Director of Sales – Specialty Channel
Basic Fun! is a dynamic global designer and marketer of classic, innovative children’s entertainment products and we strive to bring smiles to people of all ages. Our iconic brands and broad product portfolio are sold by leading retailers and distributors in over 60 countries around the world. Basic Fun! has an omni-channel go-to market strategy with a strong presence online, in store and in family entertainment venues. The Company is proud to have long-term, valued licensing partnerships with Licensors, including Hasbro, Disney, Mattel, Nintendo, Pokémon, Netflix, Coca Cola, Universal, Paramount, Warner Brothers, Cloudco Entertainment, NFL and NBA. Basic Fun! has a portfolio of powerhouse brands that include Care Bears™, Tonka®, Lite Brite®, K’nex®, Lincoln Logs®, Tinker Toys®, Playhut®, Uncle Milton®, Fisher Price Classics®, Mash’ems® and Littlest Pet Shop®, and many other trusted brands. All of us at Basic Fun! are dedicated to enriching lives and creating unforgettable moments through imaginative play.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Sales Director – Specialty Channel to lead our sales efforts across specialty retail partners, including trend stores, hobby shops, educational retailers, Department Stores, Farm & Fleet, etc. This role is critical in driving growth within non-traditional and high-value channels by fostering strong relationships, developing tailored sales strategies, and ensuring alignment with our brand portfolio. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in specialty retail, a passion for toys, and the ability to grow sales while delivering exceptional brand experiences and profitable initiatives across our categories.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
· Revenue and Profit Growth: lead the sales efforts for the Specialty Channel to expand market share, cultivate relationships and drive retail performance which results in strong wholesale growth
· Channel Management: Develop and implement strategies to grow sales within specialty retail channels, including trend stores, regional chains, and apparel markets. Retailers like 5 Below, Pop Shelf, Claire’s, TRU, Kohl’s, Hot Topic, Game Stop, Hobby Lobby, etc.
· Account Development: Build and maintain strong relationships with key specialty partners, ensuring the brand’s presence and product success in high-touch retail environments.
· Sales Strategy & Execution: Develop targeted sales strategies and promotional plans for specialty channels to achieve revenue, profit, and market share goals.
· Forecasting & Reporting: Provide accurate sales forecasts and regular performance reports, using data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
· Collaboration: Partner with product, marketing, and operations teams to develop channel-specific product offerings, promotions, and marketing campaigns.
· Market Trends & Insights: Monitor industry trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences within the specialty space to identify growth opportunities.
· Training & Support: Collaborate with independent representatives and retailers to provide product knowledge and merchandising support, ensuring exceptional customer experiences.
· Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of sales professionals (independent representatives), fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
· Trade Shows & Events: Represent the company at relevant trade shows, conferences, and industry events, showcasing products and building relationships.
· Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Skills, knowledge, and abilities:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
Experience:
· Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, or a related field (MBA is a plus).
· 7+ years of experience in sales, with at least 3 years in specialty retail or a related industry.
· Proven track record of success in driving sales growth within specialty channels.
· Knowledge of the toy industry, including trends, product lifecycles, and customer preferences.
· Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills.
· Experience working with CRM systems, sales analytics, and forecasting tools.
· Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational abilities.
· Ability to travel as needed for meetings, trade shows, and events.
Full-time on-site position located at our company’s headquarter offices in Boca Raton, Florida.
We believe strongly in the philosophy that we are Better Together and that the collaboration and teamwork of being with each other in the office supports our culture the best. For this reason, we work in the office Monday through Thursday. We have chosen Friday as our optional remote workday as we believe it to be the day that is most beneficial and effective for Basic Fun! and our employees..
We believe strongly in the philosophy that we are Better Together and that the collaboration and teamwork of being with each other in the office supports our culture the best. For this reason, we work in the office Monday through Thursday. We have chosen Friday as our optional remote workday as we believe it to be the day that is most beneficial and effective for Basic Fun! and our employees.
OUR CORE VALUES!
• We Love Delivering WOW!
• Act with Integrity and Do the Right Thing.
• Inspire Passion for Creativity and Innovation.
• Be Disciplined to Create Lasting Impact.
• Play, Have Fun and Laugh Together.
• Embrace Humility.
• Pursue Growth and Learning.
• Hustle and Act with a Sense of Urgency.
• Commit to Excellence.
• Gratitude Keeps Us Grounded.
Basic Fun! is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud of our inclusive culture.