Merchandise Manager — Activated Events (Remote · Full-time · Travel to festivals required)
Activated Events produces exceptional large-scale music festivals throughout the Southwest. With over 15 years of expertise, Activated Events has mastered the art of transforming unique outdoor venues into dynamic spaces that resonate with audiences.
We are looking for a results-driven Merchandise Manager to lead the development, management, and growth of the brand’s entire merchandising process — from product development and sourcing to on-site festival sales and our online Shopify store. You'll work across marketing, design, logistics, and finance to build a merchandise program that drives revenue before, during, and after each festival season, while keeping purchasing cost-efficient and quality high.
This is a chance to turn our merchandise into a real brand. If you're creative, data-driven, and operationally sharp — with a strong grasp of merchandising, sourcing, and branding in live events — we'd love to hear from you.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Brand & Product Strategy
- Develop and execute a long-term vision to position Activated Events merchandise as a lifestyle brand, extending beyond festival souvenirs to appeal to a broad online audience.
- Collaborate with designers and vendors to create exclusive, on-trend apparel, accessories, and collectibles.
- Track market trends, fan preferences, and competitor offerings to keep the product line fresh and on-brand.
Purchasing & Sourcing
- Lead all purchasing and sourcing efforts for event merchandise — branded apparel, accessories, collectibles, and other retail or branded products throughout the venue.
- Build an ordering strategy driven by sales data, historical trends, and demand forecasting to minimize waste and avoid stockouts.
- Identify, vet, and negotiate with domestic and international suppliers to secure competitive pricing, consistent quality, and on-time delivery.
- Own the full purchase order lifecycle — sourcing, samples, production, quality control, delivery, and reconciliation.
Inventory & Operations
- Forecast, track, and replenish inventory to hit the right stock levels around each festival.
- Reconcile post-festival operations, including vendor invoices and cost of goods sold per event.
Artist Merch
- Advance artist merch with artist reps before each festival, coordinate on-site space and settlement, and close out with Accounting afterward.
E-commerce & Revenue
- Manage our Shopify store end to end: design, listings, inventory, and user experience.
- Grow online sales through pre-orders, limited-edition drops, online-only products, and promotions, in partnership with the digital marketing team.
- Set sales targets with finance and track performance and profitability across online and on site channels.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years in merchandise management, retail operations, or event merchandising (music/events experience a plus).
- Strong purchasing, sourcing, and vendor negotiation skills across apparel, accessories, and branded retail.
- Experience using sales data and demand forecasting to optimize ordering.
- A track record of hitting merchandise revenue and sales targets, including online.
- Solid branding and design sensibility.
- Hands-on Shopify experience, plus familiarity with inventory and POS systems.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, comfortable juggling projects in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation: $70,000 - $85,000 per year depending on experience
How to apply: Send your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] with "Merchandise Manager" in the subject line.
Activated Events is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Remote
