RETAIL SALES & PROJECT LEAD (CAT 2)

Job Summary

Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of Cat 2 retail programs—from concept through production—while supporting the sales and creative direction of the Retail Department. This individual will create their own retail pitch decks, maintain key trackers, and serve as a central point of contact between internal teams, retailers, and brand management.

Essential Duties

• Sales & Order Administration
• Process all incoming retailer POs with complete accuracy (SKUs, pricing, quantities, delivery dates, prepacks, compliance).
• Track and reconcile sales, accounting, and product data across Asana, Excel/Google Sheets, and internal systems.
• Partner with the production team to ensure orders are accurate, timely, and aligned with retailer expectations.
• Maintain and update WIPs, trackers, and Asana boards regularly for visibility and accountability.
• Note that direct retail accounts will be limited
• Concept, Art & Sample Coordination
• Manage concept submissions for brand approval, maintaining communication between creative, sales, and brand management teams.
• Request and organize art files from internal design teams; ensure SKUs are assigned and product information is consistent.
• Oversee sample requests, shipments, and retailer approvals to meet vendor compliance deadlines.
• Maintain and organize the sample closet for the Cat 2 department.
• Retail Pitch Decks & Market Development
• Independently create and maintain retail pitch decks and survey presentations using InDesign.
• Conduct comp shopping and analyze retail trends to identify product opportunities and visual directions.
• Collaborate with account managers and creative teams to prepare decks tailored to retailer and brand aesthetics.
• Present insights and visual concepts that support seasonal or program pitches.
• Communication & Relationship Management
• Serve as a reliable point of contact for cross-department collaboration (Sales, Production, Creative, Accounting).
• Communicate proactively with brand management and retailers regarding project statuses, approvals, and deliverables.
• Support weekly meetings with clear, concise updates on priorities and upcoming deliverables.
• Maintain professionalism, clarity, and consistency in all written and verbal communication.
• Request and review placement reports from partners and discuss with VP of Retail.
• Bring to attention any specific requests that maybe outside of the norm, such as artists, licenses, approved retailers, etc.
• Initiative & Process Improvement
• Identify workflow gaps and propose improvements to enhance speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Create and update templates, trackers, or tools that improve internal visibility and cross-team collaboration.
• Uphold department standards for presentation, organization, and follow-through.
• Take initiative in problem-solving, ensuring deadlines are met even when processes shift.
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities; thrives in dynamic, deadline-driven environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to convey information clearly across all levels.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Adobe InDesign, and Asana (or equivalent systems). Adobe Creative Suite experience preferred.
• Experience in PLM type database system also preferred
• Strong analytical and numeracy skills; accuracy and consistency are second nature.
• Confident creating presentations and sales materials with an understanding of brand aesthetics.
• Self-directed, proactive, and resourceful — able to prioritize without constant oversight.
• Operates with high integrity, ownership, and attention to detail.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in retail, brand management, or sales coordination.
• Experience in creative or product-driven industries (music, lifestyle, or apparel preferred).
• Familiarity with supply chain, vendor compliance, and retailer EDI systems.
• Experience producing or presenting sales decks, line sheets, or creative proposals.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move around the office environment for extended periods.
• Ability to use a computer keyboard and mouse up to 80% of the workday.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms to access files, equipment, and workstations.
• Visual acuity with precise color perception and differentiation is essential for:
• Reviewing design files and pitch deck materials
• Analyzing product samples and color variations
• Ensuring color accuracy across design, production, and retail presentations
• Ability to clearly distinguish between subtle color variations and nuanced design elements
• Ability to view and assess visual materials on digital screens and printed materials
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds (for sample management and occasional inventory handling)
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and via phone/video conferencing
• Manual dexterity to operate office equipment, including computers, phones, scanners, and presentation tools
  
  

VALUE & WORK STYLES FIT

• Independent, organized, and proactive — operates confidently without daily supervision
• Brings creativity to structure and structure to creativity
• Finds satisfaction in completing projects with precision and visual excellence
• Thrives in collaborative, evolving environments where initiative is valued
  
  

Candidate Skill Assessment Process

Numerical and data proficiency testing to evaluate analytical capabilities. Detailed skills assessment focusing on instruction comprehension and implementation.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Global Merchandising Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against based on disability. EOE/AA M/F/D/V.