WORKING WITH THE BANANAS

Working with the Savannah Bananas is fun, challenging, and exciting. We have a team of extremely talented and positive people who are committed and energized by our mission. When it comes to the Bananas, they live and breathe “Fans First, Entertain Always.”

The Fans First way guides our team and our teammates to embody being caring, different, enthusiastic, fun, growing, and hungry. Everyone shows personal and professional growth and they are constantly serving and impacting others. We’ve built an All-Star team of the best creators, performers, and doers in business. We constantly bring on people who contribute to the atmosphere of intelligence, passion, and fun! The team is obsessed with challenging the status quo and finding a better way to do almost everything for our fans.

THE POSITION

The Savannah Bananas are hiring the person to lead their merchandise operations at the next level. This person will oversee product selections, vendor relationships, inventory management and all operational processes related to merchandise sales online and at Grayson Stadium.

The Vice President of Merchandise will work directly with ownership and other teammates within the merchandising department to expand and fulfill retail operations of the Bananas Merchandise. This person must lead with confident humility and passionately encourage growth, both personally and professionally, for all those they work alongside.

The ideal person for this role is someone who has at least 7 years of merchandising, retail buying, and eCommerce experience, specifically within the sports and entertainment industry. Additionally, this person has experience making strategic decisions and implementing strategic change.

At a glance, here’s what you can expect from the role:

35% Strategic Leader – Guide and direct all business operations, including development of new products and marketing decisions to further growth.
25% Inventory and Ordering Specialist – Knowing what product is on hand and accurately projecting and acquiring product necessary to meet increasing demand.
20% Entrepreneurial Number Cruncher – Use complete understanding of what data and financial measurements indicate to mold vision for future.
20% Fans First Evangelist – Ensure that vendor relationships, strategies and technologies implemented continue to put Fans First and enhance Bananas Fan Experience.

VISION FOR THE MERCHANDISE DEPARTMENT

The Savannah Bananas are a 24/7/365 brand for people from all over the world to experience and align with.

As the most electric and fun team in sports, the quality and variety of Bananas gear needs to be reflective of the first-class and unique experience Fans have in person or see online.

We know that “free shipping” is simply not good enough. Two-day shipping has become the standard expectations fans have when placing online orders. Ordering Bananas gear online is no different. “Fans First Free-Shipping” must also have a quick turnaround time.

We have efficient processes that enable us to scale quickly as demand for product and service changes. These processes are documented so that our standard of excellence is maintained and repeatable.

Merchandise decisions are made with a WIN-WIN-WIN mentality ensuring that the fans win, our teammates win, and the organization wins.

RESPOSIBILITIES AND KEY PERFORMANCE POINTS

Demonstrate expertise in all facets of merchandise operation and lead the charge in teaching processes and strategies to other teammates.
Work with vendors and partners in identifying, negotiating, and selecting premium products.
Works with vendors to ensure timely and accurate deliveries based on our specific needs.
Oversee and maintain operational standards, regularly assessing and inspecting current procedures.
Know “the numbers” of merchandise better than anyone else in the organization; understanding implications of marginal pricing changes to the overall business operation.
Lead to weekly “Merch Meetings” to move projects forward and ensure unity and collaboration with all necessary personnel.
Work alongside Vice President of Finance to project revenues and manage budgets.
Collaborate with other department leaders to create better merchandise experiences for fans.
Appropriately prioritize projects and assignments based on size or quality of impact for fans and teammates.
Influence operational excellence in retail distribution and online fulfillment.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE IS

Fired up by process improvement and efficiency.
Competent and confident in using data management like Excel, point of sale reports, inventory management systems, and others to generate and analyze reports.
Experienced in working with medium to large, growth-focus organizations. Preferably has expertise within merchandising in the sports and entertainment industry.
In-tune with standard industry practices and able to identify emerging trends within the marketplace.
Passionate about helping others make better, smarter, more strategic decisions.
Consistently asks “Is there a better way?”
Able to take ideas and turn them into reality.
Detail oriented and thorough, to the point that you’re still reading this and will mention your favorite vegetable in your application.
Focused on quality and accuracy of reports.
Ready to make an impact on fans across the world.
Eager to join a team as hungry to have fun as we are hungry to grow!

The Savannah Bananas Vice President of Merchandise will always be Caring, Different, Enthusiastic, Fun, Growing, and Hungry.

*As part of the application, please share a two-minute video introducing yourself and answering the following questions: 1) What excites you about potentially joining our team? 2) What stood out to you most about the 2025 Vision on our website? 3) Why are you the perfect fit for this position?

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.