What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Merchandise & Consumer Products position at RAJ Sports?
RAJ SPORTS
RAJ Sports focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire (WNBA) represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
THE ROLE:
RAJ Sports focuses on investment opportunities in sports and sports-related properties, drawing on the Bhathal family’s multi-generational experience and relationships in the industry. The firm seeks to leverage the power of sports to affect broader social and economic change through a variety of business and philanthropic strategies. Its deep experience in professional sports operations and large-scale real estate developments that create thriving community centers, positions the firm to deliver valuable assets that will support further growth for the players, staff, and fans. The 2024 acquisitions of Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire (WNBA) represents a milestone for the city of Portland and places it at the epicenter of growth for women’s sports.
THE ROLE:
The Portland Thorns and Portland Fire are building a new model for women's sports—one that treats merchandise not as a sponsorship asset or game-day revenue stream, but as a global consumer brand business.
We are seeking a Vice President of Merchandise & Consumer Products to lead the vision, strategy, and execution of all merchandise, ecommerce, retail, licensing, and consumer product initiatives across both organizations.
This executive will bring the mindset of a leading fashion merchant combined with the commercial instincts of a sports business operator. They will create products that fans want to wear every day—not just on match days or game days—and build merchandise businesses that drive revenue, deepen fandom, and elevate both brands nationally and globally.
The ideal candidate has significant experience in fashion, apparel, footwear, or lifestyle retail, with a proven record of building product assortments, managing merchandising organizations, and driving profitable growth. Experience within professional sports and entertainment is not required.
WHAT YOU'LL BE UP TO:
Merchandise Strategy & Business Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive merchandise and consumer products strategy across both clubs.
- Own merchandise P&L, revenue growth, gross margin performance, inventory productivity, and long-term business planning.
- Establish annual and multi-year growth plans for retail, ecommerce, and collaborations.
- Build a merchandise business that reflects the unique identities of both clubs while maximizing shared operational efficiencies.
- Cultivate relationships with NWSL and WNBA league retail leadership and licensees, identifying ways for the Thorns and Fire to be leaders in each league by executing innovative and forward-thinking strategies.
Product & Merchandising Leadership
- Lead all merchandising functions, including assortment strategy, product development, planning, allocation, pricing, and lifecycle management.
- Create compelling product architectures across fan apparel, lifestyle apparel, headwear, accessories, collectibles, and premium collaborations.
- Work with team marketing and BI leaders to develop consumer insights capabilities to better understand fan behavior, purchasing trends, and market opportunities.
- Introduce best-in-class merchandising processes, forecasting methodologies, and inventory management disciplines.
Brand & Consumer Experience
- Partner closely with marketing, creative, and brand teams to ensure merchandise is a core expression of each club's identity.
- Drive year-round product storytelling and seasonal merchandise calendars.
- Elevate merchandise quality, fit, design, and innovation to compete with leading fashion and lifestyle brands.
- Build merchandise experiences that strengthen fan affinity and community connection.
Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Ownership of overall sourcing strategy and supplier network development across apparel, accessories, and consumer products.
- Proven experience negotiating contracts, managing cost, lead-times, MOQs, and payment terms to optimize margin and inventory flow.
- Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality assurance, compliance (social, environmental, product safety), and third‑party auditing.
Retail & Ecommerce
- Oversee relationships with clubs’ in-venue retail partner (Rank Rally), helping shape overall strategy and game-day retail experiences.
- Oversee strategy for clubs’ ecommerce platforms (Shopify), maximizing sales, fan engagement, and overall customer shopping experience.
- Optimize omnichannel customer journeys and conversion performance.
- Identify ways to expand distribution via pop-ups, events, partnerships, and emerging channels.
- Leverage data and analytics to improve customer acquisition, retention, and lifetime value.
Collaborations & Strategic Partnerships
- Develop a robust partnership and licensee collaboration strategy.
- Work with RAJ Sports leadership, club leadership, league licensees, and partnerships team identify and negotiate partnerships with premium fashion, streetwear, lifestyle, and consumer brands.
- Expand national awareness through limited-edition collections, athlete collaborations, and culturally relevant product launches.
- Manage relationships with team and league partners, licensees, manufacturers, and vendors.
Team Leadership
- Lead a high-performing merchandising and consumer products team.
- Work collaboratively with ownership, RAJ Sports leadership, and team-specific leaders across marketing, partnerships, and business intelligence.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and consumer obsession.
- Establish clear KPIs and operating rhythms across all functions.
WHAT IT TAKES TO BE ON OUR TEAM:
Required Experience
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in merchandising, buying, planning, product creation, consumer products, or retail leadership.
- Significant experience within fashion, apparel, footwear, lifestyle, or premium consumer brands.
- Demonstrated ownership of substantial revenue and inventory responsibilities.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive measurable business growth.
- Strong analytical, financial, and inventory management skills.
- Experience building and managing teams in high-growth environments.
- Willing to travel as needed to meet with vendors, attend conferences, meet with ownership, etc.
Preferred Experience
- Experience in fashion, apparel, footwear, or lifestyle retail, with a proven record of building product assortments, managing merchandising organizations, and driving profitable growth.
- Experience launching successful collaborations and capsule collections.
- Direct experience with DTC e-commerce businesses.
- Familiarity with women's sports audiences and consumer trends.
- Experience managing both retail and e-commerce distribution channels.
- Experience within professional sports and entertainment is a plus but not required.
BENEFITS
- Competative salary and performance based incentives, Salary Range, $160-$175,000
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Dynamic, collaborative and fun work environment
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of women's sports
Ready to Be a Game Changer in the Best Possible Way? Apply Now!
If you’re ready to shape the future of the women’s sports, send us your application. Let’s make history together!
RAJ Sports is 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.
If you’re ready to shape the future of the women’s sports, send us your application. Let’s make history together!
RAJ Sports is 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.
Salary : $160 - $175