What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Retail & Consumer Products position at Merchandise?
The Director of Retail & Consumer Products will oversee the strategy, design, procurement, inventory management, and sales of all club merchandise. This role will showcase the club's brand and generate revenue across multiple sales channels, including online, at retail locations, and at Fitzpatrick Stadium on match days.
Do you have a passion for soccer, for Maine, and for building a global community of fans who love the Hearts brand? Are you ready to work in an entrepreneurial environment where you’ll show off a wide range of talents? Come join us as we kick off our 2025 inaugural season!
This position will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help launch Maine’s first-ever professional soccer club and to provide memorable experiences for fans of all ages.
Expected Salary Range: $65,000-$72,000, plus bonus potential
Relocation assistance: Negotiable
Relocation assistance: Negotiable
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive consumer products strategy aligned with the club's brand, values, and business objectives
- Monitor industry trends, fan preferences, and competitive activity to innovate and elevate the club's merchandise offerings
- Lead the design and development of unique, high-quality merchandise that resonates with fans and strengthens the club's identity
- Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to bring creative and trend-forward product ideas to market
- Oversee all aspects of merchandise procurement, including vendor selection, negotiations, and ensure timely delivery
- Manage inventory levels to balance demand and minimize overstock or shortages across all sales channels
- Drive performance and growth of the club's e-commerce platform, ensuring a seamless and engaging online shopping experience
- Oversee the operations of physical retail locations, ensuring they reflect the club’s brand and deliver exceptional customer service
- Coordinate gameday merchandise sales, ensuring efficient operations, robust product availability, and engaging fan interactions
- Build and manage a high-performing consumer products team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment
- Provide clear goals, regular feedback, and opportunities for professional growth to team members
- Develop and manage budgets for all consumer product activities, ensuring profitability and alignment with organizational goals
- Analyze sales data and performance metrics to inform decisions and identify growth opportunities
- Collaborate with senior management to ensure all fan experience elements properly reflect the brand and are consistent with marketing and sales objectives
- Work with all other departments to ensure cross-platform execution
- Work nights/weekends as necessary, especially on the dates of the club’s 18 home games
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Experience & Knowledge
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience in consumer products, merchandising, and/or retail leadership roles, preferably within sports, entertainment, and/or startup environments
- At least 2 years of people manager experience, both in-office and in a retail environment
- Proficiency in inventory management systems and e-commerce platforms (e.g. Shopify)
- Strong understanding of branding, product design, and retail operations
- Ability to lead within a fast-paced environment and deliver on multiple projects in parallel, while meeting deadlines and staying within budget
- Experience coordinating third-party contractors and part-time staff, ideally in a live sports or entertainment environment
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Passion for soccer and an understanding of soccer fan culture is preferred
- Passion for Maine and an understanding of its people is preferred
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Salary : $65,000 - $72,000