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Director, Merchandising and Product Development

New York, New York

Who We Are

Authentic is a unified platform that integrates M&A, brand strategy, creativity and digital innovation to unlock the power of its global Lifestyle and Entertainment portfolio. As the world’s largest sports and entertainment licensing company, Authentic connects strong brands with best-in-class partners to optimize long-term value in the marketplace. Its brands generate more than $32 billion in global annual retail sales and have an expansive retail footprint in more than 150 countries, including 13,000-plus freestanding stores and shop-in-shops and 400,000 points of sale. Authentic transforms brands by delivering powerful storytelling, compelling content, innovative business models and immersive experiences. It creates original marketing strategies to drive the success of its brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms and emerging media

 Why Authentic

 You’ll be able to access the resources and scale, while leveraging innovative technology and nimble environment. What we’re saying is, this isn’t your average day job. If you’re hungry to drive ideas into action and own your career, let’s chat. Our team is rapidly innovating to evolve and define the future of our brands. With the help of some of the brightest minds in retail, marketing, licensing, legal and more, we are building the intersection of digital and experiential marketing to help achieve that mission. We reimagine, evolve and transform brands! At Authentic, we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought and expertise drive competitive advantage. Our global teams are built by go-getters who contribute unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Headquartered in New York City, Authentic has offices in major metropolitan cities including Los Angeles and Miami, as well as Toronto, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai.

 

What You’ll Do

The Director of Merchandising & Product Development leads the product strategy and design direction from concept through production, managing licensed product development in close partnership with external partners. This role ensures seasonal assortments align with brand identity and market trends, oversees product and packaging approvals, and maintains brand consistency across consumer touchpoints. In addition to driving innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and category growth across all HOME segments, the Director is also responsible for aligning and unifying the brand narrative across two key Lifestyle Heritage brands globally working with over 115 global partners to tell one cohesive brand story.

What you’ll be working on

  • Conduct seasonal meetings with retail partners to align product concepts with business and end consumer needs.
  • Oversees product development process to ensure products from or for assigned licensees/partners meet brand standards and timelines; processes approvals for products to ensure coordinated presentation across all licensees/partners.
  • Partner with SVP, Product Development & Merchandising in researching/identifying seasonal fashion direction and merchandise trends.
  • Responsible to research, gather, analyze, and identify the market needs to ideate, develop, and prototype new product opportunities and concepts.
  • Develop and present seasonal trend analysis and boards to senior management and licensing partners.
  • Conceptualize, style and execute seasonal photoshoots for Home product packaging, POS and other marketing needs.
  • Collaborate with Creative Services to create innovative and effective branding (e.g. trim, hangtags, labels, POS).
  • Communicate regularly with licensees to enhance teamwork and achieve a shared vision regarding product ideas, designs, fabrication and quality requirements; monitor their adherence to the agreed product development calendar
  • Manage product approval process flow through in house software.
  • Collaborate with licensees to resolve distribution, product development and product performance issues.
  • Educate licensees, agents and other business partners about proper brand image and visual representation to ensure marketing synergies and brand aesthetic among licensed products.
  • Attend financial and market analysis around existing and potential partnerships with brand, finance and legal team to support product development strategies and business plans as required
  • Assists in various activities including marketing, PR, retail development, event management, and buyer relationships.

Must Haves:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration, or related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in merchandising, product development, or related areas, with demonstrated leadership in partnering with cross-functional teams.
  • Proven ability to lead product strategy from concept through production, balancing creative vision with business objectives.
  • Strong understanding of merchandising and buying best practices, with a track record of driving successful product assortments.
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; able to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate market trends and consumer insights into innovative product solutions.
  • Experience working with licensing partners and navigating brand standards across distributed teams.

 

Primary Location Salary Range:

$105,000 - $150,000

 

 

Authentic is an equal-opportunity employer and we value and embrace the diversity and inclusion of all Team Members. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, disability, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.

For individuals with disabilities or religious obligations who would like to request an accommodation, please contact talent@authentic.com

To access Authentic' s Privacy Policy, which contains information regarding data collected from job applicants and how we use it, please click here:

https://www.authentic.com/privacy-policy

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