Branded Merchandise & Sourcing Strategist

Employment: Contract/Part-time/Fractional
Compensation: DOE
Location: Cody, Wyoming
Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and execution-focused individual to run Gunwerks Branded Merchandise & Apparel. In this role, you will own the entire lifecycle of Gunwerks branded merchandise—from market strategy and concept definition to vendor sourcing and final production.
You aren't just putting a logo on a t-shirt. You will be responsible for defining what products fit the Gunwerks ethos (including high-end, technical, and lifestyle), articulating why they belong in our catalog, and managing the supply chain to bring them to life with uncompromised quality.
Key Responsibilities

Strategic Product Development: Conduct market research to identify whitespace opportunities that align with Gunwerks' premium brand identity. Define the product roadmap for apparel, gear, and lifestyle accessories.
Brand Alignment & Curation: Articulate the "why" behind every product. Ensure all merchandise reflects our high-end aesthetic, durability standards, and resonates with our core demographic.
Sourcing & Vendor Management: Identify, vet, and manage relationships with domestic and international manufacturers, fabric mills, and decorators. Negotiate pricing, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and lead times.
Quality Assurance: Oversee the prototyping and sampling process. Ensure the materials, fit, and finish of all apparel meet luxury/premium standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with the Creative team to plan launch strategies and develop designs, and E-commerce/Sales to optimize inventory levels and margin targets.
Qualifications & Experience

Experience: 4–6+ years of experience in product management, merchandising, or product development, specifically within premium apparel, or luxury lifestyle brands.
The "Strategic Eye": Proven track record of building a cohesive product line from scratch, with a strong understanding of consumer behavior and brand positioning.
Sourcing Network: Deep knowledge of apparel manufacturing, fabric sourcing (technical fabrics a huge plus), and production management.
Business Acumen: Strong understanding of gross margins, landed costs, supply chain logistics, and inventory management.
Culture Fit: An appreciation for the outdoor lifestyle, hunting, or precision shooting industries is highly preferred.

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