Merch Manager - Promotional Merchandise & Apparel

On-site to Hybrid, $70,000 - $95,000     A to Z Media, founded in 1994, is a family-owned company specializing in CD, DVD, and vinyl manufacturing services. For over 30 years, we have been committed to delivering exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing for our global clientele. We work closely with clients to provide bespoke manufacturing solutions, including special printing, packaging, production, and logistical support. Our clients range from indie labels and branding agencies to distributors and Fortune 500 companies. At A to Z Media, we pride ourselves on being a true partner in bringing creative visions to life.The RoleA to Z Media is looking for a Merch Product Development Manager focusing on Promotional Merchandise & Apparel. The Merchandise Manager will lead the merchandise department and is responsible for creating, managing, and optimizing merchandise options and programs for a roster of clients.This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on team leadership to drive revenue, ensure timely execution, and maintain brand alignment across all merchandise touchpoints—from design to delivery.The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of music culture and operations, with strong leadership capabilities to manage a high-performing, creative, and logistics-driven team. We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, takes proactive steps to move projects forward and is collaborative in nature. The candidate must have a ‘can do’ attitude with an inherent ability to hustle and desire to grow and strengthen the department.What You’ll Do Work within and grow a high-performing merch teamOversee product development, vendor sourcing, and fulfillment for clients including their tours, e-commerce, and pop-upsCollaborate with artists, managers, and creatives on product visionOwn department KPIs—sales, margins, etcManage vendor relationships and production timelinesWork cross-functionally with internal and external teamsAnalyze vendor and department performanceManagement Responsibilities Lead merchandise strategy and execution for the department, which can include product for tour merch, online stores, and exclusive releasesCollaborate with our sales team, clients, artists, managers, designers, and licensing teams to create compelling and authentic merchandise collectionsOversee product development, from concept and design approvals to sourcing and production timelinesDevelop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profit marginsSOP creation and development for all product linesBuild and maintain strong vendor relationships. Negotiate with vendors and manufacturers on cost, quality, and delivery termsAnalyze customer feedback and sales data to identify opportunities for improvementCoordinate internally with our Social Media Department to support promotions, product launches, and seasonal campaigns. Lead, coach, and develop a teamDepartment & Team Management Manage day-to-day operations of the merchandise department, including buying, production, logistics, and creative developmentAssist in developing a team that may include Sourcing, Production, Art, LogisticsWork in setting department goals, monitor KPIs (sales, margin), and ensure alignment with overall company and client objectivesFoster a collaborative and deadline-driven environment with a balance of creativity and operational disciplineOversee hiring, performance reviews, and professional development plans within the departmentMerchandise Strategy & Execution In tandem with Sales and Clients, develop and execute merchandising strategies for tours, online stores, pop-ups, and retail partners as requestedCollaborate with clients including artists, managers, and creative teams to translate brand vision into marketable product linesOversee product lifecycle starting with concepting, design approval, sourcing, production, and deliveryEnsure the merch team adheres to timelines for tour launches, drops, and retail campaignsManage relationships with external vendors, printers, and fulfillment partnersServe as a key liaison between merch and other internal departments including accounting and logistics departmentsProvide strategic input for tour routing, pop-up locations, and artist campaigns based on merchandising potentialDevelop relationships with potential new clients and vendorsDay to Day Task Management Record actions in our custom database – milestones, notes and shipping must be 100% updated/accurate at all timesWork closely with all stakeholders to confirm orders are 100% correct and reflective of client expectations. This may include sourcing support on various projectsConfirm timelines with clients at inception of each project to ensure all are on the same page as to expectations and delivery requirementsLead all communication with our global vendor network to secure proofs, samples, timelines and shipping methodsIssue purchase orders to all vendors while ensuring every PO is 100% accurateConfirm receipt of POs and check vendor schedules and portals for completion datesWork with internal art department trafficking jobs through design and proofing stage and liaising with clients to confirm all art is correct, approved, and uploadedTraffic all pieces through print, manufacture and into final delivery points. Confirm projects are hitting timeline targets throughout the production processCommunicate (phone, email, Zoom, Slack) on a regular basis with clients as to the status of the job, being proactive as opposed to reactiveConsider client perspective as jobs progress through to completionMonitor all samples for quality issues. Alert all teams involved when issues arise and/or send samples to clients as requiredMaintain an accurate production schedule and generate weekly status reportsOversee the creation of internal pitch decks, showcasing new products we’ve produced each monthProactively review tracking, shipping notices, and pack slips to ensure product is shipping and receivedImmediately respond to client claims and follow procedures to correct any issues that arise in the production and delivery processOnce the order is complete, create and issue invoice(s) to the client and ensure that all billable parts are included. Liaise with in-house sales personnel as and when necessaryFacilitate VAT billing as well as domestic sales tax when invoicing clientsLiaise with warehouse to coordinate shipments, picks ups, inventory and reworks as requiredOther tasks and duties as requested or assignedQualifications 5 years of relevant senior level experience in negotiations, vendor management, pricing, promotion, and merchandise brand management with a proven track record of delivering resultsRelevant experience working in an apparel, fashion, or merch businessExperience driving internal cross-team collaborationExperience working with creative directors, and manufacturers, to create new productsHigh threshold for working in an ambiguous, fast paced environment – figuring it out and adapting as you goComfortable with ''hands-on'' management of tasks, and proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneouslyExceptional communication skills - speaking, writing, presenting and negotiating – across both business and creative audienceSkill SetProactive problem solvingStrategic thinking and adaptabilityLeadership and team developmentCustomer and market focusAttention to detail and follow-throughPassion for music and artist brandingCreative eye for product and designStrong analytical and organizational skillsRelationship-building and communicationAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, artist-driven environment