The Director of Merchandise is the senior leader responsible for end-to-end ownership of merchandise buying, pricing, assortment planning, and inventory strategy across the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, the new NWSL club, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Acting as the primary decision-maker for product investment and margin performance, this role carries direct accountability for revenue, gross margin, sell-through, inventory turns, and inventory risk. The Director partners closely with the VP, Retail as a thought leader and execution driver, shaping both near-term performance and long-term retail strategy.
This role is designed for a builder. The Director of Merchandising will lead the stand-up of AMB Sports & Entertainment’s in-house buying, pricing, and inventory capability as the organization transitions control from a third-party partner.
Product Development & Buying
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Oversee product selection, buying and inventory to ensure a balanced, profitable and appealing product mix
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Analyze market trends and consumer behavior to refine and elevate each team’s product assortment
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Develop seasonal merchandise assortments aligned with brand strategy, fan insights, and sales goals
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Ability to create and manage Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets, ensuring optimal inventory levels and alignment with sales targets while driving overall volume
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Use sales data, market research, and KPIs to drive informed decisions and optimize performance
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Strong product sense with the ability to identify trends and anticipate fan demand
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Partner with senior leadership to establish long-range financial plans, seasonal strategies and retail sales goals with an emphasis on unit sales across teams
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Deep analytical skills, including sales reporting, forecasting, and inventory management
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Create and implement merchandising strategy across all locations, including regular site visits, merchandising plans and floor set plans
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Collaborate with the operations team to enhance visual merchandising and optimize the fan journey across each store
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Build annual timelines and calendars for custom collections with ability to map out 2 years in advance
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Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, budget reconciliation)
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Forecast demand and manage replenishment to support sales peaks and seasonality
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Ensure financial goals are met: revenue, sell-through, turn, GM% and markdown strategy
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Conduct market, trend, and competitor analysis to inform product selection and pricing strategies
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Drive alignment between merchandise plans and buying strategies with an emphasis on seasonality, customer journey and Present recommendations to leadership for product, pricing, and assortment improvements
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Proficiency in retail systems (e.g., ERP, POS, Excel, Mondays.com, analytics platforms)
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Ability to evaluate pricing strategies and margin improvement opportunities
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Clear communication skills with ability to present findings to executives
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Strong cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Creative, Warehouse, and Retail Ops
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Build seasonal production schedules and recurring inventory planning
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Lead cross-functional meetings to align creative, marketing, retail, and operations
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Source merchandise across multiple licensees to expand seasonal and evergreen assortments
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Oversee stadium giveaway programs and major sponsorship merchandising
Collection Management & Sales Reporting
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Lead product launch meetings and monthly retail reporting, including preparation of launch documents for both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.
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Track product timelines and shipping status; adjust PO start/cancel dates as needed
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Develop launch plans including unit distribution, timelines, and campaign strategy for distribution to Fanatics
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Lead execution of league retail initiatives in alignment with NFL & MLS guidelines
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Regularly train store teams on product features, campaign priorities, and visual standards
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Maintain strong communication and relationships with league partners, vendors, and licensees
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Partner with Marketing, Creative, and Retail Operations to plan product launch moments
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Manage sales performance reporting within the team across launch milestones
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Oversee purchase order creation and receipt with Fanatics and licensees
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Analyze sales by location and product category to identify top performers
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Create comprehensive recaps covering marketing, social, digital and sales performance
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Time-management and organization skills to handle multiple launches and timelines simultaneously
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Oversee in-store merchandising refreshes and signage rollout.
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Track key e-commerce KPIs through retail and affiliate links
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Work with data analytics team on ad hoc retail reporting as needed
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Grow vendor partnerships supporting corporate retail programs
Retail Marketing & Project Management
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Lead team that manages in-store signage and maintain up-to-date promotional merchandising
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Manage workflows, timelines, and priorities using Monday.com boards
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Coordinate order deliveries, freight tracking, and sample management for both clubs
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Improve delivery accuracy through enhanced communication workflows with stadium operations
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Project manage 3rd party events including event logistics and event operations
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Manage Falcons and Atlanta United retail initiative calendars for venue and eComm
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Align club retail launches with NFL & MLS Store platform rollout
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Lead MLS Licensee Portal management and seasonal submissions
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Participate in NFL & MLS Consumer Products Summit and league retail forums
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Manage large-scale departmental orders throughout the Blank Family of Businesses
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Identify new product and licensing opportunities and align with Fanatics
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, or related field
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10+ years in buying, merchandise planning and retail operations experience (sports, fashion, or consumer goods preferred)
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Experience working with licensed product programs and sports retail operations (e.g., NFL, MLS, NBA, NCAA) is a plus
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Proven track record of managing seasonal buying cycles and vendor negotiations
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Must be able to work select nights and weekend Atlanta Falcons games, Atlanta United matches, store product launches and 3rd party Mercedes-Benz stadium events as needed
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Strong organizational and computer skills required
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Flexible and a team player
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Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint & Word)
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Ability to multi-task, problem solve effectively and handle stressful and difficult situations
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Ability to lift 25 lbs on and occasional basis
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Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, nights as dictated by the business
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Must be assertive and eager to grow in an extremely fast paced organization
** Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
