Our client, a handbag and accessories brand, is seeking a strategic, results-oriented Department Store Sales Leader to accelerate growth across department store channels. This role will strengthen existing partnerships, expand distribution, and develop new premium retail opportunities. The successful candidate will help elevate the brand's position within the handbag category while building a profitable, sustainable omnichannel business.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a department store growth strategy focused on revenue, profitability, distribution, and market share.
- Lead strategic relationships with existing department store and e-commerce partners.
- Expand store count, assortment breadth, category penetration, and account productivity.
- Identify and secure new distribution opportunities with premium department stores.
- Establish account plans, revenue forecasts, and measurable growth objectives.
- Lead seasonal line reviews, assortment planning, business reviews, and negotiations.
- Partner with Merchandising and Product Development on assortment opportunities and retailer needs.
- Drive coordinated growth across physical retail and department store e-commerce, including drop-ship programs.
- Monitor sales, margin, sell-in, sell-through, inventory productivity, and account-level performance.
- Collaborate with Planning, Finance, Operations, and Marketing to improve forecasting and account profitability.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive wholesale sales experience, ideally in handbags, accessories, or contemporary fashion.
- Established relationships with department store buyers.
- Proven success growing existing department store accounts and opening new retail distribution.
- Strong knowledge of department store merchandising, assortment planning, pricing, margin structures, and retail economics.
- Experience managing both brick-and-mortar and department store e-commerce businesses.
- Demonstrated ability to create strategic account plans and deliver measurable revenue growth.
- Strong analytical, financial, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to influence cross-functional partners and drive accountability.
Salary:
$110,000-$130,000 base + Bonus
Hybrid office schedule.