Description:

{Mur-chol-uh-jee | The science of company merch; the skill of creating and delivering custom-branded apparel and corporate gifts around the world.}

Merchology is a leading eCommerce retailer in B2B sales of co-branded merchandise including apparel, headwear, drinkware, gifts, and accessories. We are family-owned, people-powered, and we are adding to our team at our facility in Plymouth. Come see why we are a three-time Star Tribune Top Workplaces award winner!

Merchology is currently seeking a Brand and Product Development Director for its sustainable apparel brand, Zusa. Reporting to Merchology’s CEO, this position will lead the strategic direction, marketing, and brand development of Zusa and is responsible for shaping Zusa’s brand identity, managing its marketing campaigns, overseeing product development and sourcing partnerships, and aligning the brand’s creative and commercial goals.

This position serves as the bridge between marketing, design, sourcing, and inventory planning: ensuring that Zusa’s story, products, and performance align with its mission of sustainability and innovation.

About Merchology

Merchology is the leading online retailer in B2B sales of co-branded retail merchandise—including apparel, headwear, drinkware, gifts, and accessories. We are “customer logos + brands they love.” It’s pure brand awesomeness!

Our sustainable lifestyle brand, Zusa, launched in 2019 and is now one of the fastest-growing sustainability brands in the corporate gifting market. Zusa’s apparel and accessories (made from recycled materials) have repurposed more than 6.2 million plastic bottles.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

A successful Brand and Product Development Director will be responsible for:

Zusa Brand & Marketing Leadership

Develop and implement a cohesive brand strategy, positioning Zusa for long-term growth and category leadership in the corporate apparel and gifting space.
Manage brand identity, ensuring all visual, verbal, and experiential touchpoints are consistent and impactful.
Partner with the Merchology marketing and sales teams to create and execute campaigns, seasonal launches, and product stories.
Oversee digital merchandising, SEO-driven content, and product presentation across Zusa.com and Merchology.com.
Conduct market and trend research to identify opportunities in sustainable apparel and gifting, including new product types, colors, silhouettes.
Measure and report on brand performance and ROI across marketing channels.
Manage freelance resources to oversee and manage seasonal lifestyle photoshoots, product photography, video production, and the creation of other brand storytelling assets.
Maintain B-Corp and Sustainability certifications for the brand.

Product Development & Sourcing – the Zusa Brand & Merchology’s Customer Private Label Program

Oversee Zusa’s global supplier relationships, ensuring sustainability, cost, and quality standards are met.
Partner with overseas factories on Zusa core products and private-label programs for Merchology customers.
Lead Zusa’s 3-year product roadmap and development calendar, incorporating performance analytics, customer insights, and supplier input.
Manage the in-house Senior Product Designer to execute design and product initiatives.
Collaborate with Senior Product Designer and suppliers on material selection, product quality, and innovation aligned with Zusa’s sustainability goals.\Visit key suppliers (1–2x annually) to strengthen relationships and assess manufacturing excellence.

Inventory & Business Planning

Lead demand and inventory forecasting processes to ensure optimal stock levels and margin goals.
Partner with finance and product strategy teams to analyze product profitability and inform assortment strategy.
Analyze and manage product turn velocities to maximize profitability, minimize excess inventory, and ensure optimal brand performance against financial and operational targets.
Support pricing, forecasting, and lifecycle management of the Zusa product line.
Additional projects or duties as assigned.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, apparel, or business (MBA preferred).
8–15 years of relevant experience in brand management, product strategy, or sourcing within apparel or consumer goods.
Proven track record of leading brand strategy and cross-functional marketing initiatives.
Experience managing overseas suppliers and sustainable product development.
Strong analytical skills with experience in forecasting, budgeting, and performance measurement.
Excellent communicator and relationship builder, capable of leading creative and operational teams.
Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
Preferred experience with a CRM (e.g., HubSpot)
Efficient and detail-oriented

WHAT WE OFFER

In addition to an outstanding creative culture, authentically nice people, and interesting work, we have:

Generous PTO (starts at 18 days per year)
8 company-paid holidays
Hybrid work schedule for select departments
40 hours of paid volunteer time annually
401(k) with match
Medical and dental insurance options, spending account options, including an HSA with employer match
Company-paid life insurance
Company-sponsored social events
Premium brand partner discounts
Employee-led events that include recognition, wellness, volunteering and DE&I

Merchology

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Brand & Product Development Director