Merchandising Manager

Varsity Brands•Farmers Branch, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Varsity Brands is looking to hire a Merchandising Manager – Licensed leads the branded licensed strategy and ensures licensed product assortments align with broader sport category objectives. This role drives category planning, partners closely with licensed vendors and internal Teams, and ensures assortments reflect consumer insights, financial targets, and brand requirements from development through go to market.

Requirements

Ability to manage sensitive matters and information with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
Strong organization, multitasking and prioritization skills with strict deadlines.
Self-motivated collaborator, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment and pivot focus of responsibilities in a smooth and efficient manner.
Strong communication skills including listening, writing and verbal communication across all levels of the organization.
Retail math proficiency including margin analysis, pricing logic and assortment performance metrics.
Ability to interpret consumer insights and translate trends into product direction.
Ability to incorporate customer centric values and SPIRIT principles.
The ability to communicate (listening, writing and verbal) across all levels of an organization efficiently and effectively.
Must be comfortable with conflict resolution.
Proficiency in Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point required.
Strong vendor relationship management and negotiation skills.
Comfortable navigating and resolving conflict.
Strong presentation skills for sales and internal audiences.
Bachelor’s degree preferred
3-5 years of merchandising, product management or related experience; licensed product experience preferred
Proven ability to communicate effectively across cross functional Teams and leadership
Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems and manage manual processes when required

Responsibilities

Lead the overall management of branded licensed strategy
Manage the category development calendar and key milestones.
Oversee category management including style management, pricing strategy, margin, and profitability.
Conduct competitive analysis to inform planning and decision making.
Collaborate cross functionally to establish category priorities.
Serve as the key product contact with the appropriate product manufacturers and vendors.
Collaborate with vendors on category needs, product costing, programs, and development.
Apply consumer insights and market trends to guide assortment decisions.
Identify and communicate category assortments based on season.
Provide information for style setup, system setup, and product attributes.
Provide category, style, and pricing information for all marketing and go-to-market materials.
Collaborate internally with Teams to drive products from set up to launch.
Work cross functionally on sales sample needs.
Architect of product design and execution of brand ethos for each assortment, working directly with Branded Partners.
Funnel assortment details to marketing and sales for go to market needs.
Partner with Demand Planning and Forecasting on trends related to market and product needs.
Present product category at sales events and internal meetings.
Provide product training support for inside and outside cross functional Teams.
Own the E&O process working in tandem with Finance; provide identification and product direction on E&O items, inclusive of discount programs.
Create and manage vendor rebate programs in partnership with Finance.
Work cross functionally to ensure products move smoothly through development, setup, and launch dates.