Merchandise Manager - Professional Sports Team

Company Description

Monterey Bay Football Club - USL Championship Team

Merchandise Manager – Professional Sports Team

Position Summary

The Merchandise Manager will lead the Club’s retail strategy, overseeing product assortment, merchandising, inventory management, and retail operations across all sales channels. This role is responsible for maximizing revenue growth and fan engagement through data-driven decision making, strategic buying, and operational excellence. This data-driven leader will ensure alignment with brand standards and build strong relationships with USL licensees to optimize inventory levels and enhance the overall fan experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Buying

• Develop and execute annual merchandise strategy to drive sales and fan engagement

• Analyze historical data, market trends, and fan preferences to inform buying decisions

Retail Operations

• Oversee daily operations of all retail locations (in-venue stores, kiosks, online shop)

• Lead gameday retail execution including staffing, merchandising, and promotions

• Coordinate with stadium operations to optimize store layout, signage, and traffic flow

Inventory & Financial Management

• Ensure on-hand inventory levels are maintained by department, by location – maximizing growth and minimizing risk

• Monitor Shopify statements, equipment and prepare regular reports

• Develop annual budget and monitor expenses to meet financial targets

Staff Development, Training, & Goal Setting

• Hire, train, and supervise retail associates and seasonal staff

• Create employee schedules for gamedays and special events

• Motivate staff to achieve sales goals and provide excellent fan service

Marketing & Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Marketing on merch marketing campaigns

• Partner with digital teams to drive e-commerce initiatives and online sales

• Coordinate with league representatives to ensure compliance with merchandising guidelines

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Retail Management, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Business Administration or related field required

• 3–5 years of retail apparel buying or merchandising experience required

(sports or event industry a plus)

• Strong knowledge of buying, inventory management, and retail analytics including POS systems

• Proven leadership skills with experience managing teams

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Exemplifies a collaborative approach in working with management, team members, vendors, guests and team counterparts

Special Requirements

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, inclusive of evenings, weekends, and game days

• Must be able to stand, walk, and move around the venue for extended periods of time, often during events or facility setup and breakdown

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds as needed for event setup, equipment management, or assisting with operational needs

• Requires occasional bending, squatting, and reaching overhead to handle various tasks related to facility management, equipment, and event preparation

• Must be capable of working in physically demanding environments, including navigating stairs, ramps, and elevated platforms during venue conversions

• Ability to work outdoors continuously for extended periods of time in all weather conditions