Merchandising Sourcing & Production Manager

RYZE

About The Position

The Merchandising Sourcing & Production Manager owns RYZE’s branded merchandise function from vendor sourcing and cost management through production, delivery, and inventory control. This is an ownership role responsible for setting standards for how merchandise is made, what it costs, and when it arrives. The manager builds and maintains a supplier network for apparel, drinkware, swag, and other branded goods used in retail, events, and internally. They source and assess vendors, monitor supplier performance, negotiate pricing and terms, and manage vendors that do not meet expectations. The role also manages merchandise production end to end, from creative brief and sampling through approvals, quality control, and delivery. The manager owns the merchandise budget and cost targets, identifies savings, and maintains cost transparency. They oversee forecasting, reorder timing, stock minimums, and inventory accuracy, while partnering with Creative, Brand, Marketing, and Operations to turn concepts into feasible production plans delivered on time and within budget.

Requirements

Proven experience owning a production or merchandise function, ideally in merchandise, apparel sourcing, or branded goods.
Track record of managing a budget and being accountable for cost outcomes.
Strong background in vendor sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship and performance management.
Negotiation skills and a track record of securing favorable costs and terms.
Experience with inventory planning and forecasting.
Experience designing and optimizing production workflows.
Familiarity with merchandise production methods such as screen printing, embroidery, blanks sourcing, and minimum order quantities.
Ability to work cross-functionally with creative and business teams.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain a reliable supplier network for apparel, drinkware, swag, and other branded goods for retail, events, and internal use.
Source and onboard vendors, assessing quality, capacity, lead times, and cost competitiveness.
Set and track vendor scorecards for quality, cost, and timeliness, and manage out underperforming vendors.
Negotiate favorable pricing and terms without compromising quality.
Own end-to-end production management for branded merchandise, from creative brief through sampling, approval, production, quality control, and delivery.
Build and continuously improve processes that take merchandise from concept to delivery.
Manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines while tracking status, risks, and timelines.
Flag timeline risks proactively and establish contingency plans.
Own the merchandise budget, track spending against plan, and meet cost targets.
Identify and deliver measurable savings through negotiation and sourcing improvements.
Maintain cost transparency across active projects.
Own forecasting, reorder timing, and stock minimums across the merchandise portfolio to prevent stockouts and overruns.
Maintain inventory accuracy and report against a defined baseline.
Partner with Creative, Brand, Marketing, and Operations to translate concepts into feasible, well-scoped production briefs.
Bridge brand concepts and practical production, sourcing, timing, and budget constraints.
Design and optimize workflows that make merchandise production faster and more reliable over time.