Program Account Manager, Branded Merchandise

Phase 3 Marketing and Communication•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Phase 3 Marketing & Communications is an integrated marketing services firm founded in 2001, simplifying the way brands connect with their customers. They offer services from creative and digital marketing to printing, managing projects from start to finish. With locations across the eastern United States, Phase 3 solves clients' marketing challenges. The company is recognized for its industry standing and growth. The Senior Program Account Manager serves as the operational and strategic lead for a high-profile enterprise branded merchandise account. This role involves managing merchandise initiatives from concept through delivery, working closely with clients, sales, sourcing, suppliers, and fulfillment teams. The ideal candidate possesses merchandising expertise, strong organizational skills, understands the promotional products industry, and can manage multiple concurrent initiatives in a collaborative setting.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in branded merchandise, promotional products, marketing services, category management, or related industries.
Experience managing complex enterprise accounts or large-scale promotional merchandise programs.
Strong understanding of promotional product sourcing, decoration methods, and supplier networks.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Merchandise planning and assortment background a plus.
Experience with promotional products industry platforms such as SAGE, ESP, Commonsku, NetSuite, or similar ERP systems.
Experience managing online company stores, inventory programs, and fulfillment operations.
Knowledge of global sourcing and overseas manufacturing.
Familiarity with branded merchandise compliance and quality assurance processes.
A consultative and collaborative approach to client partnerships
Strong merchandising instincts and product knowledge
Exceptional attention to detail
The ability to balance strategic thinking with flawless execution
Outstanding organizational and project management skills
Calm decision-making in a fast-paced environment
A passion for creating exceptional branded merchandise experiences
A commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary day-to-day program manager for a key enterprise branded merchandise account.
Manage multiple merchandise initiatives simultaneously while ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client objectives.
Coordinate project timelines, production schedules, artwork approvals, logistics, inventory planning, and fulfillment activities.
Lead project status meetings and maintain clear communication with internal and client stakeholders.
Anticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions to ensure successful program execution.
Curate thoughtful branded merchandise assortments aligned with client brand standards, marketing objectives, employee engagement initiatives, and event needs.
Research industry trends, new product introductions, decoration techniques, and sustainable merchandise solutions.
Develop product recommendations that balance creativity, quality, functionality, budget, and brand consistency.
Partner with sourcing teams to evaluate product alternatives and optimize value.
Collaborate with domestic and international supplier partners to source high-quality promotional products.
Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, lead times, compliance requirements, and production feasibility.
Negotiate pricing and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality expectations.
Work closely with sourcing specialists and production teams to resolve manufacturing or supply chain challenges.
Collaborate with creative, production, fulfillment, logistics, procurement, finance, and customer service teams to deliver seamless client experiences.
Ensure internal teams have the information and resources needed to execute projects successfully.
Foster strong working relationships across departments to improve communication and efficiency.
Manage inventory programs, company stores, kit builds, and fulfillment initiatives.
Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment planning.
Analyze inventory usage and recommend optimization opportunities.
Support forecasting and inventory reporting for ongoing programs.
Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders through responsiveness, reliability, and strategic thinking.
Provide consultative recommendations that support evolving business objectives.
Present merchandise concepts, assortment recommendations, timelines, and project updates.
Ensure all deliverables meet client expectations and brand standards.