Commercial Director (Textile & Private Label Apparel)

Commercial Director (Textile & Private Label Apparel)

Job Title: Commercial Director (Textile & Private Label Apparel)

Location: New York, NY

Alternate location: This is an in-office job. You are required to commute to Manhattan 4 to 5 days /week

Industry: Textile and Menswear Apparel

Channel: Mostly speciality menswear retailers

Reporting to: CEO

Traveling: Across the US and internationally

Visa: No sponsorship possible. Must have valid work authorization

Job ID: ZR_9532_JOB

Job Seniority: Executive Level

Company size: Small (1-50 ppl)

Company Ownership: Privately Owned

Function(s): Sales & Business Development (National),

Region(s): NORTH AMERICA, USA, New York City area

Company Description

Our client is a privately held, vertically integrated textile and apparel company with a long-standing presence in the men’s apparel market. The business operates across textile development, private label manufacturing, and branded menswear, serving a portfolio of specialty retailers and independent owner-merchant accounts across the United States. Known for product quality, reliability, and long-term partnerships, the company is entering a new phase of commercial evolution and leadership transition.

Objective of the Role

The Commercial Director will assume overall commercial responsibility for the men’s apparel business, with a primary focus on branded and private label menswear sold through specialty retail and independent owner-merchant channels. This role is designed for a senior, hands-on commercial leader who can drive growth, deepen retail partnerships, and act as a strategic counterpart to ownership. The position combines strategic leadership with direct operational involvement and offers long‑term progression for a high‑impact executive.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned menswear commercial leader with deep credibility in the specialty retail ecosystem. They bring an entrepreneurial mindset, strong merchant instincts, and an existing network of specialty retailers or independent store owners. Candidates from branded menswear, better sportswear, tailored clothing, shirts, or adjacent men’s categories will be considered, provided they have sold into comparable retail environments. This role is not suited for candidates coming exclusively from large corporate or department‑store‑driven organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the commercial strategy for the men’s apparel business across branded and private label activities.
• Maintain and expand relationships with specialty retailers, regional chains, and independent owner‑merchant accounts.
• Drive topline growth, margin performance, and long‑term account development through close partnership with retail customers.
• Oversee merchandising direction, seasonal line planning, pricing architecture, and product positioning in collaboration with internal teams.
• Partner with production, product development, and sourcing teams to ensure commercial viability, cost discipline, and timely execution.
• Play an active role in trade shows and market appointments relevant to the men’s specialty retail channel.
• Identify and develop new business opportunities leveraging the company’s textile and manufacturing capabilities.
• Act as a key advisor to ownership on market trends, competitive dynamics, and future growth initiatives.
• Contribute to leadership continuity and succession planning within the commercial organization.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of senior commercial experience within men’s apparel, with a strong preference for branded menswear.
• Demonstrated success selling into specialty retail and independent owner‑merchant environments.
• Existing, active relationships with specialty retailers or comparable wholesale customers.
• Proven ability to operate in entrepreneurial, family‑owned, or privately held business environments.
• Strong commercial judgment across merchandising, pricing, and margin management.
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands‑on execution.
• Willingness to travel as required for key accounts, trade shows, and internal collaboration.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, the greater New York / New Jersey area.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Sales and Business Development

Industries

• Wholesale Apparel and Sewing Supplies and Apparel Manufacturing