Job Description
Position: Product Manager / Merchant
Reports to: Director of Merchandising
Position Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and customer-focused Product Manager / Merchant to lead the growth of equestrian products by driving demand, maximizing margins, and ensuring the success of innovative, customer-centric products in the equestrian industry. In this role, you will oversee the product assortment, assess performance, and optimize underperforming products, all while managing vendor relationships and driving profitability through new product solutions.
You'll work closely with the Product Development, Inventory Planning, and Sales teams to achieve category growth, pricing and margin strategies, and business-aligned demand plans. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of equestrian products, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and the ability to capitalize on new opportunities while meeting financial goals and ensuring customer satisfaction.
If you're passionate about merchandising, equestrian products, and horses—and ready to join a fast-paced, growth-focused team—this could be the perfect role for you.
Key Responsibilities
Drive Merchandising Strategy and Growth through Product Assortment Planning
Develop and execute product strategies that meet the needs of various equestrian disciplines, stable products, and other designated categories.
Lead initiatives to increase product demand, improve margins, and ensure profitability through strategic product selection, pricing, and sourcing while remaining competitive.
Identify market trends and unmet product needs to introduce new product opportunities, maximizing category performance and growth potential.
Lead the seasonal planning process from new product concepts to line reviews, product turnovers, product launches, and in-season performance analysis.
Collaborate with industry experts and suppliers to introduce innovative products that enhance the performance of both horse and rider.
Introduce products that have strong features and benefits, and a unique market position.
Solve issues proactively, keeping customer-centric decision-making aligned with strategic and financial objectives.
Vendor & Supplier Relations
Negotiate pricing and secure exclusive products with key vendors to ensure competitive pricing and maintain high-quality standards.
Lead the development of private label lines and manage national brand assortments to create a well-curated selection for customers.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Align with the merchant, purchasing, and sales teams to meet demand, margin, and profitability goals through product growth and performance.
Work closely with marketing, creative, inventory planning, product development, and digital merchandising teams to execute campaigns, product launches, and customer experience initiatives that drive sales.
Stay informed on market trends and customer feedback to maintain leadership in the category.
Financial Planning & Performance Metrics
Analyze sales, margins, and competitive data to identify opportunities for improvement while driving topline revenue.
Collaborate with the inventory team to plan seasonal assortments and ensure optimal stock levels for key products, new products, and trends.
Refine pricing strategies to balance competitiveness with profitability.
Customer-Centric Innovation
Develop innovative product solutions in rider apparel, tack, stable equipment, and horse care to solve customer pain points.
Maintain a deep understanding of the equestrian industry to ensure that product offerings enhance the lives of equestrians and their horses, with an emphasis on safety, quality, and practical solutions.
Digital Merchandising & E-commerce Optimization
Optimize online product presentation with accurate descriptions, images, and key selling points.
Partner with marketing, creative, and digital teams to develop strategies that showcase product value and engage customers online.
Performance Analytics & Reporting
Track key metrics, including demand dollars, margin performance, item productivity, and in-stock levels, to ensure consistent growth.
Analyze seasonal performance and develop action plans based on results.
Regularly monitor product performance on a weekly/monthly basis.
Key Metrics for Success
Demand ($): Achieve and grow product demand to meet sales targets.
Margin ($ and %): Drive improvements in margin dollars and percentages for profitability.
New Product Performance: Measure the success of new product launches based on demand, margins, and customer feedback.
Item Productivity: Ensure high productivity across the assortment.
In-Stock Performance: Maintain optimal stock levels, especially for high-demand items.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in business, retail merchandising, or a related field, or 7-10 years of relevant experience.
Extensive knowledge of English riding disciplines and equestrian stable products.
Strong leadership, negotiation, and collaboration skills with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency in product analysis, financial performance, and driving sales.
Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Passion for equestrian products and a deep understanding of customer needs.
Excellent managerial skills, communication, and the ability to gain buy-in from stakeholders.
Alignment with company core values.
Travel & Location
This is a remote position with occasional domestic and international travel required. Candidates must reside in one of the following states: AL, AZ, GA, IA, IN, MA, MI, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, and be available to work Eastern Time Zone hours.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 75,000.00 195,000.00 Per Year
Job Tags
Full time, Seasonal work, Remote job,