Sr. Director, Retail Development – Walmart & Sam’s Club Location: Bentonville, AR About Retail Monster Retail Monster is a leading licensing agency representing some of the world’s most iconic brands across entertainment, publishing, gaming, digital, and lifestyle. We drive $1B+ in retail sales through omni-channel strategies, multi-category programs, and creative storytelling that connects consumers to brands in meaningful ways. Our partners include major studios, brand owners, and licensors such as Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Minecraft, Hasbro, Sony Pictures, Netflix, Invisible Narratives, Happy Nest: 11 Media/Nine Story, Moonbug, and more. The Role We are seeking an accomplished Senior Director, Retail Development to join our team and lead strategic retail initiatives with one of our most important partners, Walmart & Sam’s Club. This highly visible role will own merchant and marketing relationships across multiple categories and serve as a trusted advisor and thought leader to Walmart’s merchant community. The Sr. Director will combine deep Walmart expertise, strategic selling, and critical thinking to influence joint business planning, omni-channel activations, and brand/IP strategies. This leader will play a pivotal role in shaping how consumers discover and experience licensed products across stores, owned eCommerce, and third-party marketplace. Responsibilities • Lead Walmart relationships: Act as the primary point of contact for Walmart merchants and leadership across toys, collectibles, entertainment, publishing, apparel, home, food & consumables. • Drive strategy & thought leadership: Serve as a proactive partner to Walmart merchants by identifying white space opportunities, category growth levers, and omni-channel innovations. • Joint Business Planning (JBP): Own the annual and seasonal JBP process, aligning brand/IP strategies with Walmart’s business priorities to secure space, marketing, and activation support. • Influence through insight: Translate brand and consumer trends into retail-ready sales stories, data-driven recommendations, and creative activation programs that challenge the status quo. • Deliver retail impact: Partner with licensees and licensors to secure exclusives, build digital-first strategies, and expand shelf space while achieving and exceeding retail sales goals. • Cross-functional collaboration: Work with brand, creative, and marketing teams to deliver programs that integrate content, storytelling, and merchandising for maximum consumer engagement. • Executive visibility: Build and maintain strong senior-level relationships within Walmart and Sam’s Club, positioning Retail Monster as a key strategic partner. Core Competencies • Strategic & Critical Thinking • Thought Leadership & Influence • Data-Driven Decision Making • Relationship Management & Executive Presence • Omni-Channel Innovation Qualifications • 10+ years of retail sales, licensing, or consumer products experience, with a proven focus on Walmart. • Deep understanding of toys, collectibles, and entertainment-driven categories. • Demonstrated success in delivering incremental sales growth and building long-term Walmart merchant partnerships. • Expertise in Walmart systems, processes, and culture (EC, JBP, OTIF, Walmart Connect, and digital commerce). • Track record of influencing merchant strategies through insights, data, and creative retail solutions. • Experience leading multi-category programs across entertainment, toys, publishing, apparel, home, food, or consumables. • Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills with established Walmart merchant and leadership relationships. • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative agency environment. Why Retail Monster? At Retail Monster, you’ll join a nimble, entrepreneurial team that partners with the world’s most powerful brands. You’ll have the opportunity to: • Lead high-profile retail programs at Walmart & Sam’s Club. • Influence merchant strategies at the world’s largest retailer. • Shape how consumers engage with beloved brands across omni-channel platforms. • Be part of a culture that values creativity, collaboration, and results.