Merchandise Manager

Hartford Athletic is Connecticut’s professional soccer club competing in the United Soccer League. The club is committed to delivering a high-level professional soccer experience while strengthening community connection through the game. Hartford Athletic represents the city, the state, and the region with pride while contributing to Hartford as a place to live, work, and play.

The Merchandise Manager leads all club merchandising operations in alignment with United Soccer League best practices. This role owns retail strategy across matchdays, events, and digital platforms, with direct responsibility for revenue performance, inventory planning, visual presentation, vendor coordination, and budget management.

The Merchandise Manager plays a key role in driving non-ticket revenue, enhancing fan experience, and ensuring brand consistency. This position collaborates closely with Marketing, Ticketing, Partnerships, Operations, and Finance to ensure merchandising supports overall club and league standards.

· Develop and execute the club’s annual merchandising strategy aligned with USL retail benchmarks

· Plan seasonal product assortments that reflect club identity, league standards, and fan demand

· Identify new product categories and limited-edition opportunities to drive incremental revenue

· Lead merchandise planning for theme nights, promotions, and league-driven initiatives

· Analyze sales trends, demographic data, and fan purchasing behavior to inform buying decisions

· Ensure all merchandise adheres to Hartford Athletic brand guidelines and USL compliance requirements

· Oversee all matchday retail operations at Trinity Health Stadium

· Develop retail layouts that maximize sales per capita and fan flow • Manage setup, teardown, staffing plans, and operational timelines for all events

· Ensure a consistent, high-quality customer experience during high-volume sales periods

· Monitor inventory levels in real time to optimize product availability

· Maintain visual merchandising and presentation standards consistent with league expectations

· Own inventory forecasting, purchasing schedules, and stock allocation

· Conduct regular inventory audits before, during, and after events

· Maintain accurate inventory records across in-stadium and online sales channels

· Oversee order fulfillment for retail and e-commerce purchases

· Manage product lifecycle including receiving, sell-through, markdowns, and end-of-season clearance

· Manage the club’s annual merchandising budget in alignment with USL financial benchmarks

· Forecast revenue, expenses, and margins tied to merchandise operations

· Track cost of goods, gross margin, sell-through rates, and inventory turnover

· Partner with Finance to reconcile sales, inventory valuations, and vendor payments

· Identify opportunities to increase profitability, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency

· Oversee the club’s e-commerce platform including product listings, pricing, and availability

· Align digital merchandising strategy with in-stadium retail offerings

· Monitor online sales performance, conversion rates, and fulfillment timelines

· Ensure accurate reporting of online sales and inventory movement

· Manage relationships with league-approved vendors and merchandise suppliers

· Oversee product design approvals, ordering timelines, and delivery schedules

· Collaborate with Marketing on product launches, promotional campaigns, and branded initiatives

· Support partnership activations tied to merchandise offerings

· Supervise merchandise interns, seasonal staff, and matchday retail staff

· Train staff on customer service standards, product knowledge, and point-of-sale systems

· Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Ticketing, Partnerships, Operations, and Academy teams

· Represent Hartford Athletic professionally at all club and community events

Performance will be evaluated on the following key metrics:

Revenue and Financial Performance

· Achievement of annual merchandise revenue targets

· Gross margin performance relative to USL benchmarks

· Effective budget management and cost control

· Inventory turnover and sell-through rates

· Accuracy of inventory tracking and reconciliation

· Quality and consistency of game day retail operations

· Timeliness and efficiency of order fulfillment

· Compliance with league merchandising standards

· Customer satisfaction during retail interactions

· Visual merchandising quality and store presentation

· Alignment of merchandise offerings with fan preferences and club brand

· Introduction of successful new product lines or initiatives

· Data-driven decision making and reporting

· Collaboration effectiveness across departments

· Training and performance of merchandise staff

· Communication, accountability, and professionalism

· Ability to lead in fast-paced, event-driven environments

· Bachelor’s degree in business, sports management, marketing, retail management, or related field preferred

· 3-5 years experience in merchandise management, retail operations, or professional sports retail required

· Demonstrated experience managing budgets and financial reporting

· Strong understanding of inventory systems and point-of-sale platforms

· Ability to analyze sales data and translate insights into action

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

· Customer-focused leadership approach

· Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by match schedules

· Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds

· Reliable transportation to Trinity Health Stadium and other assigned locations

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.