Director of Merchandising

Introduction

GALLS, LLC is a leading and rapidly expanding supplier of uniforms and equipment for public safety professionals, operating nationwide through over 80 locations with more than 50 years of industry experience. The company is committed to serving America’s public safety workforce by providing an extensive range of uniforms, gear, and solutions with exceptional customer service.

Role Overview

The Director of Merchandising will be responsible for guiding the company’s product offerings, assortment strategies, and vendor relationships across all selling platforms. This executive role aims to promote profitable growth through optimized product mixes, productive vendor partnerships, efficient inventory management, and leadership within the public safety sector. They will oversee merchandising and vendor activities across categories including apparel, footwear, equipment, and hard goods.

This position operates under a hybrid work model, requiring at least eight days per month on-site at the Lexington, KY office.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement a company-wide merchandising strategy aligned with financial targets and expansion goals.
• Establish strategies for categories, assortment, pricing, and suppliers to enhance sales, margins, inventory efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead product planning, category evaluations, and assortment reviews to maximize performance and future growth.
• Manage the entire product lifecycle including planning assortments, optimizing SKUs, launching products, onboarding vendors, and discontinuing products.
• Position Galls as a market leader and trusted category authority across customer segments.
• Convert corporate goals into actionable merchandising plans balancing growth, inventory, margin targets, and service levels.
• Keep abreast of market trends, competitor activities, customer insights, and emerging opportunities to foster innovation and differentiation.
• Develop and maintain executive relationships with vendors, negotiate contracts, pricing, rebates, growth incentives, and vendor programs to maximize profitability and competitive positioning.
• Create and execute Joint Business Plans with strategic suppliers to drive mutually beneficial growth.
• Conduct regular business reviews to evaluate supplier performance and explore improvement opportunities.
• Ensure vendors meet agreed standards for margin, service, fulfillment, quality, and supply chain reliability.
• Identify prospects for exclusive products, unique assortments, and strategic advantages in the market.
• Achieve key financial objectives including annual sales, gross margin, GMROI, inventory turnover, EBITDA, and working capital.
• Promote margin growth through smart negotiations, pricing strategies, cost management, and enhanced vendor programs.
• Collaborate with finance, inventory planning, supply chain, and sales teams to boost business results.
• Use data analysis to improve category productivity, inventory management, and assortment effectiveness.
• Guide decisions with financial analytics, market intelligence, and consumer insight.
• Utilize performance metrics to identify opportunities and mitigate business risks.
• Work closely with leaders of B2B agency, B2C retail, and Direct-to-Consumer e-commerce channels to align merchandising tactics with sales needs.
• Develop channel-specific assortment and product tactics to increase sales, customer satisfaction, and differentiation.
• Collaborate with vendors for exclusive product opportunities, promotional support, and financial investments to drive sales and profitability.
• Create thoughtfully curated assortments that assist sales teams in guiding customer purchases effectively.
• Present product strategies, category potentials, and merchandising initiatives to sales personnel for better adoption and execution.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Planning departments to spot growth opportunities and enhance product positioning across channels.
• Lead and nurture a high-performing merchandising team by setting goals, managing performance, and providing development opportunities.
• Inspire a culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, customer orientation, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Work with Human Resources on talent acquisition, succession plans, and organizational growth.
• Foster alignment across merchandising, sales, marketing, operations, inventory planning, and supply chain groups.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive merchandising expertise with strong negotiation and analytical capabilities.
• Proven success in building high-performance teams and strategic vendor alliances that deliver competitive advantage.
• Experience in industries such as Public Safety, Uniforms, Tactical Gear, Industrial, Outdoor, Footwear, Apparel, or Durable Goods.
• Background in omnichannel retail, e-commerce, wholesale, or distribution models.
• Preferred MBA or higher business degree.
• Strong follow-through, resourcefulness, analytical mindset, and interpersonal skills to build solid relationships.
• Effective multitasking and organizational abilities.
• Proficient with CRM software management and manipulation.

Application Requirements

Submit a resume detailing education, professional experience, and relevant skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance starting the first day of the month after employment begins.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan including company contributions.
• Flexible benefits allowing personalized selection of preferred options.
• Attractive employee discounts.
• Paid vacation, personal time, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Daily pay options of up to 50% of earned wages.

Additional Information

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to disability and veteran inclusion.