Merchandise Manager

Position Summary

The Merchandise Manager is responsible for ingestion, return, organization, tracking, and distribution of all merchandise used in photo shoots and studio operations. This role plays a key part in ensuring that props, wardrobe items, and other assets are available, accounted for, and in good condition. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, comfortable using inventory management software, and ability to thrive in a dynamic studio environment. Inventory management and/or logistics experience preferred.

This role is onsite in Chicago, IL

Job Responsibilities

• Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all studio merchandise—including props, wardrobe, accessories, and equipment—using inventory management software.
• Merchandise Check-In/Out: Perform timely check-in and check-out of merchandise for photo shoots in accordance with client service level agreements. Ensure proper documentation, perform condition checks, and resolve merchandise issues as needed.
• Organization: Ensure all merchandise is stored in an orderly and accessible manner. Implement and maintain effective labeling and tracking systems.
• Damage & Loss Prevention: Inspect items upon receipt and return. Report any damage or loss, and coordinate replacements or resolutions when necessary.
• Production Support: Assist production and photography teams to ensure required merchandise is prepped and available ahead of shoots.
• Staffing Support: Identify and train additional resources as needed during peak volume periods.
• Reporting: Generate inventory reports and assist in forecasting merchandise volumes for upcoming projects and seasons
• Workflow & Space Optimization: Establish and maintain efficient ingestion and disposition workflows. Optimize physical storage space and manage materials/equipment to meet standards for productivity, quality, and client service.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures that comply with legal regulations
• Daily Warehouse Operations: Perform daily warehouse activities, including quality assurance, inventory control, space management, logistics, floor productivity, shipping, and customer inquiries regarding merchandise.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to climb ladders, operate mechanical lifts (certification available), pack and unpack boxes, and retrieve/store merchandise from vertical storage locations.
• Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Skills

Organization

• Personally organized: can accurately manage a large volume of email correspondence/requests, interaction with project documentation, a physical desk/space, without becoming overwhelmed.
• Able to manage multiple work tracks for various clients and location/statuses of associated merchandise3.
• Can use past experiences and historical data to forecast busy times, anticipate studio needs, and see the forest thru the trees.
• Attention to detail, accurate and efficient data entry, planning skills.
  
  

Team Player

• Creates a working environment that is energetic and optimistic, while willing to make it all work for the client
• OK with changing lanes or lending a helping hand to ensure the work gets done
• Can be in studio 5 days a week and can handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedules
  
  

Entrepreneurial Spirit

• Self-starter who sets the bar high for themselves, and those around them
• A problem solver that can work in ambiguity and frequent changes takes initiative to modify procedures and processes
• A leader that is comfortable owning a physical part of the workflow, can make informed decisions, and takes the lead on implementing strategies to completion
  
  

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Finance or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required
• 5 years of previous merchandise coordination, inventory management and/or logistics experience
• Experience working in a studio environment, warehouse, or stock room
• Experience using MAC operating systems
• Moderate-level skill in Microsoft Office suite, specifically Excel
• Ability to stand and work on a cement studio floor for up to a full workday
• High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
• Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning)
• Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
  
  

PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk, hear and see.
• Regularly/Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly/Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold & heat, risk of electrical shock, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually low/moderate.
  
  

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several U.S. geographic markets, and we pay differently based on those defined markets. The U.S. pay range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000 USD annually. Ultimately, in determining pay, we will consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.

Group benefits currently include a selection of health care plans with prescription drug coverage, dental plan, vision plan, basic and supplemental life insurance, a flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses or a health savings account based on plan selection, short/long term disability and 401(k) Savings Plan.