Position: Merchandise Manager
Location: Bismarck, ND or Minot, ND
Reports To: VP of Operations
Travel Required: Yes – regular travel to Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks
About Us
We are a collection of North Dakota sports and entertainment brands that deliver high-energy, community-focused experiences. Collectively, we manage:
- Bismarck Larks – Northwoods League baseball team in Bismarck, ND
- Minot Hot Tots – Northwoods League baseball team in Minot, ND
- Minot Honeybees – Northwoods League Softball team in Minot, ND
- Grand Forks Softball Team (launching 2026) – Northwoods League Softball team in Grand Forks, ND
- Funatix Events – Event production company specializing in large-scale festivals, catering, and community events
Across these organizations, we operate baseball and softball teams, plan large-scale events, run a catering division, and manage sponsorship, ticketing, and merchandise sales. Together, our teams and events bring people together for unforgettable experiences rooted in sports, community, and fun.
Overview
We’re seeking a Merchandise Manager who thrives on creativity, style, and strategy. This role is about more than stocking shelves—it’s about curating product lines, developing innovative marketing campaigns, and designing retail layouts that maximize sales and elevate the fan experience.
The Merchandise Manager will oversee procurement, sales operations, online store management, and event activations for the Bismarck Larks, Minot Hot Tots, Minot Honeybees, Grand Forks Softball, and Funatix Events. The right candidate is both a buyer and a brand builder: someone who knows how to identify trends, source high-quality products, and present them in ways that excite fans and drive results.
This position may be based in Bismarck or Minot, ND, with regular travel to Bismarck, Minot, and Grand Forks throughout the year—especially during the summer season.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Product Strategy (Primary Focus)
- Research, source, and negotiate with vendors to secure high-quality, on-trend merchandise at the best value.
- Build seasonal product lines tailored to each team and event, ensuring a balance of staple items and creative, limited-edition offerings.
- Stay ahead of industry and retail trends to keep merchandise fresh, stylish, and desirable for fans.
- Manage timelines from product concept to delivery, ensuring readiness for launches and promotions.
Marketing, Branding & Promotions (Primary Focus)
- Partner with marketing teams to design campaigns that showcase new product lines and exclusive drops.
- Develop promotional strategies for game days, theme nights, and large-scale events.
- Create story-driven merchandising that integrates brand identity and connects emotionally with fans.
- Use sales data and trend insights to guide reorders, special offers, and marketing pushes.
Retail Layout & Store Presentation (Primary Focus)
- Design engaging retail spaces at ballparks, festivals, and events that maximize traffic flow, visibility, and sales.
- Oversee store setup, visual merchandising, signage, and seasonal refreshes.
- Ensure all sales areas are organized, clean, and visually impactful.
- Train staff on retail presentation standards and upselling techniques.
Operations & Technology (Support Role)
- Manage POS systems, cash handling, and staff training for efficient, accurate transactions.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and implement process improvements.
- Oversee online store operations, including product listings, order fulfillment, and customer support.
Inventory & Data Analysis (Support Role)
- Monitor inventory levels across all locations to balance supply and demand.
- Track sales data and report on product performance, profitability, and consumer trends.
- Use insights to make data-driven decisions on markdowns, reorders, and future product strategies.
Staff Leadership & On-Site Management (Support Role)
- Recruit, train, and manage seasonal merchandise staff for games and special events.
- Serve as the on-site merchandise lead during peak events, ensuring smooth sales operations and fan satisfaction.
- Maintain strong customer service standards for both in-person and online interactions.
Qualifications
- Strong understanding of retail marketing and consumer trends.
- Proven ability to design and execute compelling retail layouts.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, POS systems, and e-commerce platforms.
- Experience with vendor negotiations, inventory systems, and retail data analysis.
- Willingness to travel regularly across North Dakota.
Core Values (EPIC)
We live by our EPIC values and expect every team member to embody them in their work:
- Experience Obsessed – We prioritize memorable experiences for fans, clients, and our team.
- Positive Energy – We bring energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to every situation.
- Innovating Constantly – We embrace new ideas and always look for ways to improve.
- Community Rooted – We serve, engage with, and support the communities we operate in.
Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive annual salary (Full-time and part-time applicants considered)
- Health benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
