Brand & Product Development Director

Mur-chol-uh-jee The science of company merch; the skill of creating and delivering custom-branded apparel and corporate gifts around the world.

Merchology is a leading eCommerce retailer in B2B sales of co-branded merchandise including apparel headwear drinkware gifts and accessories. We are family-owned people-powered and we are adding to our team at our facility in Plymouth. Come see why we are a three-time Star Tribune Top Workplaces award winner!

Merchology is currently seeking a Brand and Product Development Director for its sustainable apparel brand Zusa. Reporting to Merchologys CEO this position will lead the strategic direction marketing and brand development of Zusa and is responsible for shaping Zusas brand identity managing its marketing campaigns overseeing product development and sourcing partnerships and aligning the brands creative and commercial goals.

This position serves as the bridge between marketing design sourcing and inventory planning: ensuring that Zusas story products and performance align with its mission of sustainability and innovation.

About Merchology

Merchology is the leading online retailer in B2B sales of co-branded retail merchandiseincluding apparel headwear drinkware gifts and accessories. We are customer logos brands they love. Its pure brand awesomeness!

Our sustainable lifestyle brand Zusa launched in 2019 and is now one of the fastest-growing sustainability brands in the corporate gifting market. Zusas apparel and accessories (made from recycled materials) have repurposed more than 6.2 million plastic bottles.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

A successful Brand and Product Development Director will be responsible for:

Zusa Brand & Marketing Leadership

• Develop and implement a cohesive brand strategy positioning Zusa for long-term growth and category leadership in the corporate apparel and gifting space.
• Manage brand identity ensuring all visual verbal and experiential touchpoints are consistent and impactful.
• Partner with the Merchology marketing and sales teams to create and execute campaigns seasonal launches and product stories.
• Oversee digital merchandising SEO-driven content and product presentation across and .
• Conduct market and trend research to identify opportunities in sustainable apparel and gifting including new product types colors silhouettes.
• Measure and report on brand performance and ROI across marketing channels.
• Manage freelance resources to oversee and manage seasonal lifestyle photoshoots product photography video production and the creation of other brand storytelling assets.
• Maintain B-Corp and Sustainability certifications for the brand.

Product Development & Sourcing the Zusa Brand & Merchologys Customer Private Label Program

• Oversee Zusas global supplier relationships ensuring sustainability cost and quality standards are met.
• Partner with overseas factories on Zusa core products and private-label programs for Merchology customers.
• Lead Zusas 3-year product roadmap and development calendar incorporating performance analytics customer insights and supplier input.
• Manage the in-house Senior Product Designer to execute design and product initiatives.
• Collaborate with Senior Product Designer and suppliers on material selection product quality and innovation aligned with Zusas sustainability key suppliers (12x annually) to strengthen relationships and assess manufacturing excellence.

Inventory & Business Planning

• Lead demand and inventory forecasting processes to ensure optimal stock levels and margin goals.
• Partner with finance and product strategy teams to analyze product profitability and inform assortment strategy.
• Analyze and manage product turn velocities to maximize profitability minimize excess inventory and ensure optimal brand performance against financial and operational targets.
• Support pricing forecasting and lifecycle management of the Zusa product line.
• Additional projects or duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in marketing communications apparel or business (MBA preferred).
• 815 years of relevant experience in brand management product strategy or sourcing within apparel or consumer goods.
• Proven track record of leading brand strategy and cross-functional marketing initiatives.
• Experience managing overseas suppliers and sustainable product development.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in forecasting budgeting and performance measurement.
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder capable of leading creative and operational teams.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
• Preferred experience with a CRM (e.g. HubSpot)
• Efficient and detail-oriented

WHAT WE OFFER

In addition to an outstanding creative culture authentically nice people and interesting work we have:

• Generous PTO (starts at 18 days per year)
• 8 company-paid holidays
• Hybrid work schedule for select departments
• 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually
• 401(k) with match
• Medical and dental insurance options spending account options including an HSA with employer match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Company-sponsored social events
• Premium brand partner discounts
• Employee-led events that include recognition wellness volunteering and DE&I