Commercial Director
R.A.D is a performance footwear company using innovation and creativity to unlock the euphoria of sport. Inspired by skateboarding and surfing, we blend cutting-edge performance design with a distinctive aesthetic rooted in lifestyle subcultures. Our footwear is designed for athletes who move with purpose—and as we expand globally, we’re growing with intention: more competition, more training, more community, more impact. As an underdog in a field dominated by giants, we focus on authentic, credible brand-building that challenges the status quo; step-by-step crafting a legacy. Tuned For The Future.
The Role:
As Commercial Director, you will define and lead the commercial strategy and execution that powers R.A.D’s growth across retail, wholesale, vendor partnerships, merchandising, buying, and legal compliance. This is a pivotal, brand-defining role - one that blends strategic thinking, operational execution, and authentic brand stewardship.
You’ll work cross-functionally with product, operations, and marketing to ensure that every commercial decision fuels R.A.D’s performance and purpose. You’ll help us build a commercial engine from the ground up that is as innovative and community-driven as the brand itself.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Oversee all retail and wholesale partnerships, focusing on specialty and performance-driven retailers.
2. Build and manage a sales team with clear goals and strategic direction.
3. Negotiate and manage commercial contracts with global retail partners and distributors.
4. Own key vendor relationships across manufacturing, distribution, and third-party services.
5. Negotiate and manage terms, contracts, and SLAs to ensure performance, efficiency, and alignment with brand values.
Merchandising & Buying:
1. Collaborate with the marketing and product teams to develop seasonal line plans that align with commercial and creative goals.
2. Direct the assortment strategy, demand forecasting, and purchasing for DTC and wholesale.
3. Ensure that inventory decisions enhance performance while safeguarding R.A.D’s premium status positioning.
Legal, Compliance & Risk:
1. Oversee all legal matters related to commercial operations, including intellectual property, trademarks, and brand protection.
2. Ensure global compliance with digital standards, product safety, and international regulations, including but not limited to CPSI, GPSR, GPSD, Prop 65 and REACH.
3. Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure that contracts and partnerships are sound and scalable.
Qualifications & Experience:
1. Over 8 years of experience in a senior commercial role within the footwear, apparel, or consumer goods sectors.
2. Experience in an early stage start up or scale up.
3. Skilled at balancing brand development with strong commercial outcomes.
4. Proficient in vendor management, contract negotiation, and international operations.
5. Solid understanding of IP protection, compliance frameworks, and legal risk on a global scale.
6. Strategic thinker who excels at hands-on execution; you think big but are not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Whatever it takes to drive growth.
7. Natural collaborator who infuses energy, accountability, and purpose into every partnership.
8. Passionate about performance footwear, innovative commerce, and creating meaningful experiences.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Retail
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