Sales Director, Athletic & Lifestyle Footwear (Dept Store & Off-Price)

American Exchange Group • New York, NY

14h

About The Position

American Exchange Group is a leader in fashion accessory products and brand management, distributing globally recognized brands, private label brands, and licensed brands across various categories including footwear. The company aims to disrupt the status quo with value and quality while staying on-trend. Joining American Exchange Group offers the chance to be part of a dynamic and diverse team where contributions drive impact and growth is encouraged. This role specifically supports a new athletic & lifestyle footwear brand for Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’ footwear within the growing Athletic Footwear Division. The Sales Director will be responsible for driving sales growth across key retail channels, developing retailer relationships, and identifying new business opportunities. This role requires close partnership with Design and Merchandising, and collaboration with Production, Operations, and other internal teams. The ideal candidate is energetic, entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, and possesses a strong understanding of the athletic footwear market.

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

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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director