Director of Merchandising (Hybrid)

JOIN US AND "CREATE YOUR VISION" 

ABOUT US

S&S Activewear is a leading North American, tech-enabled specialty distributor of imprintable apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, athletic wear, headwear, workwear, scrubs and accessories. We pride ourselves on being the “critical link” that enables our 100+ brand partners such as Adidas, Columbia and Gildan to reach our hyper-fragmented base of customers, comprised of apparel decorators, eRetailers and promotional products distributors that embellish apparel items for diverse end consumer use cases (e.g., everyday wear, concerts, fitness attire, life events, team sports, etc.). At S&S, we differentiate in the market through a customer service focus, strategic product portfolio, world-class distribution infrastructure, a collaborative growth culture and a relentless focus on technology and innovation. 

Our success has compounded since the Company’s humble beginnings in 1988 as a regional t-shirt distributor to a leading, multi-billion-dollar value-added distribution platform that drives market penetration for our suppliers while enabling the growth, operations and fulfillment for a diverse range of customers across channels and business sizes.  We strive to be the apparel distributor of choice while inspiring and fostering growth for customers, employees and suppliers through our core values of service, deep relationships, innovation, continuous improvement and accountability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Director of Merchandising to lead the strategic direction, category development, and financial performance of our non-apparel product portfolio. This role will oversee multiple product categories—such as headwear, bags and accessories—and will be responsible for driving innovation, customer relevance, and profitable growth across these businesses.

This leader will bring deep merchandising expertise, a customer-first mindset, and a strong ability to influence cross-functional teams and vendor partners. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment and be passionate about building differentiated assortments that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

Schedule 

Monday-Friday, Full-Time, Exempt 

Hybrid available - This role follows a hybrid schedule and requires candidates to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Bolingbrook, IL

Address - 220 Remington Blvd Bolingbrook, IL  

WHAT YOU WILL DO 

Category Strategy & Portfolio Leadership

• Define and execute a multi-year merchandising strategy across non-apparel categories aligned with company vision, customer needs, and financial goals.
• Own category-level financial targets including revenue, margin, and inventory productivity.
• Lead line architecture planning across multiple categories, ensuring a balanced and differentiated assortment by brand, price point, use case, and trend.
• Identify white space opportunities and drive innovation through new product development and strategic brand partnerships.

Cross-Functional & Enterprise Collaboration

• Partner with Purchasing/Planning, Marketing, Sales, Strategy, and Operations to deliver cohesive go-to-market strategies and successful product launches.
• Influence cross-functional roadmaps to ensure alignment on category priorities, customer segmentation, and seasonal initiatives.
• Collaborate with digital and technology teams to enhance product discoverability and merchandising effectiveness across channels.

Vendor & Brand Management

• Build and manage strategic vendor relationships to ensure alignment on product development, exclusivity, and execution.
• Create roadmaps to drive mutual growth and profitability.

Customer & Market Insights

• Leverage customer data, feedback, and trends to inform assortment decisions and category strategies.
• Monitor competitive landscape and consumer behavior to identify emerging trends and market shifts.
• Engage directly with key customers to understand their business needs and translate insights into actionable merchandising plans.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing merchandising team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor category managers and merchants, providing strategic guidance and career development support.
• Champion diversity of thought and inclusive product strategies that reflect the needs of a broad customer base.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandi