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- Tasks: Lead merchandising strategies and manage a team for the Reading Royals at Santander Arena.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Santander Arena, home to the exciting Reading Royals.
- Benefits: Enjoy health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and more!
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment that impacts fan experiences and showcases your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and five years of managerial experience required; marketing background preferred.
- Other info: Position open until July 31, 2025; perfect for those passionate about sports and merchandising.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 £ per year.
The Merchandise Manager will create, oversee, and implement merchandising strategies for Santander Arena, the home of the Reading Royals. Our ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and deadline-driven individual with experience managing a small to medium-size team. This role also requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a creative eye for sourcing and presenting clothing, headwear, accessories and other game day fan gear.
Responsibilities:
- Overseeing the planning and implementation of merchandising strategies to deliver volume and profit goals.
- Ensuring that all deadlines, inventory requirements, and customer orders are completed in a timely manner.
- Creating eye-catching store layouts that showcase the brand and aesthetic of the teams and company.
- Preparing and maintaining annual budgets.
- Negotiating the costs of inventory.
- Forecasting, price setting, and negotiating quantities with buyers, suppliers, and distributors.
- Ensuring product selection is aligned with market trends.
- Tracking inventory movement and systematically introducing promotions, sales, price changes, etc.
- Interpreting sales reports and providing guidance on how to improve figures and customer engagement.
- Hire, coach and manage a team to run the day-to-day operations of the Team Store on a seasonal basis.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business management, retail, or a related field.
- A minimum of five years' experience in a managerial position.
- A background in marketing, communications, and/or design is preferred.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Must be creative and detail-orientated.
Contact Detail:
Oak View Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchandise Manager - Reading Royals | Full-Time | Santander Arena
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Reading Royals and their merchandise. Understanding the brand's identity and what appeals to their fan base will help you demonstrate your passion and insight during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sports merchandising industry. Attend events or join online forums where you can connect with others who have experience in similar roles, as they may provide valuable insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in managing teams and implementing merchandising strategies. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales and engaged customers in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your creativity by bringing ideas for store layouts or promotional strategies to the interview. This will not only highlight your skills but also demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchandise Manager - Reading Royals | Full-Time | Santander Arena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in merchandising, team management, and any creative roles you've held. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what the Reading Royals are looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for merchandising and sports. Discuss specific strategies you would implement at Santander Arena and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role.
Showcase Your Creativity: Since the role requires a creative eye, consider including a portfolio or examples of past merchandising displays or marketing campaigns you've worked on. This can set you apart from other candidates.
Highlight Team Management Skills: Emphasise your experience in managing teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team, met deadlines, and achieved sales goals in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oak View Group
✨Showcase Your Creative Eye
As a Merchandise Manager, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in sourcing and presenting merchandise. Bring examples of store layouts or merchandising strategies you've implemented that align with brand aesthetics.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be ready to share your leadership style. Discuss how you've successfully coached and managed teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate and drive results.
✨Know Your Numbers
Understanding budgets, sales reports, and inventory management is crucial. Brush up on your financial acumen and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions in previous roles.
✨Align with Market Trends
The job requires staying ahead of market trends. Research current merchandising trends in sports and retail, and be ready to share your insights on how you would apply these trends to enhance the Reading Royals' merchandise offerings.
