Merchandiser Director Jobs in Bridgeview, IL (NOW HIRING)

About GALLS

GALLS, LLC is the largest and fastest growing supplier of uniforms and equipment to public safety professionals, with a national presence in more than 80 locations. With over 50 years in the industry, it is easy to see why. We are PROUD to serve America’s public safety professionals by providing the broadest selection of uniforms, equipment, and solutions combined with great customer service.

The Director of Merchandising will lead the company's product, assortment, and vendor strategies across all sales channels. This executive leader will be responsible for driving profitable growth through optimized assortments, vendor partnerships, inventory productivity, and category leadership within the Public Safety market. Overseeing merchandising and vendor management functions across apparel, footwear, equipment, and hard goods categories.

This role requires an innovative leader who can translate corporate objectives into merchandising strategies that deliver sales growth, margin expansion, inventory efficiency, and superior customer experiences across distribution, retail, and e-commerce channels.

This position follows a hybrid work arrangement. The candidate selected for this role will be required to work from the Lexington, KY office at least 8 days per month.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Merchandising Strategy & Assortment Leadership

• Develop and execute the enterprise merchandising strategy aligned with Galls' financial and growth objectives.
• Establish category, assortment, pricing, and supplier strategies that drive sales, gross profit, margin improvement, inventory productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead strategic product planning, category reviews, and line reviews to optimize category performance and future growth.
• Manage the complete product lifecycle, including assortment planning, SKU optimization, product launches, vendor onboarding, and product discontinuation.
• Position Galls as the industry leader and category authority across all customer segments served.
• Translate corporate objectives into actionable merchandising plans while balancing growth, inventory investment, margin requirements, and service levels.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, customer insights, and emerging opportunities to drive innovation and differentiation.

Vendor Management & Strategic Partnerships

• Lead vendor portfolio strategy and cultivate executive-level relationships with key supplier partners.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, rebates, growth incentives, and vendor programs that improve profitability and competitive positioning.
• Develop Joint Business Plans (JBPs) with strategic suppliers to drive mutually beneficial growth.
• Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and Monthly Business Reviews (MBRs) to evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure vendors consistently meet expectations related to margin, service levels, fulfillment, quality, and supply chain performance.
• Identify opportunities for exclusive products, differentiated assortments, and strategic market advantages.

Financial & Business Performance

• Accountable for achieving annual sales, gross margin, GMROI, inventory turn, EBITDA, and working capital objectives.
• Drive margin expansion through vendor negotiations, pricing strategies, cost reduction initiatives, and vendor program enhancements.
• Partner with finance, inventory planning, supply chain, and sales teams to optimize business performance.
• Leverage data analytics to improve category productivity, inventory efficiency, and assortment performance.
• Guide strategic decisions through financial analysis, market intelligence, and consumer insights.
• Utilize performance metrics to identify opportunities and proactively address business risks.

Sales Collaboration

• Partner with leaders across B2B Agency, B2C Retail, and D2C E-Commerce channels to align merchandising strategies with customer and sales needs.
• Develop channel-specific assortments and product strategies that drive sales growth, customer satisfaction, and competitive differentiation.
• Collaborate with vendors to secure exclusive products, promotional support, and financial investments that enhance sales performance and profitability.
• Create solution-oriented assortments that enable sales teams to effectively guide customer purchasing decisions.
• Present product strategies, category opportunities, and merchandising initiatives to sales teams and other customer-facing associates to drive understanding and execution.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Planning teams to identify growth opportunities, improve product positioning, and deliver business results across all channels.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing merchandising organization.
• Set clear annual goals, performance expectations, and development plans for team members.
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders through ongoing feedback and professional development initiatives.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Human Resources on talent acquisition, succession planning, and organizational development efforts.
• Drive alignment across merchandising, sales, marketing, operations, inventory planning, and supply chain teams.

WHAT YOU BRING

• The ideal candidate possesses deep merchandising expertise, exceptional negotiation and analytical skills, and a proven track record of developing high-performing teams and vendor partnerships that create competitive advantage.
• Experience within Public Safety, Uniforms, Tactical, Industrial, Outdoor, Footwear, Apparel, or Durable Goods industries.
• Omnichannel retail, e-commerce, wholesale, or distribution experience.
• MBA or advanced business degree preferred.
• Must have impeccable follow-through ability
• Resourcefulness (you may not always have the answers, but you know where to find them)
• Analytical by nature
• Personability to develop strong relationships
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple tasks
• Comfortable managing and manipulating CRM software

WHAT YOU SEND OUR WAY

• Your resume, highlighting your education, experience, and skills

WHAT WE OFFER

• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—Eligible 1st day of the month after start date
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• Generous employee discount
• Vacation and Personal Time
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Daily Pay: up to 50% of your pay

EOE/Disability/Vets