Retail Sales & Project Lead (Cat 2)

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of Cat 2 retail programsfrom concept through productionwhile supporting the sales and creative direction of the Retail Department. This individual will create their own retail pitch decks maintain key trackers and serve as a central point of contact between internal teams retailers and brand management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Sales & Order Administration

• Process all incoming retailer POs with complete accuracy (SKUs pricing quantities delivery dates prepacks compliance).
• Track and reconcile sales accounting and product data across Asana Excel/Google Sheets and internal systems.
• Partner with the production team to ensure orders are accurate timely and aligned with retailer expectations.
• Maintain and update WIPs trackers and Asana boards regularly for visibility and accountability.
• Note that direct retail accounts will be limited

2. Concept Art & Sample Coordination

• Manage concept submissions for brand approval maintaining communication between creative sales and brand management teams.
• Request and organize art files from internal design teams; ensure SKUs are assigned and product information is consistent.
• Oversee sample requests shipments and retailer approvals to meet vendor compliance deadlines.
• Maintain and organize the sample closet for the Cat 2 department.

3. Retail Pitch Decks & Market Development

• Independently create and maintain retail pitch decks and survey presentations using InDesign.
• Conduct comp shopping and analyze retail trends to identify product opportunities and visual directions.
• Collaborate with account managers and creative teams to prepare decks tailored to retailer and brand aesthetics.
• Present insights and visual concepts that support seasonal or program pitches.

4. Communication & Relationship Management

• Serve as a reliable point of contact for cross-department collaboration (Sales Production Creative Accounting).
• Communicate proactively with brand management and retailers regarding project statuses approvals and deliverables.
• Support weekly meetings with clear concise updates on priorities and upcoming deliverables.
• Maintain professionalism clarity and consistency in all written and verbal communication.
• Request and review placement reports from partners and discuss with VP of Retail.
• Bring to attention any specific requests that maybe outside of the norm such as artists licenses approved retailers etc.

5. Initiative & Process Improvement

• Identify workflow gaps and propose improvements to enhance speed accuracy and efficiency.
• Create and update templates trackers or tools that improve internal visibility and cross-team collaboration.
• Uphold department standards for presentation organization and follow-through.
• Take initiative in problem-solving ensuring deadlines are met even when processes shift.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities; thrives in dynamic deadline-driven environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey information clearly across all levels.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft 365 Google Suite Adobe InDesign and Asana (or equivalent systems). Adobe Creative Suite experience preferred.
• Experience in PLM type database system also preferred
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills; accuracy and consistency are second nature.
• Confident creating presentations and sales materials with an understanding of brand aesthetics.
• Self-directed proactive and resourceful able to prioritize without constant oversight.
• Operates with high integrity ownership and attention to detail.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• 35 years of experience in retail brand management or sales coordination.
• Experience in creative or product-driven industries (music lifestyle or apparel preferred).
• Familiarity with supply chain vendor compliance and retailer EDI systems.
• Experience producing or presenting sales decks line sheets or creative proposals.
• Bachelors degree in business Marketing Merchandising or related field (or equivalent experience).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit stand and move around the office environment for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer keyboard and mouse up to 80% of the workday.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms to access files equipment and workstations.
• Visual acuity with precise color perception and differentiation is essential for:
• Reviewing design files and pitch deck materials
• Analyzing product samples and color variations
• Ensuring color accuracy across design production and retail presentations
• Ability to clearly distinguish between subtle color variations and nuanced design elements
• Ability to view and assess visual materials on digital screens and printed materials
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (for sample management and occasional inventory handling)
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video conferencing
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment including computers phones scanners and presentation tools

VALUE & WORK STYLES FIT

• Independent organized and proactive operates confidently without daily supervision
• Brings creativity to structure and structure to creativity
• Finds satisfaction in completing projects with precision and visual excellence
• Thrives in collaborative evolving environments where initiative is valued

CANDIDATE SKILL ASSESSMENT PROCESS:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Global Merchandising Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression national origin protected veteran status or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against based on disability. EOE/AA M/F/D/V.