What are the responsibilities and job description for the Merchandising Manager - Sportswear position at FAM Brands?
Founded in 2000, FAM Brands designs, manufactures, and sells men’s and women’s sportswear and active wear apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and throughout the world. Our portfolio of proprietary brands features Marika, Wildfox, Three Dots, and Balance Collection, while a partial list of licensing partners includes Orvis, Jessica Simpson, Eddie Bauer, and Woolrich.
With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.
That's the FAM Brands difference.
Summary
FAM Brands is seeking a product-driven Merchandising Manager with a strong foundation in sportswear design and development. This role is ideal for a designer-turned-merchant or product developer who thrives at the intersection of trend, product innovation, and commercial execution. You will lead the merchandising vision by driving concept-to-product storytelling, owning assortment strategy, and partnering cross-functionally to bring trend-right, cost-effective, and scalable product to market. This role requires a hands-on leader who is deeply passionate about research & development, fabrication, and product creation, not just line planning.
What You’ll Do
Product Leadership & Development
Compensation Range: $80,000 USD - $85,000 USD
Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity
FAM Brands is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. FAM Brands makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice for Job Applicants
FAM LLC values your privacy. This notice outlines our practices regarding the personal information of job applicants in compliance with the CCPA.
What We Collect: We collect information you provide in your job application, including contact details, educational and employment history.
Purpose: We use this information to evaluate your application and manage the hiring process.
Disclosure: Your personal information may be shared with service providers assisting with recruitment and as required by law.
Your Rights: Under the CCPA, you have the right to access and request deletion of your personal information and to not face discrimination for exercising these rights.
For questions or to exercise your rights, contact recruiting@fambrands.com.
By applying, you acknowledge you understand our privacy practices.
With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.
That's the FAM Brands difference.
Summary
FAM Brands is seeking a product-driven Merchandising Manager with a strong foundation in sportswear design and development. This role is ideal for a designer-turned-merchant or product developer who thrives at the intersection of trend, product innovation, and commercial execution. You will lead the merchandising vision by driving concept-to-product storytelling, owning assortment strategy, and partnering cross-functionally to bring trend-right, cost-effective, and scalable product to market. This role requires a hands-on leader who is deeply passionate about research & development, fabrication, and product creation, not just line planning.
What You’ll Do
Product Leadership & Development
- Own the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept through production, ensuring alignment on design intent, cost, and margin
- Act as the product authority across categories (knits, wovens, sets), driving construction, fabrication, and innovation
- Partner closely with Design and Technical teams to translate trend into commercially viable product
- Lead fit sessions, prototype reviews, and development milestones to maintain product integrity
- Drive seasonal trend research, market analysis, and competitive benchmarking
- Develop and present trend decks, concept boards, and product direction to internal teams and retail partners
- Identify emerging trends in contemporary sportswear, fabric innovation, and silhouette evolution
- Champion a culture of R&D experimentation (new fabrics, washes, finishes, construction techniques)
- Build and execute assortment strategies that balance trend, core business, and retail partner needs
- Analyze sales performance, pricing architecture, and margin targets to inform line decisions
- Align product strategy with key accounts (e.g., club, mass, specialty retail) ensuring customer-first thinking
- Drive line architecture and SKU efficiency across categories
- Serve as the central connector across Design, Production, Sourcing, Sales, and Planning teams
- Lead and mentor a team of merchandisers/product developers, fostering product excellence and innovation mindset
- Partner with overseas vendors and factories to ensure development feasibility and execution
- Oversee PLM systems, tech packs, and product data accuracy throughout development
- Ensure all products meet timeline, cost, and quality targets in a high-volume environment
- Proactively troubleshoot development, sourcing, and production challenges
- 7 years of experience in sportswear merchandising, product development, or design
- Background as a Designer or Product Developer with strong product ownership
- Deep expertise in contemporary sportswear (knits, wovens, active-inspired lifestyle)
- Proven experience working with high-volume retailers (club, mass, or private label preferred)
- Strong knowledge of fabrication, garment construction, and costing
- Experience leading trend presentations and seasonal product direction
- Proficiency in PLM systems and product lifecycle management
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional partners
- A product-obsessed leader who lives and breathes sportswear
- A designer at heart who understands how to translate ideas into scalable product
- Passionate about research & development, fabrics, and innovation
- Equally comfortable in trend concepting and detailed execution
- A strong storyteller who can sell a vision through product an
Compensation Range: $80,000 USD - $85,000 USD
Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity
FAM Brands is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. FAM Brands makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Notice for Job Applicants
FAM LLC values your privacy. This notice outlines our practices regarding the personal information of job applicants in compliance with the CCPA.
What We Collect: We collect information you provide in your job application, including contact details, educational and employment history.
Purpose: We use this information to evaluate your application and manage the hiring process.
Disclosure: Your personal information may be shared with service providers assisting with recruitment and as required by law.
Your Rights: Under the CCPA, you have the right to access and request deletion of your personal information and to not face discrimination for exercising these rights.
For questions or to exercise your rights, contact recruiting@fambrands.com.
By applying, you acknowledge you understand our privacy practices.
Salary : $80,000 - $85,000