Director of Retail

We have amazing Benefits! Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Wellness, 401K, Holidays Employee Assistance Program, Vacation Days, Disability, and much more.

The AMES Companies, headquartered in Lake Nona-Orlando, FL has a rich American history. The AMES story goes back to 1774, when Captain John Ames began making America’s first shovels. AMES® brand is the third oldest consumer brand in the country, and its tools helped build America for more than two hundred years. You can learn more about our history here.

Our business lines include Home Organization, Lawn and Garden Tools, Outdoor Living, and Cleaning Tools. Our leading global brands are sold to homeowners and professionals involved in new construction, remodeling, and maintenance activities. To learn more about out business lines, visit our website:

The Director of Retail is a senior leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth through strategic partnerships with key national retail accounts. This role will lead account strategy, execution, and cross-functional collaboration to expand market share, optimize assortment, and strengthen long‑term retailer relationships.

Our office is located at our headquarters in Lake Nona - Orlando, FL.

• Lead and manage strategic relationships with major national retailers, with a strong focus on Costco & Walmart.
• Develop and execute long‑term account strategies that drive sales growth, profitability, and brand presence.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Product Management, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to deliver cohesive go‑to‑market plans.
• Identify growth opportunities through assortment optimization, new product introductions, promotional planning, and merchandising execution.
• Own sales forecasting, demand planning inputs, and budget management for assigned accounts.
• Negotiate annual line reviews, pricing, promotional programs, and joint business plans.
• Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and consumer insights to inform strategy and decision‑making.
• Lead, mentor, and develop account management talent, fostering a high‑performance, results‑driven culture.

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive sales or account leadership experience within consumer products or durable goods.
• Proven experience managing complex national retail accounts; experience with Costco, Walmart, and/or Menards is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success driving sales growth within Lawn & Garden, Outdoor Living, and/or Storage Solutions categories preferred.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing strategy, margin management, and promotional effectiveness.
• Ability to influence and lead cross‑functional teams in a matrixed organization.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills.

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• This position is located primarily in an office environment. At times the associate is required to sit for long periods of time.
• While performing the duties of this job, the associate may need the ability to lift and carry loads up to 50 pounds.
• Upon occasion, the associate may be exposed to a manufacturing environment and required to wear personal protective equipment.

The AMES Companies will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.