Merchandising Manager - Creative Services Division

A LITTLE ABOUT US:

Links Unlimited®, Inc. is one of Cincinnati’s largest private companies and a leader in the corporate incentives industry. We offer a full range of services to our corporate customers with a focus on product procurement, decoration management, product warehousing, and order fulfillment.

We’re seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Merchandising Manager in Cincinnati, Ohio to support our growing team. In this role, you’ll not only help support our enterprise client programs but also lead a team of Merchandising Coordinators by allocating work requests and ensuring projects are prioritized effectively. You’ll partner closely with a dedicated Account Manager to bring client initiatives to life; sourcing, curating, and delivering premium product solutions that align with each customer’s brand and business objectives. You’ll work across internal teams and vendor partners to ensure every project meets clients’ expectations for quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery.

We believe that our employees are essential to our ongoing success, and we are pursuing an individual who is passionate about one’s work and a determined team player. Our workforce is energetic, talented, and poised for growth in this exciting market.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Partner with Account Managers to understand client goals, brand standards, and project requirements.
• Source and curate product assortments that align with each client’s brand identity and program objectives.
• Negotiate pricing, lead times, and order terms with domestic and international vendors to ensure competitive costs and exceptional service.
• Present thoughtful product recommendations and merchandising proposals that meet budget, quality and timeline requirements.
• Lead Merchandising Coordinators as assigned based on client scope—overseeing workload distribution, quality control, and deadline management, while coaching team members to strengthen performance and professional growth.
• Ensure all products, pricing and vendor details are correctly entered in internal systems. (ERP (P21) and customer accounts)
• Maintain accurate up to date customer information in HubSpot, including notes, deal stages and opportunity pipelines to support effective account management and sales forecasting.
• Collaborate with the Creative Services, Purchasing and Fulfillment teams to ensure all product details, samples and approvals are completed accurately and on time.
• Track project timelines and proactively identify and resolve potential sourcing or production issues.
• Manage vendor relationships, maintaining up to date knowledge of new products, capabilities, and category trends.
• Proactively finds new ways to grow the business relationship.
• Reviews and analyzes program performance and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Produces quotes and monitors invoices.
• Assists in developing and implementing departmental policies and initiatives.
• Responsible for the successful outcome of assigned programs.

Required Skills:

• Strong organizational, negotiation and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of sourcing and execution.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with Account Managers, internal teams and vendors.
• Experience giving presentations to clients
• Understanding product development, sourcing and merchandising best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel); experience with CRM or ERP systems preferred.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator strongly preferred.
• Client and customer service focused
• Strong people and team management skills; proven track record of developing successful teams.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in merchandising, product sourcing, or buying; ideally in promotional products, retail, or incentive programs.
• 5 years of day-to-day client management experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of employees.
• Experience managing both domestic and international vendor relationships.
• Familiarity with decoration and customization processes, a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at time.
• Ability to travel 20%

Benefits:

• Competitive pay
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee discount program
• On-Site Gym
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Career advancement
• Profit Sharing Bonus
• 401(k) with company match