Brand Merchandising Specialist

Job description:

The Brand Merchandising Specialist brings our brand to life in the physical world — from how it shows up in-store to the merchandise fans wear, use, and take home. This role owns the creation, coordination, and execution of all branded materials and visual merchandising. They’ll ensure our retail displays are on point, our giveaways and goods are high-quality, and our brand presence is consistently elevated wherever it appears.

This position is highly hands-on, focused on execution, organization, and detail — ideal for someone who thrives on making creative ideas tangible.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)

In-Store Visuals & Retail Execution

• Own in-store presentation and merchandising standards across partner locations and events.
• Execute visual merchandising setups, including signage, displays, and seasonal campaign updates.
• Coordinate with sales and field teams to ensure consistent execution across all markets.
• Audit stores regularly to assess display quality, product visibility, and brand compliance.

Branded Merchandise & Giveaways

• Develop and manage branded merchandise (apparel, accessories, giveaways, etc.) from concept to delivery.
• Source, produce, and quality-check all physical brand items in alignment with brand standards and campaign objectives.
• Coordinate timelines, vendors, and budgets for production and fulfillment.
• Work with Purchasing Manager to track inventory and re-order levels.
• Manage logistics for merch distribution to field teams, events, and retail partners.

Execution & Coordination.

• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate pricing, lead times, and MOQ terms to optimize margin and quality.
• Work cross-functionally with marketing, design, and operations teams to bring creative concepts into the physical environment. Partner with logistics and operations to streamline purchasing, warehousing, and fulfillment processes.
• Work closely with the general store e-commerce team to align orders with seasonal calendars, marketing timelines, and inventory needs.
• Manage inventory planning, forecasting, and replenishment cycles to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Maintain organized systems for tracking merchandise inventory.

Brand Standards & Quality

• Ensure all physical brand touchpoints — from giveaways to store displays — reflect the brand’s aesthetic and tone.
• Uphold visual guidelines and maintain consistency across locations, campaigns, and materials.
• Work with field teams to document executions for internal sharing and performance tracking.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight:

• Ensure that all trade marketing activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations governing the cannabis industry.
• Stay informed about regulatory changes and adjust strategies as needed to maintain compliance.

Minimum Qualification Standards:

• 21 years old.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be able to work occasional evenings & weekends.
• Valid NYS Driver's License.
• Reliable transportation required.
• 2–4 years of experience in merchandising, brand execution, or retail marketing (CPG, beverage, or lifestyle brand experience preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets including formulas and graphing.
• Experience with ERP or inventory management systems (SAP, Oracle, Acumatica).
• Familiarity with design collaboration tools (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva).
• Comfortable working with project management or workflow platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience using CRM or marketing tools (e.g., HubSpot, Airtable, or Shopify) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; able to translate sales and inventory data into clear merchandising actions.
• Experience in a heavily regulated industry (e.g. cannabis, alcohol, pharmaceuticals) is a plus
• Strong oral communication skills to interact with collaborators and vendors in a professional and helpful manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Execution-first mindset - a passion for bringing a plan to life and rolling up your sleeves to make it happen.
• Collaborative and adaptable to working across teams and pivoting quickly as priorities shift.
• Mental Requirements:
• Close mental and visual attention required to perform work dealing primarily with communicating effectively with vendors, customers and coworkers.
• Light work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Load and unload cases of product, set up products displays, lift, lower and move product at festivals, concerts, NYS Fair and other similar events.

Environmental Conditions:

Inside and Outside Work: With exposure to temperature changes.

• Travel: This position requires occasional travel to NY State stores and accounts.