Director of Merchandise

USL Spokane - Manager

Spokane · WA

Retail Merchandising · Apparel · Retail Store Management

hours ago

Organizational Commitment
At USL Spokane, every employee—regardless of role—leads with a commitment to valuing diverse perspectives, experiences, and representation. We prioritize the community, the fans and the athletes to create a sustainable organization. We create sustainability in all decisions, seeking solutions with minimal environmental impact. Collaboration, creativity, and cooperation are essential to success here.

Position Summary
The Director of Merchandise is the strategic leader responsible for building and executing a merchandise ecosystem that embodies the spirit of Spokane Zephyr FC and Spokane Velocity FC. This role has full ownership of the product lifecycle, retail operations (team store, stadium store, and online), and financial performance for all merchandise. A key aspect of this role is to build strong, collaborative relationships with sponsors, vendors, community partners, and all USL Spokane stakeholders.

Key or Essential Functions
To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the duties listed below. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

Oversee the design, sourcing, and sales of all club merchandise across retail and online outlets.
Lead the merchandise design process using data insights such as sales metrics, customer feedback, and relevant industry and community trends.
Forecast product demand accurately and manage purchasing decisions, including seasonal inventory planning.
Manage the online store and point-of-sale (POS) systems; identify and implement user experience improvements and troubleshoot issues.
Receive, track, distribute, and account for inventory at all retail locations using the POS system and conduct regular physical inventory counts.
Develop and present budgets, income statements, balance sheets, and capital expenditure proposals.
Manage all game day retail operations, including scheduling, staffing, and inventory oversight.
Hire, train, and supervise hourly Team Store Associates.
Deliver exceptional customer service by working select shifts in both the team store and stadium store to promote and sell merchandise.
Collaborate with the marketing team to grow the customer base, promote products and sales, and drive traffic to retail outlets.
Maintain flexibility to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional travel as required.

Secondary Functions

The startup nature and growth of USL Spokane requires highly skilled employees who can operate in a fast paced and frequently changing environment. All positions require an entrepreneurial spirit to identify new solutions and trends, a can-do attitude with a goal of always finding a way to success, and the ability to thrive in an environment of ambiguity and change. As individual employees, members of a team, and part of the entire USL Spokane eco system, a passion for solving complex problems and contributing to the overall success of all operations is key. Every single employee contributes to a culture of working collaboratively and contributing to all aspects of the club. Employees must contribute fully to their own position and more broadly to all areas of business as needed to support the mission and drive forward success on and off the field.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, retail management, or related field (preferred).
3+ years of experience in retail operations, preferably in a sports or entertainment environment.
A combination or accumulation of applicable work-related experience and/or education may be recognized as sufficiently meeting the requirements based upon educational programs and specific experience.
Ability to pass comprehensive background check including a motor vehicle report.
Ability to pass SafeSport training.
Possess and maintain a current and valid driver’s license and maintain legally required insurance.
Previous experience should include:

o Shopify

o Personnel management

o Strong background in product design and management

o Retail operations

Proven ability to build respectful working relationships and effectively communicate with employees, management, vendors, contractors, and community partners. Ability to work collaboratively with cross functional team.
High degree of personal initiative.
Proven track record of personal and team achievements.
Creative thinker with experience generating creative solutions.
Must be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities and easily adapt to changing situations.
Demonstrates superior customer service skills by ensuring each interaction leaves the individual feeling heard, appreciated, understood, and valued.

Compensation and Benefits

Exempt position with salary range of $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience.
Performance-based bonus potential tied to team revenue goals.
Unlimited vacation and paid sick leave (prorated sick leave the first year of employment).
Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided with a 75% employer contribution for employee premiums.
50% employer contribution for dependent/spouse medical, dental, and vision.
Employer paid employee life insurance and AD&D.
Complimentary game tickets and parking.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Leadership: Acts proactively, supports team growth, and models empathy and inclusivity.
Community & Environmental Stewardship: Understands local context and integrates sustainable practices.
Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple priorities.
Analytical Skills: Gathers, interprets, and applies data to decision-making.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; comfort with technology and research tools.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Builds trust, adapts style to audience, listens actively, and negotiates effectively.
Dependability: Organized, deadline-driven, and reliable in execution.

Physical & Working Conditions
While performing the essential job functions, the employee may experience the following conditions:

Position may require flexible hours which may include extended days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Noise Conditions: exposed to nose consistent with a standard office environment on a regular basis; exposed to loud noise occasionally.
Heat / Cold: May be subject to heat, cold, wet and / or humid weather conditions, and occasionally extreme heat and /or cold.
Atmospheric Exposure: Typical office environment conditions.
Injury Exposure: May be exposed to mechanical equipment used to support players in their training.
The club may accommodate some work from home and remote work based upon the needs of the club and suitability for the position.
Ability to work with moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and / or loud noise while performing work in the field and at the stadium.
Essential position functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to:
- Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
- Regularly talk and hear
- Occasionally walk; stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
- Lift, carry, push, and /or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 15 pounds
- Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard with ability to grasp and reach
- Utilize verbal and written communication to exchange information

Note: USL Spokane retains the right to add or change the job description at any time. This position description is not all-inclusive, and employees may be required to perform duties outside this description to meet the organization’s needs.

USL Spokane is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. USL Spokane provides a work environment for employees that is free from unlawful discrimination. All employment-related decisions including hiring are made without consideration of an employee’s race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identify and expression, religion, age, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, marital status, genetic information, use of a trained service animal or dog guide, HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C status, or any other basis protected by local state or federal law.

If you require assistance or accommodations to complete the application process, please contact [email protected].

Job Questions:

Are you at least 18 years of age?
Do you have previous merchandise experience with a professional sports team?
Why are you interested in this position at USL Spokane?
Do any of your relatives or persons of your same household work at USL Spokane? If so, please list their names. Please skip if not applicable.
Do you expect to be engaged in any other business or employment outside of employment with USL Spokane. If yes, please explain.
If not already included in a resume or CV, please list three professional references (do not include family members). Please include the following information for each reference: Name, Phone Number, Email Address.
Do you have any prior commitments (e.g. planned vacation) which would require an absence in the next 12 months? If yes, please explain.
How were you referred to USL Spokane to apply?
I hereby affirm that the information provided on this application, and accompanying letters or resume, is true and complete. I also agree and understand that any false or misleading information or significant omissions may disqualify me from consideration for employment or result in my dismissal if hired. I authorize this employer to investigate my background thoroughly, and agree to assist in such investigation. I release and hold harmless, and promise not to claim damages from any of my prior employers listed above for providing information. I also understand that employment may be contingent upon an investigation into criminal convictions on record with Local, State, Federal or International law enforcement authorities. I understand that, if hired, my employment is not for any specific period or duration and is terminable at will by the Company or me at any time with or without cause or notice. I understand this application is NOT A CONTRACT. I agree to present documentation proving my eligibility to work in the United States, and that failure to do so voids any offer of employment.

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