Job Overview
Compensation
Salary
Range $45,000.00 - $50,000.00
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Flexible spending account
Employee Discounts
Professional Development
Job Description
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with a significant national and local presence, dedicated to empowering and enriching communities through trusted journalism and innovative digital marketing solutions. The company operates through a variety of respected brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK — which encompasses the national publication USA TODAY and numerous local media outlets across the United States — along with its wholly-owned UK subsidiary, Newsquest. USA TODAY Co. focuses on delivering high-quality, balanced, and unbiased content across multiple platforms, ensuring it meets the needs of modern consumers. Alongside its journalism business, USA TODAY Co. also offers digital marketing services through LocaliQ, a brand supporting small and medium-sized businesses with cutting-edge marketing products and solutions.
The Merchandise Manager role at USA TODAY Co. serves as a critical position within this dynamic media environment, specifically for the RAGBRAI merchandise program. The Merchandise Manager is responsible for owning and executing financial targets tied to this extensive merchandise operation, optimizing product mix, managing procurement, and driving initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, operational efficiency, and overall profitability. This position involves overseeing the entire merchandise program, including managing the Shopify storefront, live event sales, retail space product launches at the RAGBRAI headquarters, and inventory available both online and offline.
Working closely with the Marketing and Creative teams, the Merchandise Manager helps develop attractive and on-brand merchandise assortments, coordinates product launches and promotions, and ensures consistency between online sales channels and on-site retail environments. Key responsibilities include utilizing historical sales data, registration trends, and market insights to forecast revenue and shape inventory strategy. The role demands strong partnership with event leadership to set and manage merchandise budgets, oversee ordering processes, and ensure timely production and delivery. A significant aspect of the role includes rigorous financial analysis, tracking sales performance to refine forecasts and highlight improvements for inventory management.
The Merchandise Manager is also tasked with sourcing products that meet the desired aesthetic, quality, and price points, working in tandem with the Creative team to develop concepts and product specifications. Maintaining relationships with vendors and negotiating cost and quality details are vital to successfully sustaining the merchandise program. Additionally, the position manages the Shopify online store, optimizes product pages for e-commerce success, tracks digital sales metrics, and collaborates on marketing campaigns to boost merchandise visibility and sales.
On the ground during events, the Merchandise Manager coordinates retail placements, manages staff or volunteers handling point-of-sale operations, and ensures an engaging customer experience that enhances brand affinity. Physical duties related to event setup and merchandise handling are part of the role. This position promotes the RAGBRAI brand as a dedicated ambassador, helping to execute retail event activations and improve sales outcomes.
The ideal candidate for this position will bring 3-4 years of retail merchandising experience, expertise in revenue optimization, and strong analytical skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ecommerce platforms like Shopify is essential, complemented by excellent communication skills and a highly organized, detail-oriented work style. The role may require travel and working outside typical business hours to support event schedules. With a base annual salary range of $45,000 to $50,000, this role offers the opportunity to impact a vibrant media-driven merchandise program within a leading national company committed to diversity and inclusion.
The Merchandise Manager role at USA TODAY Co. serves as a critical position within this dynamic media environment, specifically for the RAGBRAI merchandise program. The Merchandise Manager is responsible for owning and executing financial targets tied to this extensive merchandise operation, optimizing product mix, managing procurement, and driving initiatives aimed at enhancing product quality, operational efficiency, and overall profitability. This position involves overseeing the entire merchandise program, including managing the Shopify storefront, live event sales, retail space product launches at the RAGBRAI headquarters, and inventory available both online and offline.
Working closely with the Marketing and Creative teams, the Merchandise Manager helps develop attractive and on-brand merchandise assortments, coordinates product launches and promotions, and ensures consistency between online sales channels and on-site retail environments. Key responsibilities include utilizing historical sales data, registration trends, and market insights to forecast revenue and shape inventory strategy. The role demands strong partnership with event leadership to set and manage merchandise budgets, oversee ordering processes, and ensure timely production and delivery. A significant aspect of the role includes rigorous financial analysis, tracking sales performance to refine forecasts and highlight improvements for inventory management.
