Director Retail Strategy

Who are we hiring?

The Director, Retail Strategy serves as the strategic leader of product, licensing, and wholesale programs for all Sphere Experiences, Sphere owned events, brand collaborations, off site activations, and e-commerce. This role handles all strategic planning, identification of special initiatives (e.g., collaborations, new ways to sell merchandise), budgeting and revenue growth. This role works closely with Marketing, Sales, Brand Strategy on key initiatives (products based on customer segmentation, holidays, seasonal drops, partnerships) and Venue Operations (store layout, sales strategies, inventory management, key partnerships), as well as other functions including Legal, Social Media, VIP Services, Ticketing, etc.

What will you do?

• Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandise strategy, including product development, pricing and positioning for in venue, and distribution. Align merchandise initiatives with brand identity, guest demographics, and event programming.
• Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities for growth in retail and e-commerce channels.
• Product Development and Curation: Collaborate with creative teams to design exclusive, high-quality, and innovative product lines. Partner with vendors, designers and manufacturers to source and produce merchandise.
• Ensure merchandise offerings reflect Sphere’s brand ethos, immersive experiences and technological focus.
• Revenue Optimization: Develop strategies to maximize sales and profitability across retail stores, online platforms, and activations. Analyze sales data to inform decision making and adjust strategies in real time. Implement dynamic pricing strategies for limited-edition and exclusive items.
• Guest Experience and Engagement: Create merchandise experiences that enhance guest satisfaction and build lasting connections with Sphere’s audience. Drive storytelling through merchandise design, packaging, and in venue displays. 
• Negotiate new and existing licenses with relevant offers of merchandise across multiple platforms.
• Monitor P&L through revenue, inventory turn and margin goals.
• Direct day to day activities of department and set standards of key merchandising, licensing, and wholesale programs.
• Lead innovative initiatives (collaborations, digital sales, etc.)

What do you need to succeed?

• Experience with prestigious brands in a fast-paced environment, with a proven track record driving revenue growth and successful product launches in a company with a diverse set of businesses and a complex, matrix-based organization.
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in merchandise strategy, retail management, product strategy development and licensing preferable within entertainment, hospitality, or lifestyle brands.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrates knowledge of strategic planning and budgeting
• Previous P & L management experience
• Knowledge of issues associated with import, procurement, patents, exclusive products, etc.
• SUPERVISION:
• Oversees approximately 1 person; Senior Manager Merchandise Strategy

Special Requirements

• Available to travel as needed; no more than 25-35% to attend tradeshows, events, MSG office (NYC) or vendors as needed.

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