Director, Brand & Marketing Partnerships - WSS
We are seeking a Director, Brand & Marketing Partnerships to serve as the central liaison between the retail marketing department and WSS key brand partners. The role will be hybrid, working three days a week at our WSS Corporate office in Gardena, CA.
Overview
The Director, Brand & Marketing Partnerships ensures brand partner alignment with retail marketing goals and works to coordinate cross‑functional communication and execution, ensuring brand programs are integrated into retail and digital marketing initiatives. The role balances relationship management with strategic alignment to WSS business initiatives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee brand partnership strategy and management, including partnership proposals, detailed campaign calendars, production timelines, co‑op budgets, campaign expectations and ROI to drive in‑store and online performance.
- Build relationships with cross‑departmental teams – Store Ops, Merchandising, E‑Commerce – to coordinate efforts against regional and hyper‑local goals.
- Report performance, timelines and campaign details to brand partners and internal WSS departments using detailed pitch decks, activation recaps and campaign metrics.
- Oversee the coordination and execution of all promotional materials (TV, content, print, POP, digital, social) with the co‑op team and marketing partners.
- Champion brand consistency: ensure partner‑driven assets and activations uphold both the retailer’s and vendor’s brand standards, tone and visual identity.
Qualifications
- 6+ years of brand partnership experience for a national retail/consumer brand.
- Four‑year college degree in Marketing, Communication, Business or related field.
- Experience in retail marketing and marketing partnerships.
- Proficiency with quantitative marketing analytics, budgeting, forecasting, scenario planning, and test‑and‑learn methodologies.
- Ability to lead strategy and/or analysis‑driven negotiation processes.
- Experience guiding multiple projects, adapting to a changing environment, and working in teams at different stages of development.
- Ability to manage a portfolio and make strategic budgetary tradeoffs to accomplish goals.
- Strong collaboration skills, team play, multitasking, and drive results.
Language Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Strong interpersonal skills, maturity and excellent judgment.
- Proven editorial skills with a strong command of the English language.
Mathematical Skills / Reasoning Ability
- Strong analytical data expertise.
- Proficiency with retail math concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages).
Physical Demands And Work Environment
- Bend or twist at the waist, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, kneel or squat while maneuvering boxes into place as needed.
- Stand or walk at least 8 hours in a given day.
- Lift up to 25 lbs. from ground level to above shoulders repeatedly over the shift.
- Climb a step stool or ladder.
- Communicate effectively in person and on the phone.
About WSS
WSS is the premier footwear retailer in the U.S., operating neighborhood‑based stores across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. Founded in 1984, we carry premium brands and private labels, offering a diverse selection in a customer‑friendly environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
WSS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Key Details
- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Full‑time
- Job function: Marketing and Sales
- Industries: Retail