Merchandise & Apparel Manager

The Merchandise & Apparel Manager is responsible for executing Jack Links branded apparel and merchandise strategy through product development vendor management inventory planning ecommerce support and launch execution. This role serves as the operational backbone of the wearables business ensuring products move efficiently from concept to customer while maintaining brand standards quality expectations and financial objectives.

Working closely with the Senior Manager Branded Apparel & Merchandise this position will manage day-to-day merchandising activities support seasonal product launches and limited-edition drops coordinate vendor relationships and oversee internal and external merchandise programs.

This role requires a blend of project management merchandising sourcing and operational expertise along with a passion for consumer products lifestyle brands and brand storytelling.

Merchandise Planning & Product Development

• Support development and execution of seasonal merchandise assortments and limited-edition product drops.
• Manage product lifecycle from concept through production fulfillment and post-launch analysis.
• Coordinate product specifications artwork approvals samples and production timelines.
• Track trends in apparel accessories and promotional merchandise to identify new product opportunities.
• Assist with assortment planning and SKU rationalization.

Vendor & Sourcing Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with apparel accessory and promotional merchandise vendors.
• Obtain product quotes negotiate pricing and manage purchase orders.
• Coordinate product sampling quality reviews and vendor performance evaluations.
• Monitor production schedules and proactively address delays or quality concerns.
• Support sourcing initiatives focused on cost optimization and speed-to-market.

Ecommerce & Launch Execution

• Coordinate product setup and launch readiness for ecommerce platforms.
• Maintain product information descriptions pricing and imagery.
• Support execution of merchandise drops promotional campaigns and product launches.
• Partner with Marketing Creative and Social teams to ensure launch assets are delivered on schedule.
• Track launch performance and recommend improvements.

Inventory & Operations Management

• Manage inventory levels and replenishment planning across merchandise categories.
• Monitor inventory performance sell-through rates and aging inventory.
• Support forecasting efforts and demand planning activities.
• Coordinate fulfillment and distribution activities with internal and external partners.
• Ensure operational processes support profitability and customer satisfaction.

Internal Merchandise Programs

• Manage internal team-member apparel and merchandise ordering programs.
• Coordinate branded merchandise needs for events trade shows recruiting sponsorships and corporate initiatives.
• Partner with HR Sales Marketing and Leadership teams to fulfill merchandise requests efficiently.

Analytics & Reporting

• Track merchandise sales inventory performance margins and promotional effectiveness.
• Prepare weekly and monthly business performance reports.
• Analyze customer purchasing trends and product performance.
• Provide recommendations to improve profitability assortment effectiveness and operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Creative Services on artwork execution and product approvals.
• Collaborate with Integrated Marketing on launch calendars and promotional plans.
• Support retailer event sponsorship and experiential merchandise initiatives.
• Work closely with Finance on forecasting budgeting and inventory management.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications :

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelors degree in Marketing Merchandising Business Retail Management Supply Chain or related field.
• 6 years of experience in merchandising branded merchandise apparel retail operations product development or ecommerce.
• Experience managing vendors and coordinating product development projects.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and inventory tracking systems.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred

• Experience with branded apparel lifestyle products or consumer packaged goods.
• Shopify or ecommerce platform experience.
• Merchandise planning or inventory management experience.
• Experience supporting product launches or retail merchandising programs.
• Familiarity with apparel sourcing decoration methods and production processes.
• Passion for lifestyle brands outdoor culture sports or consumer products.

Additional Information :

The salary range for this role is $125000 - $145000 (Annually).  Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to external market data internal equity location and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Links Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Links provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members including medical dental and vision benefits life and disability insurance 401k participation paid holidays and paid time off.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Links provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age color national origin citizenship status physical or mental disability race religion creed gender sex sexual orientation gender identity and/or expression genetic information marital status status with regard to public assistance veteran status or any other characteristic that is protected by federal state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Links is a participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program please visit:   your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Disclaimer:

This job description is intended to generally describe the nature and level of work to be performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and skills required of employees performing this role.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time