Overview
The Senior Merchandising Manager plays a pivotal role in setting and executing the product life cycle for our Mass Channel. This includes development and vision for Unrivaled Teamwear's licensed sports apparel business product. This role will lead the development of strategic line plans, guide seasonal execution, and drive business performance through trend analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and consumer-focused product creation. This position directly manages the Assistant Merchandising Manager, & PLM business lead. and serves as a key liaison between Merchandising Design, Sales, Supply Chain, and Licensing teams.
About Unrivaled Teamwear
Unrivaled Teamwear serves as the parent company of Gear for Sports and Knights Apparel, each as an industry leader in the sports and team apparel space. Our family of brands know what goes into great decorated garments, using top-quality fabrics and offering creative decoration options. Each brand offers customers a premier selection and exceptional service for all their sportswear needs, from T-shirts and caps to fleece, performance wear, and outerwear.
Essential Duties
Merchandising Strategy & Product Line Development
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Lead the seasonal product line planning process—defining product architecture, pricing strategies, SKU productivity, and assortment breadth based on category insights and business goals.
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Identify market opportunities and trends in the licensed sports apparel industry to influence seasonal strategy and innovation.
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Partner with Design and Product Development to ensure line vision, cost targets, and product positioning align with brand and consumer goals.
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Maintain strong collaboration with Licensing teams to ensure all product development aligns with license requirements and visual guidelines.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Line Execution
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Serve as the central point of contact between Merchandising and cross-functional teams including Design, Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Licensing.
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Oversee adherence to product development calendars and ensure timely delivery of key milestones including concept reviews, CAD reviews, and line adoption.
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Lead the preparation and execution of sales meetings, customer presentations, and internal line reviews.
Team Leadership
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Manage, coach, and develop the Assistant Merchandising Manager, providing guidance on seasonal tasks, line execution, and professional growth.
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Foster a high-performance team culture focused on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
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Act as a mentor across the Product organization, sharing merchandising best practices and supporting cross-functional education.
Business & Market Analysis
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Drive product decision-making through detailed analysis of retail, eComm, and marketplace performance.
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Conduct regular competitive benchmarking and consumer trend research to inform product direction.
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Monitor and report on margin goals, SKU productivity, and product lifecycle health to inform future development.
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Take accountability for monitoring and reviewing key performance indicators such as sales, margin performance, and category profitability
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, Fashion Design, or a related field.
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6–8 years of progressive merchandising experience in the licensed sports, teamwear, or athletic apparel industry.
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Minimum 1–2 years of leadership experience with a direct report or cross-functional team leadership.
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Strong understanding of the product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization.
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Excellent analytical, organizational, and presentation skills.
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High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple seasons/projects simultaneously.
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Proficiency in PLM systems, Excel, Adobe Illustrator, and other merchandising tools.
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Deep knowledge of consumer behavior in the sports retail environment.
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Strong communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
Work Environment & Other Requirements
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Primarily office-based or hybrid, with occasional travel for market shopping, licensing meetings, or key customer presentations.
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Must possess strong visual color evaluation skills and awareness of current fashion and teamwear trends.
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Ability to sit, talk, and use hands regularly; occasional standing and walking required.
EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate. Other duties will be assigned as needed.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing as well as participate in E-Verify.
