Position: Apparel Merchandise Manager - Young Men's Tops

Who We Are

For over 40 years, the UNIONBAY label has been synonymous with quality and industry-leading design. Our success is founded on the excellence of our employees. You will be part of a dynamic, creative, forward-thinking, cohesive team; working together to succeed in the constantly changing and challenging fun fashion industry.

Summary

The Tops Merchandise Manager is responsible for overseeing the merchandising and production processes for the tops category of our Unionbay and Union labels. This role involves coordinating with management, design, sales, and customer service teams to ensure the development, pricing, and timely delivery of high-quality products that meet market demands and company goals.

Essential Job Functions

· Manage merchandise for the tops category and design timing calendars, seasonal line plans, product pricing, initial gross margins and inventory.

· Oversee development in collaboration with Management and Head Designer. Coordinate with design on concept/product development. Ensure product and fabric development meets price points, quality standards, and expected customer needs.

· Review and negotiate costing and establish product pricing strategies to achieve target initial gross margins.

· Create and present final seasonal line plans to Senior Management and Sales alongside Design team.

· Prepare for each new season’s sales meetings and market releases. Manage the costing, computer set-up, and linesheets for accuracy.

· Educate sales team on new products and concepts in collaboration with Head Designer.

· Plan production capacity and schedules to meet sales and delivery targets; place seasonal buys in relation to sales, minimizing inventory and keeping to planned deliveries and gross margin.

· Oversee and manage on-time delivery for season contracts. Resolve production issues as required. 

· Communicate with sales teams regarding product updates, deliveries, and special requirements.

· Coordinate with Customer Service and DC Team on customer compliance and special needs.

· Market Research and Analysis - Conduct market research to gather insights on trends, competition, and customer preferences. Provide market analysis and sales feedback to the design team.

· Shop domestic markets, and occasionally international markets, to stay updated on competition, pricing and sourcing options.

· Monitor and control the design, merchandising and sample budgets. Audit and issue sample and development PO’s.

· Review monthly financial statements and address any discrepancies.

· Train, develop, and manage a skilled team in merchandising and production team. Provide leadership, training, and development. Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

· Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required

· Bachelor's degree in Merchandising, Fashion Design, Business, or a related field.

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising or production management in the apparel industry.

· Proven ability to manage profitable production for a division.

· Ability to organize and maintain merchandising/production department systems.

· Ability to understand and research current and future market trends for the Young men's market, specifically for knit/woven tops.

· Strong understanding of product development, fabric sourcing, and production processes.

· Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.

· Strong organizational skills. 

· Ability to analyze and prioritize critical information, handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

· Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Excel, PLM systems).

· Ability to travel as needed. Occasional needs to travel to international and domestic markets, to Hong Kong to facilitate line adoption meetings and to New York for sales meetings and customer meetings.

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 annually, DOE.