Branded Merchandise Manager

CJK Group, Inc.•Nashville, TN

5h•Remote

About The Position

Continuum is a marketing execution and creative services company that works as an extension of its clients’ teams, delivering custom, physical marketing solutions – from direct mail and print, to in-store and experiential. The company aims to make budgets go further and drive better results, offering a place for meaningful work and client growth. As a Branded Merchandise Manager, you will lead the end-to-end execution of branded merchandise programs, supporting large-scale marketing campaigns from concept through delivery. You will advise clients on product selection, materials, decoration methods, and feasibility, ensuring all outputs align with brand standards, timelines, and budget objectives. You’ll manage schedules, coordinate with vendors and deliver projects on time and on budget. You will also own job setup, purchase order management, freight reconciliation, and invoicing within the production management system. Working closely with both internal and client teams, you’ll ensure campaigns run smoothly from concept to completion.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in the promotional products or branded merchandise industry.
Experience sourcing products, managing suppliers, and overseeing production timelines.
Strong understanding of decoration methods, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Experience with purchasing, RFQs, vendor negotiation, and purchase order management.
Experience with production management or order management systems (e.g., CommonSKU or similar).
Proven ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Strong financial acumen, including budget tracking, cost analysis, freight reconciliation, and invoicing.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end execution of branded merchandise programs, supporting large-scale marketing campaigns from concept through delivery.
Advise clients on product selection, materials, decoration methods, and feasibility, ensuring all outputs align with brand standards, timelines, and budget objectives.
Manage schedules, coordinate with vendors and deliver projects on time and on budget.
Own job setup, purchase order management, freight reconciliation, and invoicing within the production management system.
Work closely with both internal and client teams to ensure campaigns run smoothly from concept to completion.
Review active project schedules, prioritize deliverables, and align on key deadlines.
Enter new jobs into the production management system and ensure all projects are properly set up for execution.
Join internal and client status calls to review progress, flag risks, and confirm next steps.
Source branded merchandise solutions for upcoming campaigns.
Review supplier quotes, timelines, and specifications.
Negotiate costs, confirm capacity, issue purchase orders, and validate alignment on delivery expectations.
Partner with client marketing and creative teams in kickoff meetings.
Translate campaign objectives into tangible merchandise concepts, including product selection, decoration methods, and production plans.
Monitor production across multiple projects.
Review proofs, troubleshoot vendor or logistics issues, and ensure quality standards are met.
Track shipments, reconcile freight charges, and proactively communicate updates and risks.
Review project financials, including estimates vs. actuals.
Validate costs, finalize billing, and issue invoices.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and efficiencies to enhance future execution.