Club: Sarasota Paradise
Location: Sarasota, FL
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Level: Manager
The Manager, Merchandise & Consumer Goods will be responsible for growing merchandise revenue and expanding the club's consumer-product business across retail, e-commerce, matchday sales, and specialty merchandise channels. This role will oversee the full merchandise lifecycle—from product ideation and sourcing through purchasing, inventory management, sales, fulfillment, and customer experience. This individual will manage the team store (both online and physical locations), coordinating product collaborations and supervising game-day merchandise sales staff.
Key Responsibilities
Merchandise Strategy & Operations
-
Develop and execute a merchandise strategy that aligns with Sarasota Paradise’s brand, fan base, and revenue goals.
-
Oversee procurement, ordering, and inventory management to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize waste.
-
Collaborate with designers and manufacturers to create high-quality, appealing products, including jerseys, apparel, accessories, and limited-edition collaborations.
-
Establish pricing strategies that maximize profitability while maintaining accessibility for fans.
-
Ensure seamless e-commerce operations, optimizing the online store’s user experience and fulfillment processes.
-
Partner with marketing and partnerships teams to maximize merchandise exposure and sales.
Retail & Sales Management
-
Oversee the team store’s day-to-day operations, including staffing, merchandising, and in-store experiences.
-
Lead the development of the club's merchandise assortment and product roadmap.
-
Manage all game-day merchandise sales operations, including hiring and training sales staff.
-
Establish revenue goals, sales targets, product priorities, and seasonal plans.
-
Maintain a merchandise calendar aligned with the club's season, major events, launches, and campaigns.
-
Identify opportunities to increase merchandise revenue across matchday, online, retail, events, and community channels.
-
Develop and execute promotions, bundles, and marketing initiatives to drive sales both online and in-person.
-
Identify and evaluate vendors, manufacturers, decorators, designers, and licensing partners.
-
Source apparel, headwear, accessories, collectibles, lifestyle products, youth merchandise, and specialty items.
-
Ensure products consistently meet club brand standards and quality expectations.
-
Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors to maximize margins and profitability.
E-Commerce & Digital Commerce
-
Manage and grow the club's online merchandise store.
-
Maintain accurate product listings, pricing, photography, descriptions, inventory, and product availability.
-
Coordinate online product launches and promotional campaigns.
-
Optimize the online shopping experience to increase conversion and revenue.
-
Coordinate digital marketing efforts with the club's marketing and social media teams.
Collaboration & Partnerships
-
Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships with brands, designers, and suppliers for exclusive merchandise and collaborations.
-
Work closely with:
-
Marketing & Communications — product launches, campaigns, social content, promotions, and brand storytelling.
-
Partnerships & Sponsorships — co-branded merchandise, sponsor activations, corporate merchandise, and promotional products.
-
Ticketing & Fan Experience — matchday retail integration and supporter promotions.
-
Youth Academy — youth-specific merchandise and club-branded products.
-
Soccer Operations — player/team merchandise and special team-related product opportunities.
-
Community Relations — community events, pop-ups, clinics, and merchandise activations.
-
Finance — purchasing, budgeting, inventory valuation, and financial reporting.
Financial & Performance Management
-
Set and track revenue targets for merchandise sales.
-
Analyze sales data to identify trends, forecast demand, and adjust inventory and marketing strategies accordingly.
-
Implement cost-effective procurement and sales strategies to maximize margins.
Qualifications
-
3+ years of proven experience in retail, merchandise management, consumer goods, or a similar role (sports or lifestyle brands preferred).
-
Strong understanding of product design, sourcing, procurement, and inventory management.
-
Experience managing retail operations, including online and brick-and-mortar sales.
-
Ability to analyze sales data and adjust strategies for maximum profitability.
-
Excellent leadership and organizational skills, with experience managing a team.
-
Passion for sports and an understanding of fan engagement.
Preferred
-
Experience managing an e-commerce platform.
-
Experience with Shopify or similar e-commerce platforms.
-
Experience with sports licensing and branded merchandise.
-
Experience with apparel sourcing and production.
-
Experience with point-of-sale systems.
Compensation & Benefits
-
Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
-
Performance-based incentives tied to merchandise revenue and profitability.
-
Health, dental, and vision benefits.
-
Paid time off.
-
Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly growing sports organization.
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.
