Manager, Product Merchandising

This role leads the merchandise strategy for SEGA of America's in-person events, from planning to execution. The Manager will drive merchandise plans for various events like pop-up shops, consumer shows, and concerts, overseeing all aspects of product merchandising and event management to enhance brand awareness and drive sales.

Must Have

• Lead merchandise strategies for SEGA consumer events.
• Develop and implement effective merchandising plans.
• Collaborate with SEGA Japan on line plans and promotional strategies.
• Lead planning, execution, and evaluation of events and pop-up shops.
• Oversee event logistics, vendor coordination, and promotional activities.
• Supervise product design, development, and promotional approvals.
• Manage the full product development lifecycle.
• Conduct market research on trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscapes.
• Analyze sales data and consumer feedback for product strategies.
• Lead post-mortem preparations after SEGA events.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in merchandising, licensing, or related field.
• Proven background in merchandise planning for consumer events.
• Understanding of Japanese business culture and market dynamics.
• Experience in curating compelling product assortments.
• Ability to set pricing strategies balancing competitiveness and profitability.
• Knowledge of cost structures and margin optimization.
• Strong forecasting skills for demand and inventory planning.
• Proficient in analyzing sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.

Good to Have

• Experience in the entertainment industry, particularly video game sector.
• Background in international licensing or merchandising.
• Knowledge of digital marketing and e-commerce.
• Master's degree.

Job Summary:

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the merchandise strategy for SEGA of America’s in-person events. From planning to execution, this role will serve as the lead and key driver of the strategy for merchandise plans at SEGA events. This role will take the lead in planning, managing and executing merchandise programs at events such as pop-up shops, consumer shows, concerts, etc.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Merchandising Strategy & Execution

• Be the assertive key driver of merchandise strategies for SEGA consumer events by being proactive about planning the merch strategy and securing alignment from internal stakeholders
• Develop and implement effective merchandising plans based on market trends, consumer insights, and competitive and cost analysis.
• Collaborate with SEGA Japan as needed to coordinate line plans and promotional strategies
• Own the key contributor role in events meetings when the topic of merchandise is discussed by sharing the strategy you are developing and executing

Event & Pop-up Shop Planning & Management

• Lead the planning, execution, and evaluation of events and pop-up shops to enhance brand awareness and drive sales.
• Oversee all aspects of event execution, including logistics, vendor coordination, and promotional activities.

Product Development & Approval Process

• Supervise product design, development, and promotional approvals, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and market needs.
• Work closely with Sega Japan and internal teams to maintain product quality and consistency.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full product development lifecycle from concept through execution including cross-functional coordination, timeline management, and delivery of consumer-ready merchandise

Market Research & Analysis

• Maintain a keen knowledge and understanding of merchandise trends at consumer events
• Conduct ongoing research on market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscapes to inform decision-making.
• Analyze sales data and consumer feedback to identify areas for improvement in product strategies and marketing efforts.
• Lead post-mortem preparations after each SEGA event where merchandise is sold
• Other Duties as Assigned

Working In-office

This an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:

• For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
• To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
• To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
• To enhance understanding of our stakeholders’ work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.

Work Conditions

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate collaboration with Japan-based teams.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in merchandising, licensing, or a related field
• Proven and successful background in merchandise planning for consumer events
• Understanding of Japanese business culture and market dynamics
• Ability to operate independently, taking initiative and providing updates to stakeholders
• Experience in curating compelling product assortments that drive sales
• Ability to set pricing strategies that balance competitiveness and profitability
• Knowledge of cost structures and margin optimization
• Understanding of SKU productivity and lifecycle management
• Ability to develop and execute merchandise strategies aligned with brand goals
• Strong forecasting skills to anticipate demand and plan inventory accordingly
• Proficient in analyzing sales data, market trends, and consumer behavior
• Skilled in identifying opportunities for growth and areas for improvement
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

BONUS QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in the entertainment industry, particularly in the video game sector
• Background in international licensing or merchandising
• Knowledge of digital marketing and e-commerce
• Master's degree is a plus