Head of Merchandising
Full time
at Al-Ahli Saudi FC
in
Saudi Arabia
Posted on January 25, 2025
Job details
The Head of Merchandising will lead the development and execution of merchandising strategies that resonate with fans, align with brand identity, and capitalize on market trends, thus driving revenue growth, enhancing brand equity, and cultivating a loyal fan base for the football club. Merchandise Strategy and Planning
- Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive merchandising strategy aligned with the club's commercial objectives, brand identity, and fan preferences.
- Conduct market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify opportunities for product innovation, category expansion, and pricing optimization.
- Lead the collaboration with the marketing team to integrate merchandise initiatives into broader marketing campaigns, promotional activities, and fan engagement strategies.
- Drive the development of seasonal and thematic merchandise calendars, aligning product launches and promotions with key events, matches, and milestones throughout the football season.
- Lead the development of an innovative and diverse range of club-branded merchandise, including apparel, accessories, memorabilia, and collectibles.
- Drive the identification and evaluation of potential suppliers, manufacturers, and licensing partners to source high-quality merchandise that meets brand standards, regulatory requirements, and fan expectations.
- Oversee the management of the product lifecycle from concept to production, overseeing design, sampling, prototyping, and quality assurance processes to ensure timely delivery of merchandise to market.
- Lead the forecast of demand, planning of inventory levels, and management stock replenishment to ensure optimal product availability and minimize out-of-stock situations.
- Drive the implementation of inventory control measures, such as stock rotation, markdowns, and clearance sales, to optimize inventory turnover, reduce excess stock, and maximize profitability.
- Manage the coordination with logistics partners, warehousing facilities, and distribution channels to streamline supply chain operations and fulfill orders efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Implement RFID or other advanced inventory tracking technologies to improve inventory accuracy, enhance visibility across the supply chain, and streamline order fulfillment processes.
- Develop and lead the execution of sales strategies, promotions, and pricing tactics to drive merchandise sales and achieve revenue targets across multiple sales channels, including stadium retail outlets, e-commerce platforms, and retail partnerships.
- Monitor sales performance, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify opportunities for sales growth, upselling, and cross-selling to maximize revenue and profitability.
- Lead the collaboration with ticketing and hospitality teams to integrate merchandise sales opportunities into match-day experiences, special events, and fan engagement initiatives.
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies, leveraging data analytics and customer insights to optimize pricing elasticity, maximize margins, and capitalize on demand fluctuations.
- Oversee the operation of retail outlets, merchandise stands, and online stores, ensuring a seamless and engaging shopping experience for fans, visitors, and customers.
- Drive the implementation of best practices in merchandising, visual merchandising, and store layout to optimize product presentation, drive traffic, and enhance brand visibility in retail environments.
- Train and motivate retail staff to deliver exceptional customer service, product knowledge, and sales support, fostering a positive and customer-centric shopping experience.
- Lead the implementation of omnichannel retail strategies, integrating online and offline channels to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience and drive cross-channel sales and engagement.
- Safeguard the integrity of the club's brand by ensuring that all merchandise designs, logos, and trademarks adhere to brand guidelines, licensing agreements, and intellectual property rights.
- Monitor and enforce compliance with licensing agreements, copyright regulations, and brand standards to protect the club's brand identity and reputation.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with licensing agencies, brand partners, and legal advisors to stay abreast of industry trends, regulatory changes, and licensing opportunities.
- Implement anti-counterfeiting measures and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat counterfeit merchandise and protect the club's intellectual property rights.
- Develop and manage the merchandising budget, including revenue projections, expense allocations, and cost control measures, to achieve financial targets and objectives.
- Ensure the tracking of sales performance, analysis of financial metrics, and timely issuance of reports and forecasts for senior management and stakeholders to evaluate the financial health and performance of the merchandising operation.
- Drive the implementation of cost-saving initiatives, negotiation of favorable vendor contracts, and optimization of operational efficiencies to maximize profitability and return on investment.
- Conduct profitability analysis, evaluating the performance of merchandise categories, product lines, and sales channels to identify opportunities for margin improvement and revenue optimization.
- Lead the identification and negotiation of strategic partnerships, collaborations, and co-branding opportunities with relevant brands, influencers, and organizations to expand the club's reach, attract new customers, and drive merchandise sales.
- Foster relationships with retail partners, licensees, and distribution channels to expand the club's retail footprint, increase market penetration, and enhance merchandising opportunities in key markets.
- Collaborate with marketing and sponsorship teams to leverage merchandise partnerships as sponsorship activation opportunities, driving brand exposure, fan engagement, and revenue growth.
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Management, or a related field.
- Master's degree or relevant certifications in merchandising or retail management may be preferred.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in merchandising, retail management, or product development, preferably within the sports industry or a similar consumer goods sector.
- Proven track record of success in developing and executing merchandising strategies, driving revenue growth, and managing retail operations in a fast-paced and competitive environment.
- Experience in product development, sourcing, and supply chain management, with a strong understanding of merchandise trends, market dynamics, and consumer preferences.
- Excellent relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency in merchandising tools and software.
- Creative flair and innovation in product development, with a keen eye for design, branding, and merchandising concepts.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of merchandising regulations, licensing requirements, and intellectual property laws.
- Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
- English required (advanced).
- Arabic language preferable (working knowledge).
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Business Development and Sales
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