Lifestyle Category Sr. Director

Gibson Inc., the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sound of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for over 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many beloved and recognizable music brands, includingEpiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873,Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand,Gibson Amps, the home of tone,KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, andMaestro, the founder of effect pedals.

Job Summary

The Lifestyle Category Sr Director has a global responsibility for leading, developing, and executing strategies to drive revenue growth for the Gibson Lifestyle Category, with a strong emphasis on Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels and non-music industry apparel and fashion retail channels. This includes expanding Gibson Lifestyle merchandise presence, maximizing the potential of Gibsons iconic brands, and leveraging category development, distribution model design, go-to-market (GTM) execution, marketing, and operational excellence to achieve profitable growth. Cross-functional leadership is essential for success, requiring alignment with product, sales, margin, distribution, and other business-related goals. This role presents a unique opportunity to significantly impact Gibson's growth and success. This role is Gibson HQ/Nashville based.

Essential Functions

Required Skills/Abilities

• Leadership:
• Provides transformational leadership, makes decisive and sometimes tough choices, initiates and generates activity, and fosters a culture of execution excellence. Formulates strategies and drives their successful implementation. Demonstrates strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to manage P&L and budgets effectively.
• Delivering Results:
• Is results-driven, meets customer expectations, and focuses on business needs. Operates effectively within a dynamic matrix organization, takes ownership of results, and demonstrates the ability to prioritize and pivot quickly.
• Business Development & Analytics:
• Identifies growth opportunities, maximizes business development, and demonstrates financial awareness. Utilizes data to track performance and drive results.
• Interacting & Building Relationships:
• Navigates the organization to build effective relationships with global and local staff. Encourages open communication, builds trust, and promotes a team environment.
• Communication:
• Communicates clearly, prepares presentations skillfully, and presents information in an engaging, structured, and concise manner.

Required Education and Experience

• 10-15 years of relevant experience in business unit, category, or product division leadership roles, with P&L responsibility.
• Proven track record in leading international category teams from product ideation through to consumer delivery.
• Experience in dynamic, premium-branded consumer goods industries (apparel, fashion, lifestyle, streetwear, sporting goods preferred).
• Strong knowledge of product merchandising, distribution partnerships, and GTM strategies.
• Familiarity with working in a matrix organization, leading cross-functional teams, and navigating multi-stakeholder environments.
• Post-secondary education in Business/Marketing or a related field (Bachelors or Masters degree).

Essential Knowledge

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and relevant business tools.
• Strong retail acumen, including a deep understanding of retail math, merchandising metrics, and DTC channel management.
• Excellent brand and marketing skills, with a focus on shopper, recommender, and influencer marketing.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage business insights and performance metrics.

Personal Qualities

• An inspirational leader with high energy and enthusiasm.
• Passion for lifestyle trends and music (preferred).
• Ability to remain objective, make good decisions, and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Travel Requirements

• This position is mostly office based, but may involve travel

Physical Demands

• Light lifting may be required

We celebrate diversity and Gibson Brands, Inc is anEqual Opportunityemployer.