Merchandise Manager Event Production

The Merchandise Manager is responsible for owning and executing the financial targets for the RAGBRAI merchandise program. This role drives product mix planning and buying strategies to improve product quality operational efficiency and overall Merchandise Manager oversees the merchandise program including management of the Shopify storefront live events the RAGBRAI HQ retail space product launches and online inventory. This role works closely with Marketing and Creative teams to develop compelling merchandise assortments coordinate product launches and ensure brand consistency across both online and on-site retail Planning and Financial ManagementAnalyze historical sales data leverage registration trends and use market insights to set revenue targets and inventory with Event Director to align financial goals by building and managing detailed merchandise budgets and the purchasing process from order placement through production and delivery analytical and data-driven financial models to track sales performance and refine projections and post-event financial recaps including SKU-level sales analysis margin performance and year-over-year opportunities to improve inventory efficiency and reduce excess clean organized financial documentation for all merchandise orders to support Accounting & Finance and manage the annual merchandise calendar aligning product drops and campaigns with the broader marketing Sourcing Development and BuyingBuild product orders and collaborate with the Creative team to develop assortments that align with event brand identity customer demand and profitability product mix pricing strategy and inventory depth ensuring cost and budget projections are updated as products that meet desired aesthetic direction quality standards trends and cost with Creative team to develop merchandise concepts artwork applications and product product development timelines and production calendars for events and ecommerce programResearch and source new vendors and maintain strong relationships with an established vendor & Digital MerchandisingManage the online merchandise store through the Shopify platform including product listings inventory updates pricing and product pages are optimized with accurate descriptions size charts imagery and inventory product launches with marketing campaigns and event ecommerce performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve conversion rates and online Person/Retail EventsWorks with Expo Event Ops Coordinator to secure placement in each locationResponsible for managing a team of contractors or volunteer staff facilitate quick and smooth point-of-sale transactionsPerform physical duties as required by the role such as moving equipment or transferring merchandise between locationsInventory management assisting guests with purchases and overseeing sales transactions while maintaining a positive atmosphereImplement dynamic event retail activations and strategies to maximize sales growth and improve customer experienceAssist with operational tasks and contribute to a positive shopping experience through merchandise upkeep and customer engagementAct as a brand ambassador for RAGBRAI its local sponsors and venuesMerchandise Marketing & CollaborationPartner with the Marketing team to promote merchandise through email social media and digital with Creative and graphic design teams to develop artwork product concepts and branded merchandise merchandise storytelling and promotional initiatives that drive both online and event-based product insights and sales trends to inform future merchandise and marketing Skills Abilities and Worker Characteristics34 years of experience in retail merchandising planning or in revenue optimization product development and merchandising understanding of merchandising and marketing strategies within a retail in Microsoft Excel and knowledge of ecommerce platforms such as written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams vendors and external integrity professionalism and sound judgment in all business analytical and collaborative mindset with strong attention to and curious mindset with an interest in fashion merchandise and live problem-solving skills and the ability to remain effective in high-pressure organizational and ability to travel and work non-traditional hours including evenings and weekends during events.#LI-REMOTE#LOCALiQ #LI-LLThe annualized base salary for this role will range between $45000 and $50000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors including but not limited to the market in which one lives/works individual education level skills certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role may be applicable.