WHAT YOU'LL DO 🎯The Merchandise Sourcing & Production Manager is fully accountable for RYZE's branded merchandise function - from vendor sourcing and cost management through on-time delivery and inventory control. This is an ownership role, not a coordination role. You set the standard for how merch gets made, what it costs, and when it arrives.
Responsibilities will include:
Sourcing & Vendor Management- Build and maintain a reliable supplier network that can flex to RYZE's needs across apparel, drinkware, swag, and other branded goods for retail, events, and internal use.
- Source and onboard new vendors; conduct due diligence on quality, capacity, lead times, and cost competitiveness.
- Set and track vendor scorecards covering quality, cost, and timeliness - and manage vendors out if they underperform.
- Negotiate favorable pricing and terms without compromising quality.
Production & Project Management- Own end-to-end production management for all branded merchandise - from creative brief through sampling, approval, production, QC, and delivery.
- Build and continuously improve the processes that take merch from concept to delivery.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines simultaneously without losing track of status, risk, or timelines.
- Proactively flag timeline risks and have contingency plans in place before they become problems.
Budget & Cost Management- Own the merch budget, track spend against plan, and be accountable for hitting cost targets.
- Identify and deliver measurable savings through negotiation and sourcing improvements.
- Maintain cost transparency across all active projects so there are no budget surprises.
Inventory Planning- Own forecasting, reorder timing, and stock minimums across the merch portfolio to prevent stockouts and overruns.
- Maintain inventory accuracy and report against a defined baseline.
Cross-Functional Partnership- Partner with Creative, Brand, Marketing, and Operations teams to translate concepts into feasible, well-scoped production briefs.
- Be the bridge between what the brand envisions and what can realistically be made, sourced, and delivered on time and on budget.
Professional Qualifications- Proven experience owning a production or merchandise function - not just coordinating within one. Ideally in merchandise, apparel sourcing, or branded goods.
- Track record of managing a budget and being held accountable for cost outcomes.
- Strong background in vendor sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship and performance management.
- Skilled negotiator with a track record of securing favorable costs and terms.
- Experience with inventory planning and forecasting.
- Experience designing and optimizing production workflows.
- Familiarity with merch production methods - screen print, embroidery, blanks sourcing - and minimum order quantities.
- Comfort working cross-functionally with creative and business teams alike.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Core Compentencies- End-to-end production ownership - Manages from concept brief through sampling, QC, and delivery. Doesn't hand off and hope; stays accountable through every stage.
- Vendor management & negotiation - Builds a supplier network, sets performance standards, holds vendors to them, and negotiates favorable terms without sacrificing quality.
- Budget discipline - Owns cost targets, tracks spend in real time, and delivers measurable savings. No budget surprises.
- Inventory planning - Forecasts demand, sets reorder points, and manages stock levels to prevent both stockouts and overruns.
- Workflow design - Builds and improves the processes that move merch from idea to delivery. Makes the operation faster and more reliable over time.
- Cross-functional translation - Converts creative ambition into feasible production briefs. Speaks both brand and operations fluently.
WHAT WE OFFER 🌟- Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market benchmarks.
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Paid time off and company-observed holidays.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
- Access to tools, resources, and training to support success in the role.
