Merchandise Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Merchandise Manager is responsible for ingestion, return, organization, tracking, and distribution of all merchandise used in photo shoots and studio operations. This role plays a key part in ensuring that props, wardrobe items, and other assets are available, accounted for, and in good condition. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, comfortable using inventory management software, and ability to thrive in a dynamic studio environment. Inventory management and/or logistics experience preferred.
 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all studio merchandise—including props, wardrobe, accessories, and equipment—using inventory management software.
•    Merchandise Check-In/Out: Perform timely check-in and check-out of merchandise for photo shoots in accordance with client service level agreements. Ensure proper documentation, perform condition checks, and resolve merchandise issues as needed.
•    Organization: Ensure all merchandise is stored in an orderly and accessible manner. Implement and maintain effective labeling and tracking systems.
•    Damage & Loss Prevention: Inspect items upon receipt and return. Report any damage or loss, and coordinate replacements or resolutions when necessary.
•    Production Support: Assist production and photography teams to ensure required merchandise is prepped and available ahead of shoots.
•    Staffing Support: Identify and train additional resources as needed during peak volume periods.
•    Reporting: Generate inventory reports and assist in forecasting merchandise volumes for upcoming projects and seasons.
•    Workflow & Space Optimization: Establish and maintain efficient ingestion and disposition workflows. Optimize physical storage space and manage materials/equipment to meet standards for productivity, quality, and client service.
•    Safety & Compliance: Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures that comply with legal regulations.
•    Daily Warehouse Operations: Perform daily warehouse activities, including quality assurance, inventory control, space management, logistics, floor productivity, shipping, and customer inquiries regarding merchandise.
•    Physical Requirements: Must be able to climb ladders, operate mechanical lifts (certification available), pack and unpack boxes, and retrieve/store merchandise from vertical storage locations.
•    Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

•    Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Finance or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the key accountabilities of the job required
•    5+ years of previous merchandise coordination, inventory management and/or logistics experience
•    High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications
•    Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), & planning skills 
•    Strong verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, & reasoning)
•    Solid understanding and application of mathematical concepts
•    Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as, internal and external clients
•    Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
•    Ability to work with and influence peers and senior management
•    Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting

PHYSICAL ASPECTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

•    Regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk, hear and see.  
•    Regularly/Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
•    Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
•    Regularly/Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold & heat, risk of electrical shock, and toxic or caustic chemicals.
•    The noise level in the work environment is usually low/moderate.