The Merchandise Manager is also tasked with sourcing products that meet the desired aesthetic, quality, and price points, working in tandem with the Creative team to develop concepts and product specifications. Maintaining relationships with vendors and negotiating cost and quality details are vital to successfully sustaining the merchandise program. Additionally, the position manages the Shopify online store, optimizes product pages for e-commerce success, tracks digital sales metrics, and collaborates on marketing campaigns to boost merchandise visibility and sales.
On the ground during events, the Merchandise Manager coordinates retail placements, manages staff or volunteers handling point-of-sale operations, and ensures an engaging customer experience that enhances brand affinity. Physical duties related to event setup and merchandise handling are part of the role. This position promotes the RAGBRAI brand as a dedicated ambassador, helping to execute retail event activations and improve sales outcomes.
The ideal candidate for this position will bring 3-4 years of retail merchandising experience, expertise in revenue optimization, and strong analytical skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ecommerce platforms like Shopify is essential, complemented by excellent communication skills and a highly organized, detail-oriented work style. The role may require travel and working outside typical business hours to support event schedules. With a base annual salary range of $45,000 to $50,000, this role offers the opportunity to impact a vibrant media-driven merchandise program within a leading national company committed to diversity and inclusion.
Job Requirements
- 3-4 years of experience in retail merchandising, planning, or buying
- experience in revenue optimization, product development, and merchandising strategy
- proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
- working knowledge of ecommerce platforms such as Shopify
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment in all business interactions
- strong problem-solving skills
- excellent organizational skills
- willingness and ability to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends during events
Job Qualifications
- 3-4 years of experience in retail merchandising, planning, or buying
- experience in revenue optimization, product development, and merchandising strategy
- deep understanding of merchandising and marketing strategies within a retail environment
- proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
- working knowledge of ecommerce platforms such as Shopify
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment in all business interactions
- proactive, analytical, and collaborative mindset with strong attention to detail
- creative and curious mindset with an interest in fashion, merchandise, and live events
- strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain effective in high-pressure environments
- excellent organizational skills
- willingness and ability to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends during events
Job Duties
- analyze historical sales data, leverage registration trends, and use market insights to set revenue targets and inventory strategy
- partner with event director to align financial goals by building and managing detailed merchandise budgets and forecasts
- manage the purchasing process from order placement through production and delivery timelines
- develop analytical and data-driven financial models to track sales performance and refine projections and forecasts
- own post-event financial recaps, including SKU-level sales analysis, margin performance, and year-over-year comparisons
- identify opportunities to improve inventory efficiency and reduce excess inventory
- maintain clean, organized financial documentation for all merchandise orders to support accounting and finance processes
- develop and manage the annual merchandise calendar, aligning product drops and campaigns with the broader marketing schedule
- build product orders and collaborate with the creative team to develop assortments that align with event brand identity, customer demand, and profitability targets
- determine product mix, pricing strategy, and inventory depth, ensuring cost and budget projections are updated as needed
- source products that meet desired aesthetic direction, quality standards, trends and cost targets
- work with creative team to develop merchandise concepts, artwork applications, and product specifications
- manage product development timelines and production calendars for events and ecommerce program
- research and source new vendors, and maintain strong relationships with an established vendor base
- manage the online merchandise store through the Shopify platform, including product listings, inventory updates, pricing, and promotions
- ensure product pages are optimized with accurate descriptions, size charts, imagery, and inventory availability
- coordinate product launches with marketing campaigns and event calendar
- monitor ecommerce performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve conversion rates and online sales
- works with expo event ops coordinator to secure placement in each location
- responsible for managing a team of contractors or volunteer staff facilitate quick and smooth point-of-sale transactions
- perform physical duties as required by the role, such as moving equipment or transferring merchandise between locations
- inventory management, assisting guests with purchases, and overseeing sales transactions while maintaining a positive atmosphere
- implement dynamic event retail activations and strategies to maximize sales growth and improve customer experience
- assist with operational tasks and contribute to a positive shopping experience through merchandise upkeep and customer engagement
- act as a brand ambassador for RAGBRAI, its local sponsors and venues
- partner with the marketing team to promote merchandise through email, social media, and digital campaigns
- collaborate with creative and graphic design teams to develop artwork, product concepts, and branded merchandise collections
- support merchandise storytelling and promotional initiatives that drive both online and event-based sales
- provide product insights and sales trends to inform future merchandise and marketing strategies
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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