Private Label - Project Manager

About Our Company

Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US and abroad. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Lululemon, and Mitchell & Ness. In addition to our wide assortment, we are the industry leader in on-demand customization.

We currently operate 1,300+ brick and mortar locations, including specialty concept stores for the NBA, NHL, Paris Saint-Germain, and the two largest MLB franchises, via our Yankees & Dodgers Clubhouse stores. Lids has built partnerships and collaborations with iconic global brands including Marvel/Disney, Playboy, Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack, and Post Malone, creating a community where fans, fashion, and culture collide.

The Private Label Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end management of private label programs, ensuring seamless coordination across wholesale operations, product development, and cross-functional teams. This role serves as the primary point of contact for private label customers, facilitating order fulfillment, SKU integrity, and production timelines while maintaining compliance with licensing agreements. The Private Label Project Manager works collaboratively with Finance, Sales, Marketing, Design, and external partners to deliver high-quality products, drive customer satisfaction, and support strategic business goals.

With a focus on organization, communication, and attention to detail, this position ensures the successful execution of private label initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

• Manage the wholesale process, including customer onboarding, line sheets, order fulfillment, and documentation.
• Serve as the main contact for private label customers, ensuring all orders meet specifications and requirements.
• Track and update private label orders using an internal tracking system, providing real-time status to internal teams.
• Collaborate with Finance to set up new customers/vendors and manage compliance, invoicing, and royalties.
• Coordinate with factories to ensure timely production, cost estimates, approvals, and shipping logistics.
• Communicate shipping needs, including expedited or special instructions, and confirm proper receipt at the DC.

• Support product development by tracking specifications, SKUs, and approvals across teams.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Design to drive product ideation, sales tracking, and marketing strategies.
• Organize product samples and line sheets for licensors and sales presentations.
• Maintain SKU accuracy and integrity across systems to prevent errors.
• Build and maintain relationships with licensors through regular communication, performance tracking, and approvals.
• Ensure all marketing initiatives align with brand guidelines and facilitate necessary licensor approvals.
• Oversee the complete order lifecycle, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.
• High attention to detail with a focus on tracking and data accuracy.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
• Experience in wholesale and licensing within retail or manufacturing industries.
• Strong understanding of product development and production timelines.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Fashion, Supply Chain, or related fields preferred.
• Proficient on Adobe Illustrator preferred.

Director of Private Label