Overview
Division Head, Soft Lines (New Business Division) Jobs in New York, NY at SBH Fashion
Title: Division Head, Soft Lines (New Business Division)
Company: SBH Fashion
Location: New York, NY
Job Title: Division Head, Soft Lines (New Business Division)
Position Overview
The Division Head will be responsible for developing and executing the overall strategy for the new soft goods business, including categories such as bedding, layette, swaddles, blankets, nursery textiles, and related infant and children's products. This leader will build the team, create the product roadmap, establish key vendor and licensing relationships, and drive profitable growth across major retail channels.
Key Responsibilities
Business Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and execute the vision, strategy, and long-term growth plan for the company’s Soft Lines Division.
- Identify market opportunities, consumer trends, and category white space to establish a differentiated product offering.
- Create and manage the division's P&L, revenue targets, margin objectives, and growth initiatives.
- Partner closely with executive leadership to align the new division with broader company objectives.
Product Development & Merchandising
- Lead the creation of a comprehensive soft lines product assortment, including:
- Bedding
- Layette
- Swaddles
- Blankets
- Nursery textiles
- Additional infant and juvenile soft goods categories
- Establish product architecture, pricing strategies, and category expansion plans.
- Oversee product development from concept through commercialization.
- Ensure products meet consumer needs, retailer requirements, and quality standards.
Team Building
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team across:
- Product Development
- Design
- Merchandising
- Sourcing
- Sales
- Planning
- Create organizational structure and processes to support scalable growth.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
Retail & Customer Partnerships
- Work closely with major retail partners to understand category needs and growth opportunities.
- Translate retailer feedback into product and assortment strategies.
- Partner with sales teams to secure placement, expand distribution, and drive category growth.
- Present strategic business plans and product roadmaps to key retail accounts.
Sourcing & Operations
- Leverage the company’s existing global sourcing and operational infrastructure.
- Establish supplier relationships and oversee product costing, quality, compliance, and production timelines.
- Collaborate with supply chain, finance, and operations teams to ensure efficient execution.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of leadership experience within soft goods, textiles, infant products, children's products, home textiles, apparel, or related consumer goods categories.
- Proven success launching, scaling, or leading a business unit, category, or brand.
- Strong understanding of product development, sourcing, merchandising, and retail channel management.
- Experience managing P&L responsibility and driving profitable growth.
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead teams from the ground up.
- Strong relationships within the retail and/or juvenile products industry preferred.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate strategically and tactically.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and executive presentation skills.
Salary $225,000-$250,000
