Commercial Director (Textile & Private Label Apparel)

Company DescriptionOur client is a privately held apparel and textile company with integrated capabilities across fabric sourcing and full-package apparel. The apparel division serves better specialty retailers through long-standing, partnership-oriented relationships, as well as performing other varied private label businesses. The culture values tenure, accountability, and hands-on leadership within lean teams.Objective of the RoleProvide commercial leadership for the branded business in better specialty stores. Scope includes merchandising and line architecture, demand and margin ownership, key account and supplier stewardship, and measured oversight of adjacent divisions.Ideal ProfileSenior commercial leader from branded menswear (tailored, sportswear, shirting, or knits) with specialty retail experience; Chicago Collective familiarity preferred.Entrepreneurial operator suited to lean teams; comfortable owning outcomes.Strong relationships and relationship builder with owner-merchant retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturing retailers for menswear.Willing to travel domestically and internationally. ResponsibilitiesLead merchandising, seasonal line planning, trend sensing, and right-sizing.Own key account strategy, assortment presentations, negotiations, and growth.Manage supplier partnerships and cross-functional execution to hit margin and delivery goals.Oversee sales activity (pipeline, reps, trade shows such as Chicago Collective) and in-season adjustments.Direct inventory targets, buys, replenishment, and exit strategies.Translate market signals into demand forecasts, pricing, and margin guardrails. Requirements10+ years in branded menswear with success in the better specialty channel.Proven commercial ownership across assortment, pricing/costing, margin, and in-season management.Established relationships with specialty retailers; confident presenting at market/trade shows.Hands-on operator comfortable without large-company infrastructure.