Merch Manager - Promotional Merchandise & Apparel

A to Z Media•Portland, OR

About The Position

A to Z Media, founded in 1994, is a family-owned company specializing in CD, DVD, and vinyl manufacturing services. For over 30 years, we have been committed to delivering exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing for our global clientele. We work closely with clients to provide bespoke manufacturing solutions, including special printing, packaging, production, and logistical support. Our clients range from indie labels and branding agencies to distributors and Fortune 500 companies. At A to Z Media, we pride ourselves on being a true partner in bringing creative visions to life. The Role A to Z Media is looking for a Merchandise Manager focusing on Promotional Merchandise & Apparel. The Merchandise Manager will lead the merchandise department and is responsible for creating, managing, and optimizing merchandise options and programs for a roster of clients. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on team leadership to drive revenue, ensure timely execution, and maintain brand alignment across all merchandise touchpoints—from design to delivery. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of music culture and operations, with strong leadership capabilities to manage a high-performing, creative, and logistics-driven team. We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, takes proactive steps to move projects forward and is collaborative in nature. The candidate must have a ‘can do’ attitude with an inherent ability to hustle and desire to grow and strengthen the department. What You’ll Do Work within and grow a high-performing merch team Oversee product development, sourcing, and fulfillment for clients including their tours, e-commerce, and pop-ups Collaborate with artists, managers, and creatives on product vision Own department KPIs—sales, margins, etc. Manage vendor relationships and production timelines Work cross-functionally with internal and external teams Analyze vendor and department performance

Requirements

5 years of relevant senior level experience in negotiations, vendor management, pricing, promotion, and merchandise brand management with a proven track record of delivering results
Relevant experience working in an apparel, fashion, or merch business
Experience driving internal cross-team collaboration
Experience working with creative directors, and manufacturers, to create new products
High threshold for working in an ambiguous, fast paced environment – figuring it out and adapting as you go
Comfortable with ''hands-on'' management of tasks, and proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously
Exceptional communication skills - speaking, writing, presenting and negotiating – across both business and creative audience
Proactive problem solving
Strategic thinking and adaptability
Leadership and team development
Customer and market focus
Attention to detail and follow-through
Passion for music and artist branding
Creative eye for product and design
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Relationship-building and communication
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, artist-driven environment

Responsibilities

Lead merchandise strategy and execution for the department, which can include product for tour merch, online stores, and exclusive releases
Collaborate with our sales team, clients, artists, managers, designers, and licensing teams to create compelling and authentic merchandise collections
Oversee product development, from concept and design approvals to sourcing and production timelines
Develop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profit margins
SOP creation and development for all product lines
Build and maintain strong vendor relationships.
Negotiate with vendors and manufacturers on cost, quality, and delivery terms
Analyze customer feedback and sales data to identify opportunities for improvement
Coordinate internally with our Social Media Department to support promotions, product launches, and seasonal campaigns.
Lead, coach, and develop a team.
Manage day-to-day operations of the merchandise department, including buying, production, logistics, and creative development
Assist in developing a team that may include Sourcing, Production, Art, Logistics
Work in setting department goals, monitor KPIs (sales, margin), and ensure alignment with overall company and client objectives
Foster a collaborative and deadline-driven environment with a balance of creativity and operational discipline
Oversee hiring, performance reviews, and professional development plans within the department
In tandem with Sales and Clients, develop and execute merchandising strategies for tours, online stores, pop-ups, and retail partners as requested
Collaborate with clients including artists, managers, and creative teams to translate brand vision into marketable product lines
Oversee product lifecycle starting with concepting, design approval, sourcing, production, and delivery
Ensure the merch team adheres to timelines for tour launches, drops, and retail campaigns
Manage relationships with external vendors, printers, and fulfillment partners
Serve as a key liaison between merch and other internal departments including accounting and logistics departments.
Provide strategic input for tour routing, pop-up locations, and artist campaigns based on merchandising potential
Develop relationships with potential new clients and vendors
Record actions in our custom database – milestones, notes and shipping must be 100% updated/accurate at all times
Work closely with all stakeholders to confirm orders are 100% correct and reflective of client expectations. This may include sourcing support on various projects.
Confirm timelines with clients at inception of each project to ensure all are on the same page as to expectations and delivery requirements
Lead all communication with our global vendor network to secure proofs, samples, timelines and shipping methods
Issue purchase orders to all vendors while ensuring every PO is 100% accurate
Confirm receipt of POs and check vendor schedules and portals for completion dates
Work with internal art department trafficking jobs through design and proofing stage and liaising with clients to confirm all art is correct, approved, and uploaded
Traffic all pieces through print, manufacture and into final delivery points. Confirm projects are hitting timeline targets throughout the production process.
Communicate (phone, email, Zoom, Slack) on a regular basis with clients as to the status of the job, being proactive as opposed to reactive
Consider client perspective as jobs progress through to completion
Monitor all samples for quality issues. Alert all teams involved when issues arise and/or send samples to clients as required
Maintain an accurate production schedule and generate weekly status reports
Oversee the creation of internal pitch decks, showcasing new products we’ve produced each month
Proactively review tracking, shipping notices, and pack slips to ensure product is shipping and received
Immediately respond to client claims and follow procedures to correct any issues that arise in the production and delivery process
Once the order is complete, create and issue invoice(s) to the client and ensure that all billable parts are included. Liaise with in-house sales personnel as and when necessary
Facilitate VAT billing as well as domestic sales tax when invoicing clients
Liaise with warehouse to coordinate shipments, picks ups, inventory and reworks as required
Other tasks and duties as requested or assigned