Senior Director of Sales Strategy & Customer Development – Retail Partnerships, Growth Planning, and Innovation Leadership

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a market‑leading retailer and partner of choice for millions of consumers across the United States. With a reputation built on deep consumer insight, innovative product assortments, and a relentless focus on customer experience, arenaflex continuously sets the benchmark for retail excellence. Our mission is to connect shoppers with the products they love while delivering measurable value to our vendor partners. As we expand our footprint and explore new growth avenues, we are seeking a visionary sales leader who can shape the future of our sales strategy and drive sustained revenue performance.

Why This Role Matters

The Director of Sales Strategy & Customer Development sits at the strategic heart of arenaflex’s growth engine. This senior role is responsible for crafting long‑term sales strategies, translating them into actionable annual and monthly plans, and partnering closely with arenaflex’s buying management teams across every region. By leveraging deep consumer insights and market trends, you will influence product volume, shape innovative programs, and ensure that arenaflex remains the go‑to destination for shoppers and vendors alike.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Design and own multi‑year sales strategies that align with arenaflex’s corporate objectives and the broader retail landscape.
• Annual & Monthly Sales Plans: Translate strategic goals into detailed annual and monthly sales targets, ensuring each plan is data‑driven and realistic.
• Partner Relationship Management: Build and nurture high‑trust relationships with arenaflex buying management and regional General Merchandise Managers (GMMs), acting as the primary liaison for sales initiatives.
• Consumer Insight Generation: Provide actionable insights on consumer profiles, purchasing behaviors, and emerging trends to inform product assortment and promotional tactics.
• Volume Strategy Development: Collaborate with arenaflex GMMs to develop regional event volume strategies, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions to keep volume on track.
• Program Innovation: Conceptualize, design, and launch new programs and services for arenaflex and its vendor ecosystem, overseeing end‑to‑end implementation and performance measurement.
• Performance Monitoring: Track key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze variance against targets, and present findings to senior leadership with recommendations for course correction.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with marketing, merchandising, finance, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution of sales initiatives.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead a high‑performing sales operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and innovation.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive sales leadership experience, preferably within large retail or consumer‑goods environments.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing multi‑year sales strategies that deliver measurable revenue growth.
• Proven track record of achieving or exceeding sales targets in partnership with major retailers such as arenaflex.
• Experience collaborating directly with senior buying teams and GMMs to influence product volume and promotional planning.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret market data, consumer insights, and sales performance metrics.
• Exceptional negotiation, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Experience working with national retail partners and managing complex vendor ecosystems.
• Background in retail technology platforms, data analytics tools, and CRM systems.
• Creative problem‑solving mindset with a history of launching innovative programs that drive incremental sales.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and senior executives through compelling presentations and data‑driven storytelling.
• Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, matrixed organization with shifting priorities.

Core Competencies for Success

• Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture while translating strategy into concrete actions.
• Customer‑Centric Focus: Deep empathy for shopper needs and vendor objectives.
• Data Literacy: Proficiency in interpreting sales dashboards, market research, and consumer analytics.
• Collaboration: Strong partnership skills across merchandising, marketing, finance, and supply chain.
• Leadership: Talent for coaching, developing, and inspiring high‑performing teams.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to pivot strategies based on market dynamics and emerging opportunities.

Career Growth & Development Opportunities

At arenaflex, we invest heavily in the professional growth of our leaders. As the Director of Sales Strategy & Customer Development, you will:

• Gain exposure to C‑suite leadership and influence company‑wide strategic decisions.
• Lead high‑visibility initiatives that directly impact arenaflex’s top line.
• Access continuous learning resources, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced analytics training.
• Position yourself for future senior leadership roles such as Vice President of Sales, Chief Commercial Officer, or General Manager of a regional business unit.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

arenaflex offers a competitive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:

• Base Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience and market benchmarks.
• Performance Bonuses: Quarterly and annual incentive plans tied to achievement of sales targets and strategic milestones.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus wellness programs and flexible spending accounts.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match to help you build long‑term financial security.
• Paid Time Off & Holidays: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work‑life balance.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement, certification support, and access to industry events.
• Employee Discounts: Exclusive arenaflex shopping discounts and vendor partnership perks.
• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates moving to the Atlanta, GA area.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our culture is built on collaboration, creativity, and an unwavering focus on the customer. Key cultural pillars include:

• Innovation First: We encourage bold ideas and give teams the autonomy to experiment with new programs.
• Data‑Driven Decision Making: Insights from shoppers and vendors guide every strategic move.
• Team‑Centric Collaboration: Cross‑functional teams work together seamlessly to deliver results.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: A workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and every voice matters.
• Community Impact: arenaflex is committed to sustainability and community outreach, offering employees avenues to give back.

Why Atlanta, GA?

Atlanta is a vibrant, fast‑growing hub for commerce, technology, and culture. The city offers a dynamic blend of historic neighborhoods, world‑class dining, and a thriving arts scene. With a lower cost of living compared to other major metros, excellent transportation options, and a burgeoning tech ecosystem, Atlanta provides an ideal backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

Ready to Shape the Future of Retail Sales?

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for building lasting retailer relationships, driving innovative programs, and delivering measurable revenue growth, arenaflex wants to hear from you. Join a forward‑thinking organization where your ideas are valued, your impact is visible, and your career can accelerate to new heights.

How to Apply

Take the next step in your career and become a key driver of arenaflex’s sales success. Click the link below to submit your application and start the conversation today.

Apply Job!