Flexible Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasons
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Tax-free commuter benefits
- Exclusive employee merchandise discounts
About the Company
- American Exchange Group is an industry leader in fashion accessory products and brand management.
- Facilitates distribution to major retailers internationally for their globally recognized brands, custom private label brands, and exclusive licensed brands.
- Brands include footwear, home, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, and beauty.
- Disrupts the status quo with value and quality, while staying at the forefront of trends.
- A dynamic and diverse team where contributions drive real impact and there’s always room to grow.
- Blends heritage with hustle.
