PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Las Vegas Aces are seeking a Director, Retail Operations & Merchandise to develop high-level product and business strategies by generating revenue, product positioning and forecasted growth will continue to build awareness and identity. The Director, Retail Operations & Merchandise will be responsible for a wide range of duties as it pertains to Las Vegas Aces brand strategy. The position will assist with all merchandise responsibilities and drive revenue through the sales of licensed WNBA products. The Director, Retail Operations & Merchandise will work closely with various departments including marketing, partnerships, social media, game presentation and business development.
PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work directly with the Chief Marketing Officer and WNBA Licensees to select products for the Las Vegas Aces that are in demand for the fanbase.
- Develop short and long-term product assortment strategies that align with the brand vision, financial plans, channel, and customer needs.
- Create the vision for the graphics that will go on apparel.
- Analyze category performance and drive category strategies.
- Collaborate with the Chief Marketing Officer on all buying decisions.
- Assist with inventory management.
- Execute the pricing and promotional strategies to drive incremental gross margin dollars.
- Aid in creating purchase orders with size breakdowns and quantities.
- Select products to be featured as “Item of the Game” signature pieces.
- Amplify team and player accomplishments through merchandise.
- Utilize merchandise to story tell.
- E-Commerce website management oversight.
- Coordinate merchandise photoshoots for website, ads, and social media needs.
- Work directly with social media to highlight merchandise across all social platforms.
- Analyze POS data to inform future product creation.
- Help drive traffic to Aces Team Shop at Aces Headquarters.
- Maintain inventory levels at Aces Team Shop at Aces Headquarters.
- Oversee Aces Team Shop at Aces Headquarters displays.
- Responsible for game day inventory selection and arrangement at in arena retail locations.
- Understand licensee buying windows.
- Create player warm-up shirts in alignment with theme games.
- Analyze pricing strategy to achieve category margin and profitability targets.
- Facilitate local, privately owned stores carrying Las Vegas Aces merchandise.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- A creative thinker that is performance minded.
- Proven budget management abilities.
- Experience with inventory management.
- Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
- A passion for sports and growing the game.
- Demonstrates ability to manage projects with diverse, cross functional teams of professionals.
- Ability to make decisions in a fast-paced atmosphere.
- Think strategically by balancing long-term plans with day-to-day activities.
- Must have strong interpersonal communication skills.
- A creative solution-oriented, out-of-the-box-thinker with excellent communication skills.
- A background in data-driven executions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Relevant experience in retail, marketing, business development, or licensing.
- Knowledge of sports apparel and accessories, the creation process, timeline, and terminology.
- Experience working in sports and entertainment.
- Strong background in the retail industry.
- Available and able to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to lift over 10 lbs.
- Understand following brand guidelines and intellectual property laws.
- E-commerce experience.
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook.
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.
