[Hiring] Director of Sales, Specialty & Trail Run @Wolverine Worldwide

Role Description

The Director of Specialty Sales will play a key role in this transformation by leading the strategy to grow Merrell’s US Wholesale business, overseeing sales across Run Specialty, Outdoor Specialty, and Sneaker shops. This role leads a multi-region team made up largely of independent sales agencies, requiring a leader who can influence, align, and motivate partners beyond direct reporting lines.

• Sets the long-term strategic direction for the channel to modernize hike, expand trail run, and boost lifestyle segments.
• Brings the brand platform to life with retail partners while building strong customer relationships.
• Success requires inspirational leadership, selling with data-driven insights, executing impactful sales strategies, and strong executive presence and presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of sales experience in wholesale footwear, with at least 3 years of people management experience.
• Deep understanding of the competitive footwear landscape, with proven experience in Run Specialty, Outdoor Specialty, and Sneaker channels.
• A track record of driving sales growth through inspiring and building high-performance teams across the US.
• Strong negotiation skills and ability to identify win-win solutions.
• Innovative mindset driving new ways of working and winning in the market.
• Proven history of building & inspiring high-performing sales teams.
• Recognized as a change agent, driving continuous process improvements and introducing best practices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a high comfort level with public speaking and presenting with impact.
• A strong collaborator able to work well in cross-functional organizations.
• The ability to multi-task, combining strategy and execution.
• Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• A track record of effectively working to a budget and measuring results.

Requirements

• Formulates and owns the multi-year (3–5 year) US Specialty channel strategy.
• Analyzes the business and marketplace using qualitative and quantitative data.
• Aligns sales and brand priorities to support implementation of brand and corporate strategies.
• Develops long-term strategic plans with key customers.
• Builds strong partnerships as an influential strategic business leader across Merrell.
• Leads and develops a high-performance multi-region sales organization.
• Performs duties consistent with the company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.

Benefits

• Salary Minimum: $168,000.00
• Salary Maximum: $220,500.00

Company Description

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is a global footwear and apparel company driven by a vision to Make. Every Day. Better. Founded in 1883, the Company builds and grows iconic brands including Merrell®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Sweaty Betty®, Chaco®, Hush Puppies®, Stride Rite®, HYTEST®, and Bates®, along with footwear licenses for Cat® and Harley-Davidson®. Headquartered in Rockford, Michigan, the Company’s products are sold in approximately 170 countries and territories worldwide.

• Recognized by Footwear News as Company of the Year.
• Ranked by Forbes as one of America’s Dream Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and America’s Best Employers for Company Culture.
• Certified™ Great Place To Work®.