Apparel Merchandising Manager

Job Title: ApparelMerchandising Manager – Sun Mountain Sports

Company Description: Sun Mountain is a leading provider of high-quality golf products, including bags, travel gear, apparel and accessories. For more than 40 years, Sun Mountain has delivered first-of-their kind product innovations, researched and engineered by industry-leading. From the modern stand bag to cutting edge apparel, we bring our passion on the course to improve the game for our customers. 

Job Summary: The Apparel Merchandising Manager role requires a dynamic combination of strategic vision and practical oversight throughout each stage of product development, from initial concept to full market introduction. Central to this position is the creation and management of annual product plans, focusing on boosting revenue, profit margins, and market share, while demonstrating a profound grasp of market dynamics and consumer desires. A well-curated selection of high-quality products fortifies the company’s competitive positioning and supports its mission to surpass customer expectations.

The role’ primary duty is to craft and communicate a cohesive strategy for the product categories they oversee. This strategy should be firmly rooted in comprehensive market analysis, tracking consumer trends, behavior patterns, and the actions of competitors. It necessitates a sharp understanding of each product's potential return on investment, backed by thorough market research and a detailed roadmap for product development and release. This vision must address all distribution channels to ensure a unified and impactful market strategy.

Bringing this strategy to fruition demands that the Merchandiser has deep knowledge of the brand identity, the broader business landscape, and the distinctive advantages of the product lineup. This role extends beyond product management—it’s about storytelling, showcasing the unique value propositions in a manner that connects with the target demographic. Leveraging internal teams and available resources, the merchandiser’s objective is to drive forward-thinking solutions that resonate with consumers’ preferences. Success in this position depends on synthesizing market insights, leveraging brand assets, and guiding innovative product development to deliver a portfolio that captivates and meets the needs of the core audience.

Duties/Responsibilities:

· Conduct in-depth analysis of target markets and segments to develop a comprehensive understanding of opportunities for new product launches. Strategically position new products in the marketplace by collaborating with sales, marketing teams, and external experts to gain insights into the market landscape and competition.

· Foster clear and effective communication with internal partners, including design, development, marketing, and sales teams, ensuring alignment and smooth collaboration.

· Identify and assess innovation opportunities, focusing not just on new product creation but also on enhancing processes and tools used in daily operations. Collaborate with internal teams to transform innovative ideas from initial concept to execution.

· Work in tandem with internal stakeholders to set specific product development objectives and timelines, ensuring alignment across teams.

· Stay ahead of competitors by becoming a subject-matter expert on their strategies and the broader marketplace, using this intelligence to guide proactive decision-making.

· Maintain and update product line plans with accuracy and completeness, supporting the future implementation of new product lines and integration with product information management tools, such as PLM systems.

· Drive seasonal and yearly sales and margin targets, contribute to long-range strategic planning, and create seasonal plans that outline a clear path to achieving those objectives. Monitor progress toward these targets and assist in short-term strategies and problem-solving as needed, including leading pricing and margin management initiatives.

· Lead presentations and discussions with consumers and retailers to gather feedback that informs product and collection development.

· Develop and deliver compelling presentations for sell-in meetings with individual clients and during larger global sales events.

· Create and maintain robust intellectual property strategies to protect product innovations.

· Ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulatory standards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Demonstrated success in Product Line Management for consumer brands or categories; experience with golf-related products is a plus.

· Experience working across diverse channels and consumer product categories, preferably with exposure to different company sizes, including large CPG firms and smaller divisions or brands.

· Strong knowledge of product development, merchandising, and assortment planning.

· Exceptional verbal communication and presentation skills, comfortable speaking to large audiences.

· Proficiency with applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Illustrator, and Outlook.

· Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

· Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and adhere to timelines.

· Comfort navigating ambiguity and making informed decisions with partial or qualitative data.

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and motivate a results-oriented team.

· Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills adaptable for varied audiences.

· Resilient, adaptable, and capable of multitasking effectively in a fast-paced environment.

· Demonstrated passion for the role and personal alignment with company values, maintaining high integrity.

· Ability to manage tight deadlines, multiple projects, and meet performance targets.

· Experience in fast-paced, growth-oriented companies and demonstrated capacity to balance strategic and hands-on work.

Qualifications:

· Minimum of 5 years of experience in apparel, merchandising, product management, or marketing within wholesale, retail, or direct-to-consumer businesses.

· Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Product Management, Marketing, or a related field preferred.

· Missoula, MT based office position.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee discounts on company products
• Professional development opportunities

Please apply via Linkedin or send resume to valerie@sunmountain.com.