Director of Wholesale-Women’s Surf Apparel-OC

Director of Wholesale – Women’s Surf Apparel (OC)

Our client is a surfwear apparel company seeking a strong wholesale sales director managing women’s ready‑to‑wear for major accounts and who must live in Southern California. The role is onsite full time in Orange County.

We are seeking a highly hands‑on, strategic Director of Sales to lead and grow our U.S. wholesale business for a well‑known, established brand. This role will report directly to the company owners and is designed for a builder — someone who can drive revenue immediately while laying the foundation to grow and scale a future sales team.

The ideal candidate brings established relationships with major department stores such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Dillard’s, as well as specialty retailers including Pac Sun, Urban Outfitters, Tillys, and surf/specialty channels.

• Own and drive U.S. wholesale sales strategy, revenue growth, and account expansion
• Act as the primary sales leader, working directly with ownership to shape distribution strategy
• Manage and mentor independent sales representatives and regional partners
• Build the infrastructure and processes needed to support future team growth
• Maintain and deepen relationships with key department store and specialty accounts
• Lead seasonal market appointments, line presentations, and negotiations
• Partner cross‑functionally with merchandising, planning, and production to align assortment, pricing, and delivery
• Identify new distribution opportunities across department, specialty, and surf channels
• Travel as needed for market, account meetings, and industry events

• Director‑level sales leadership experience within apparel or lifestyle brands, with 10+ years of wholesale experience in women’s apparel and 5+ years specifically women’s surfwear/active wear
• Proven track record managing major U.S. wholesale accounts
• Existing relationships with department stores and specialty chains strongly preferred
• Experience managing independent sales reps or multi‑region sales structures
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build structure while executing day‑to‑day sales
• Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship‑building skills

Full‑time

Irvine, CA (Orange County)

$150K - $175K

See Benefits

507422

Cristina Sparkman