Sr Sales Director, Footwear (Dept Store, Family Channel & Off-Price)

Overview American Exchange Group is an industry leader in fashion accessory products and brand management. By facilitating distribution to major retailers internationally for their globally recognized brands, custom private label brands, and exclusive licensed brands—including footwear, home, tech wearables, watches, jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, and beauty—American Exchange Group raises the bar by disrupting the status quo with value and quality, while staying at the forefront of trends. Joining American Exchange Group means being part of a dynamic and diverse team where your contributions drive real impact—and where there’s always room to grow. If you're looking to be part of a company that blends heritage with hustle, we’re excited to meet you. Visit our website at www.axnygroup.com Sr Sales Director – Footwear Position Summary We are looking for an experienced Sr Sales Director, Footwear to join a growing division. This role will support a newly acquired Lifestyle footwear brand spanning Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’ footwear (lifestyle, dress, and athletic). This is an exciting opportunity to help build and grow a dynamic footwear business within a well-established company. The Sr Sales Director will be responsible for driving sales growth across key retail channels, developing strong retailer relationships, and identifying new business opportunities. You will partner closely with Design and Merchandising while collaborating cross-functionally with Production, Operations, and other teams across the company. The ideal candidate is highly energetic, entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, and has a strong understanding of the athletic footwear marketplace. Primary Job Responsibilities Drive and expand sales through off-price, family channel, department store, specialty, and other key retail channelsManage and grow existing retail accounts while identifying and securing new business opportunitiesLeverage industry relationships and market knowledge to develop new accounts and expand distributionBuild and maintain strong relationships with buyers, merchants, and key retail partnersPartner closely with Design and Merchandising to develop product assortments that align with retailer needs and market trendsCollaborate with brand partners and licensors and leverage broader brand marketing initiativesDevelop and deliver compelling sales presentations and seasonal product presentations to retail customersMonitor sales performance and sell-through by account and product, identifying opportunities for replenishment and increased salesResearch and analyze target retailers, competitive activity, market trends, and customer needs to support sales strategiesCoordinate with Production on samples, costing, production timelines, and retailer product approvalsPartner with Shipping and Operations to monitor delivery dates and proactively resolve potential discrepancies or issuesMaintain accurate sales forecasts, account plans, and business projectionsAttend market appointments, trade shows, and customer meetings as needed Experience & Skills Minimum of 10 years of sales experience in footwear, or a closely related consumer product categoryEstablished relationships with off-price, department store, and family channel retailersStrong understanding of the athletic footwear marketplace, retail landscape, and consumer trendsProven track record of growing sales, developing new accounts, and expanding existing businessStrong collaboration skills and experience working cross-functionally with Design, Merchandising, Production, and OperationsExceptional interpersonal, presentation, negotiation, and communication skillsAbility to maintain composure and provide exceptional customer service in demanding situationsStrong attention to detail, organization, and follow-throughEntrepreneurial, self-motivated, and results-orientedThrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environmentWillingness to travel for customer meetings, market appointments, and trade showsFour-year college degree or equivalent experience What We Offer Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company matchGenerous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidaysFlexible Fridays with shortened hours during both Summer and Winter seasonsHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Tax-free commuter benefitsExclusive employee merchandise discounts Salary: The anticipated base salary is $150k - $190k annually plus incentive bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and location. This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. The actual compensation package is dependent on a number of factors, including, for example, experience, education, degrees held, market data, and business needs.