Manager, Merchandising
About The Position
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Merchandising, this individual will be responsible for setting the merchandise strategy and vision for a complex, multi-subclass 3D product portfolio spanning premium toys, glow and bubble products. This role delivers consumer-centric, trend-right, high-quality product assortments across all owned and operated channels — translating franchise priorities and guest insights into category-defining product lines that balance play pattern innovation, collectability, core offerings and gifting. This role will sit onsite in Kissimmee, FL. This role is specific to the Premium Toys, Glow, and Bubbles categories and requires demonstrated Hardlines product development and merchandising experience. Executes the daily implementation of the product strategy for Premium Toys, Glow and Bubbles Consumer obsessed, constantly balancing the art and the science of merchandising to find opportunities, elevate brand and delight our consumer Develop targeted strategies for the Kidult consumer segment — adults 18+ purchasing product for personal use, nostalgia-driven collecting, or display — including premium price tier development, limited edition and collectible mechanics Relentlessly monitor the global competitive landscape and consumer zeitgeist to capture opportunity Champions products developed in collaboration with the design teams to capitalize on trends, anticipate consumer demand and drive product innovation in category Develop product strategies that define play pattern intent — articulating how the consumer will interact with and derive ongoing value from the product — and establish deliberate packaging intent across formats Consolidates the product needs from all regions and channels to develop one product brief to design ensuring needs of all businesses are met Find commonality in consumer, customer and market trends to minimize duplication / cannibalization; identify areas to reduce complexity and increase productivity. Establish perspective on what’s working and why to consistently improve product line Partners with Product Design and Sourcing to deliver seasonal product lines for vertical and wholesale business models that meet KPI business objectives including sustainability goals Lead merchant-initiated product development independent of the formal Product Design structure— authoring product briefs, identifying category gaps, and driving concept through commercialization in direct partnership with sourcing and manufacturing vendors Understand and support the worldwide segmentation at right price/value from value to premium Execute against opportunities to leverage products, co-brands and collaborations globally Track development counts and KPIs targets LEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENT Serve as the category ambassador across cross-functional teams — showing up with a clear point of view, energy, and deep product knowledge at every stage of the go-to-market process and in every partner interaction where the business is represented Actively participate in conversation and activities with sourcing to cost the line, run financial scenarios Actively participate in conversation with design to create a product line in all activities, key milestone meetings Manages direct report(s) (if applicable) with immediate feedback on performance and weekly touch bases to review deliverables, regular development and coaching
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive experience in Hardlines Merchandising
- Demonstrated hands-on Hardlines merchandising and product development experience across 3D categories, including familiarity with the distinct manufacturing, regulatory and quality control requirements
- Experience in building an omni-channel product line for a category or categories of business
- Demonstrated ability to capitalize on market trends and consumer zeitgeist to maximize value creation throughout the trend cycle
- Demonstrated understanding of the Kidult consumer segment, with experience developing product or assortment strategies that balance traditional child-focused play value alongside premium, nostalgia-driven, and display-oriented product strategies that resonate with adult collectors
- Experience developing play pattern briefs and packaging intent strategies across Hardlines categories, with fluency in how packaging format decisions directly impact consumer perception, purchase behavior, and collecting engagement
- Strategic thinker with the ability to drive execution against a financial plan
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to influence a diverse audience including experience working with external partners and business owners to bring product and assortments to the market
- Strong Team Player – The ability to build & foster collaborative partnerships across functions & departments
- Associate’s Degree or equivalent work experience
Nice To Haves
- Experience working in highly matrixed and/or global product companies a plus
Responsibilities
- Executes the daily implementation of the product strategy for Premium Toys, Glow and Bubbles
- Develop targeted strategies for the Kidult consumer segment
- Monitor the global competitive landscape and consumer zeitgeist
- Develop product strategies that define play pattern intent
- Consolidates the product needs from all regions and channels to develop one product brief to design
- Partners with Product Design and Sourcing to deliver seasonal product lines
- Lead merchant-initiated product development
- Understand and support the worldwide segmentation at right price/value
- Execute against opportunities to leverage products, co-brands and collaborations globally
- Track development counts and KPIs targets
- Serve as the category ambassador across cross-functional teams
- Actively participate in conversation and activities with sourcing to cost the line, run financial scenarios
- Actively participate in conversation with design to create a product line
- Manages direct report(s) (if applicable) with immediate feedback on performance and weekly touch bases to review deliverables, regular development and coaching
Benefits
- A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
