Merchandising Manager

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is seeking a Merchandising Manager to lead the strategic vision for merchandise and special editions sold via direct-to-consumer channels. This role involves collaborating with internal and external partners to launch innovative products, driving sales, and ensuring profitability. The manager will oversee product launches, manage ecommerce financial performance, optimize inventory, and handle vendor relations. They will also develop competitive advantages through market analysis and refine operational processes, utilizing ERP and project management tools.

Must Have

• BA or higher in Business Management or a related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the video game industry, video games merchandise, entertainment industry, toys & collectibles or cross category online retail
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluency in Microsoft Suite
• Fluency in an ERP system
• Existing relationships with established network of vendors

Good to Have

• Project management certification (PMP, CPM)
• Certified Product Manager (CPM)
• New Product Development Professional (NPDP)

POSITION SUMMARY

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.’s Merchandise Manager will lead the vision and strategic roadmap for merchandise and special editions sold through direct-to-consumer ecommerce channels, marketplaces, and social commerce.

They will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to launch innovative merchandise and collectibles, driving demand and maximizing sales while ensuring profitability and sustainable business growth. The Merchandise Manager will have intimate knowledge of our fans’ desires for merchandise, special editions, and collectibles coupled with demonstrated experience as to how to deliver it.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead merchandise strategy by developing and executing merchandise and special edition strategies for multiple Bandai Namco franchises and ensuring alignment with brand vision and ecommerce business objectives.
• Manage ecommerce channels by overseeing product launches and catalog management across various platforms, and leverage best practices to drive engagement and revenue.
• Be responsible for ecommerce financial performance by managing budgets, forecasts optimizing marketing and sales ROI and maintaining P&Ls with a focus on margin requirements, royalty fees, and cost control.
• Responsible for inventory optimization and timely launches of products, managing 50+ products in Bandai Namco’s product portfolio, which includes new releases and catalog replenishments
• Handle vendor & supplier relations through negotiating pricing, freight, and minimum order quantities with domestic and international suppliers, as well as diversifying vendor selection to expand product assortment and ensure competitive pricing.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and global teams to deliver cohesive product development and maximize ecommerce revenue opportunities.
• Develop competitive advantage and optimize product proposals and assortment through researching and analyzing various data points such as competitor product catalogs, market demands and trends, and sales.
• Drive continuous improvement in current processes by developing and refining SOPs related to merchandise planning, sourcing, and delivery, as well as overseeing all import/export operations to ensure adherence to applicable laws and brand guidelines.”
• Utilize relevant software such as ERP and project management tools to track and update project statuses.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• BA or higher in Business Management or a related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of relevant experience in the video game industry, video games merchandise, entertainment industry, toys & collectibles or cross category online retail
• Possesses excellent project management and communication skills
• Fluency in software relevant to the role, such as Microsoft Suite and an ERP system
• Existing relationships with established network of vendors

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Project management certification preferred (PMP, CPM)
• Certified Product Manager (CPM) or New Product Development Professional (NPDP) preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT

In this position, the work environment will necessitate frequent periods of sitting and engaging in computer-related tasks. There will be occasional requirements to stand and/or walk, with infrequent circumstances requiring lifting, carrying, squatting, kneeling, bending, or climbing more than ten pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job.