What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Account Manager, Branded Merchandise position at Phase 3 Marketing and Communication?
Program Account Manager, Branded Merchandise | Job Description
About Phase 3 Marketing & Communications:
Founded in 2001, Phase 3 is an integrated marketing services firm, simplifying the way brands connect with their customers. A commitment to ideation to execution means Phase 3 offers everything from creative, digital, marketing and public relations to small- and large-format digital and offset printing. We manage the picture of projects – start-to-finish, arm-in-arm – like no other partner. With locations across the eastern United States, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville and Fairfield - New Jersey, our reach and efficiencies enable our team to creatively and effectively solve clients’ biggest marketing challenges, together.
Phase 3 is recognized annually as a top 10 marketing services firm by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and as a top 15 marketing services firm by the Charlotte Business Journal and Nashville Business Journal. The company has been ranked among the flagship Printing Impressions 400 annually since 2011, and additional accolades include Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2015 Pacesetter Award, placement on the 2017 Inc. 5000 List of the fastest-growing private companies, and recognition as one of Charlotte’s Best Places to Work.
Position Summary:
The Senior Program Account Manager serves as the operational and strategic lead for a high-profile enterprise branded merchandise account. Working closely with clients, sales stakeholders, sourcing specialists, suppliers, and fulfillment teams, this individual manages merchandise initiatives from concept through delivery.
The ideal candidate combines merchandising expertise with exceptional organizational skills, understands the promotional products industry, and enjoys managing multiple concurrent initiatives in a collaborative environment.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Program Management
- Serve as the primary day-to-day program manager for a key enterprise branded merchandise account.
- Manage multiple merchandise initiatives simultaneously while ensuring projects remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client objectives.
- Coordinate project timelines, production schedules, artwork approvals, logistics, inventory planning, and fulfillment activities.
- Lead project status meetings and maintain clear communication with internal and client stakeholders.
- Anticipate challenges and proactively develop solutions to ensure successful program execution.
Merchandise Strategy & Assortment Planning
- Curate thoughtful branded merchandise assortments aligned with client brand standards, marketing objectives, employee engagement initiatives, and event needs.
- Research industry trends, new product introductions, decoration techniques, and sustainable merchandise solutions.
- Develop product recommendations that balance creativity, quality, functionality, budget, and brand consistency.
- Partner with sourcing teams to evaluate product alternatives and optimize value.
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Collaboration
- Collaborate with domestic and international supplier partners to source high-quality promotional products.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, lead times, compliance requirements, and production feasibility.
- Negotiate pricing and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality expectations.
- Work closely with sourcing specialists and production teams to resolve manufacturing or supply chain challenges.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with creative, production, fulfillment, logistics, procurement, finance, and customer service teams to deliver seamless client experiences.
- Ensure internal teams have the information and resources needed to execute projects successfully.
- Foster strong working relationships across departments to improve communication and efficiency.
Inventory & Program Operations
- Manage inventory programs, company stores, kit builds, and fulfillment initiatives.
- Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment planning.
- Analyze inventory usage and recommend optimization opportunities.
- Support forecasting and inventory reporting for ongoing programs.
Client Partnership
- Build trusted relationships with client stakeholders through responsiveness, reliability, and strategic thinking.
- Provide consultative recommendations that support evolving business objectives.
- Present merchandise concepts, assortment recommendations, timelines, and project updates.
- Ensure all deliverables meet client expectations and brand standards.
Qualifications -Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in branded merchandise, promotional products, marketing services, category management, or related industries.
- Experience managing complex enterprise accounts or large-scale promotional merchandise programs.
- Strong understanding of promotional product sourcing, decoration methods, and supplier networks.
- Merchandise planning and assortment background a plus.
- Exceptional project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Qualifications - Preferred
- Experience with promotional products industry platforms such as SAGE, ESP, Commonsku, NetSuite, or similar ERP systems.
- Experience managing online company stores, inventory programs, and fulfillment operations.
- Knowledge of global sourcing and overseas manufacturing.
- Familiarity with branded merchandise compliance and quality assurance processes.
Successful Profile
- A consultative and collaborative approach to client partnerships
- Strong merchandising instincts and product knowledge
- Exceptional attention to detail
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with flawless execution
- Outstanding organizational and project management skills
- Calm decision-making in a fast-paced environment
- A passion for creating exceptional branded merchandise experiences
- A commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement
Company-Wide Benefits
- Medical Dental Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance and AD&D
- Health Savings Account
- Employee Assistance Program
- 401k and Roth IRA
- Generous PTO schedule
- $500 Employee Referral Bonus
Phase 3 Marketing and Communications provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.