Merchandising Specialist

Overview

The Merchandising Specialist is a key contributor to the execution and optimization of corporate client merchandising programs within the promotional products industry. This role partners closely with the Corporate Merchandising Manager and Program Account Managers to source products, build curated assortments, analyze program performance, and deliver client-ready merchandising recommendations.

This position requires hands-on experience in the promotional products industry and a strong understanding of sourcing processes, vendor capabilities, decoration methods, and production timelines. The ideal candidate combines analytical skills with strong product intuition and is comfortable owning multiple programs in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

• Partner with Program Account Managers to understand client goals, brand standards, timelines, and merchandising priorities.
• Prepare and maintain recurring velocity reports, SKU scorecards, and performance summaries to track program health.
• Analyze SKU performance, sell-through, margin, and engagement data to support SKU rationalization, optimization, and refresh recommendations.
• Monitor Google Analytics and other engagement data to identify trends and recommend merchandising placement changes.
• Conduct carbon footprint reporting as required by client programs (quarterly, annually, or ad hoc).
• Identify and communicate risks related to cost increases, discontinued items, out-of-stocks, or quality concerns, and recommend solutions.

• Own all client sourcing requests (one-off items, refreshes, and Limited Time Buys (LTBs)) in accordance with internal Sourcing Protocols.
• Curate customized product assortments that align with client brand guidelines, budget parameters, margin targets, and program objectives.
• Source products by working directly with suppliers and category partners.
• Price products accurately and develop polished, client-ready presentations, including specifications, timelines, and cost details.

• Evaluate SKU expansion requests based on program capacity, operational feasibility, and performance impact.
• Proactively identify underperforming SKUs and recommend promotional strategies, substitutions, or phase-outs.
• Review inventory and performance reporting in partnership with internal teams to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Track project timelines and proactively flag sourcing, production, or fulfillment risks.

• Utilize internal systems (e.g., Net Suite) and external market sources to identify category, product, and consumer trends.
• Integrate trend insights into assortment planning, refresh cycles, and new program launches.
• Contribute merchandising insights to support ongoing program optimization and merchandising department development.

• Participate in and as needed, lead recurring client calls and merchandising discussions.
• Serve as a merchandising subject-matter expert, presenting thoughtful, solution oriented product recommendations.
• Develop and deliver high-quality client presentations that clearly articulate assortment rationale and trade-offs.
• Capture and distribute detailed recap notes following client and internal meetings.
• Build credibility and trust with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and clients through clear, accurate communication.

• Support new client store launches by leading merchandising work streams, including sourcing, assortment development, and timeline coordination.
• Lead implementation meetings, capture detailed notes, and deliver timely follow ups aligned with brand and merchandising objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 3+ years of experience in the promotional products industry (distributor, agency, or supplier environment) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and merchandising products for client programs or e-commerce stores.
• Adv…