Promotional and Apparel Product Development Manager - Merch

On-site to Hybrid, $70,000 - $95,000

A to Z Media, founded in 1994, is a family-owned company specializing in CD, DVD, and vinyl manufacturing services. For over 30 years, we have delivered exceptional customer service, high-quality products, and competitive pricing to a global clientele. We work closely with clients to provide bespoke manufacturing solutions, including special printing, packaging, production, and logistical support. Our clients range from indie labels and branding agencies to distributors and Fortune 500 companies. At A to Z Media, we pride ourselves on being a true partner in bringing creative visions to life.

The Role
A to Z Media is looking for a Merch Product Development Manager focusing on Promotional Merchandise & Apparel. The Merchandise Manager will lead the merchandise department and is responsible for creating, managing, and optimizing merchandise options and programs for a roster of clients. This role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on team leadership to drive revenue, ensure timely execution, and maintain brand alignment across all merchandise touchpoints—from design to delivery. The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of music culture and operations, with strong leadership capabilities to manage a high‑performing, creative, and logistics-driven team. We are looking for someone who is self‑motivated, takes proactive steps to move projects forward, and is collaborative in nature. The candidate must have a 'can do' attitude with an inherent ability to hustle and a desire to grow and strengthen the department.

What You’ll Do

Work within and grow a high‑performing merch team

Oversee product development, vendor sourcing, and fulfillment for clients including their tours, e‑commerce, and pop‑ups

Collaborate with artists, managers, and creatives on product vision

Own department KPIs—sales, margins, etc.

Manage vendor relationships and production timelines

Work cross‑functionally with internal and external teams

Analyze vendor and department performance

Management Responsibilities

Lead merchandise strategy and execution for the department, which can include product for tour merch, online stores, and exclusive releases

Collaborate with our sales team, clients, artists, managers, designers, and licensing teams to create compelling and authentic merchandise collections

Oversee product development, from concept and design approvals to sourcing and production timelines

Develop pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize sales and profit margins

SOP creation and development for all product lines

Build and maintain strong vendor relationships. Negotiate with vendors and manufacturers on cost, quality, and delivery terms

Analyze customer feedback and sales data to identify opportunities for improvement

Coordinate internally with our Social Media Department to support promotions, product launches, and seasonal campaigns. Lead, coach, and develop a team.

Department & Team Management

Manage day‑to‑day operations of the merchandise department, including buying, production, logistics, and creative development

Assist in developing a team that may include Sourcing, Production, Art, Logistics

Work in setting department goals, monitor KPIs (sales, margin), and ensure alignment with overall company and client objectives

Foster a collaborative and deadline‑driven environment with a balance of creativity and operational discipline

Oversee hiring, performance reviews, and professional development plans within the department

Merchandise Strategy & Execution

In tandem with Sales and Clients, develop and execute merchandising strategies for tours, online stores, pop‑ups, and retail partners as requested

Collaborate with clients including artists, managers, and creative teams to translate brand vision into marketable product lines

Oversee product lifecycle starting with concepting, design approval, sourcing, production, and delivery

Ensure the merch team adheres to timelines for tour launches, drops, and retail campaigns

Manage relationships with external vendors, printers, and fulfillment partners

Serve as a key liaison between merch and other internal departments including accounting and logistics departments.

Provide strategic input for tour routing, pop‑up locations, and artist campaigns based on merchandising potential

Develop relationships with potential new clients and vendors

Day to Day Task Management

Record actions in our custom database – milestones, notes and shipping must be 100% updated/accurate at all times

Work closely with all stakeholders to confirm orders are 100% correct and reflective of client expectations. This may include sourcing support on various projects.

Confirm timelines with clients at inception of each project to ensure all are on the same page as to expectations and delivery requirements

Lead all communication with our global vendor network to secure proofs, samples, timelines and shipping methods

Issue purchase orders to all vendors while ensuring every PO is 100% accurate

Confirm receipt of POs and check vendor schedules and portals for completion dates

Work with internal art department trafficking jobs through design and proofing stage and liaising with clients to confirm all art is correct, approved, and uploaded

Traffic all pieces through print, manufacture and into final delivery points. Confirm projects are hitting timeline targets throughout the production process.

Communicate (phone, email, Zoom, Slack) on a regular basis with clients as to the status of the job, being proactive as opposed to reactive

Consider client perspective as jobs progress through to completion

Monitor all samples for quality issues. Alert all teams involved when issues arise and/or send samples to clients as required

Maintain an accurate production schedule and generate weekly status reports

Oversee the creation of internal pitch decks, showcasing new products we've produced each month

Proactively review tracking, shipping notices, and pack slips to ensure product is shipping and received

Immediately respond to client claims and follow procedures to correct any issues that arise in the production and delivery process

Once the order is complete, create and issue invoice(s) to the client and ensure that all billable parts are included. Liaise with in‑house sales personnel as and when necessary

Facilitate VAT billing as well as domestic sales tax when invoicing clients

Liaise with warehouse to coordinate shipments, picks ups, inventory and reworks as required

Other tasks and duties as requested or assigned

Qualifications

5 years of relevant senior level experience in negotiations, vendor management, pricing, promotion, and merchandise brand management with a proven track record of delivering results

Relevant experience working in an apparel, fashion, or merch business

Experience driving internal cross‑team collaboration

Experience working with creative directors, and manufacturers, to create new products

High threshold for working in an ambiguous, fast paced environment – figuring it out and adapting as you go

Comfortable with 'hands‑on' management of tasks, and proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities simultaneously

Exceptional communication skills - speaking, writing, presenting and negotiating – across both business and creative audience

Skill Set

Proactive problem solving

Strategic thinking and adaptability

Leadership and team development

Customer and market focus

Attention to detail and follow‑through

Passion for music and artist branding

Creative eye for product and design

Strong analytical and organizational skills

Relationship‑building and communication

Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, artist‑driven environment

#J-18808-Ljbffr