San Diego FC (San Diego FC) is the newest member of the MLS family. As part of the unique Right to Dream model and the Sycuan Tribe's deep roots, we are proud to be building a San Diego-centric soccer organization that honors our history and celebrates emerging excellence.
POSITON:
San Diego FC is seeking a dynamic, seasoned, and highly analytical Buyer/Merchandiser to drive product strategy for all retail channels, including stadium, brick-and-mortar, mobile retail, and our e-com site. This individual will be responsible for selecting and purchasing merchandise that aligns with fan preferences, market trends, and the brands identify, as well as managing the procurement of all promotional items. The ideal candidate will possess a sharp eye for fashion, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to make data-driven decisions. They must be self-driven, highly organized, and capable of working independently to ensure timely product availability and seamless execution across all retail touchpoints. They will also manage the e-com strategy and merchandising, ensuring that we stay relevant and growing our e-com business through creative strategy. As the Buyer/Merchandiser, you will report to the SVP of Operations: Facilities and Retail, playing a pivotal role in the overall retail strategy for the Club.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in retail buying and merchandising, preferably in sports, fashion, or entertainment industries.
Strong analytical skills with experience in sales forecasting, inventory planning, and trend analysis.
Ability to build Excel reports with complex formulas.
Proven ability to identify market trends and customer preferences, with a keen eye for fashion and product curation.
Self-motivated and able to work independently, with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
Strong vendor management and negotiation skills, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effective purchasing.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Experience in ordering promotional items, with an understanding of branding and marketing needs.
Proficiency with retail technologies, including POS systems, e-commerce platforms, and inventory management software.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.
Ability to work autonomously and use excellent judgement.
Proficient in using Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other relevant software.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee the buying process for all retail channels, including stadium, brick-and-mortar, mobile retail, and the e-commerce platform, ensuring product selection aligns with customer preferences and market trends.
Lead the procurement of all promotional items, collaborating with marketing to ensure brand alignment and timely delivery for events and activations.
Analyze sales data and customer insights to make data-driven purchasing decisions, optimizing product assortment and inventory levels.
Manage relationships with MLS Licensees and oversee the Local License and MLS Collaboration business segments.
Oversee the timely delivery of all merchandise and promotional items.
Build an organized and clear product strategy that outlines a clear plan to achieve revenue targets.
Collaborate closely with the retail operations team to ensure smooth product flow and availability across all retail touchpoints.
Merchandise the e-commerce platform to reflect trends, promotions, and seasonality, optimizing the online shopping experience.
Monitor industry and fashion trends, ensuring San Diego FC merchandise stays fresh, relevant, and appealing to fans.
Plan and forecast inventory needs, ensuring that stock levels meet demand while minimizing overstock and markdown risks.
Manage a solid replenishment assortment and ensure the items are never out of stock.
Conduct regular product reviews, adjusting buying strategies based on sales performance and fan feedback.
Maintain detailed records of purchases, inventory, and promotional item orders to ensure efficient tracking and accountability.
Provide regular reporting on retail performance.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO FC:
We value community, diversity, and acting with purpose. We are looking for leaders at all levels to co-create the culture of a new organization that is built on the premise that you can discover, understand, and re-define excellence by nurturing talent and creating opportunity anywhere - specifically though soccer.
Globally, Right to Dream partners with talented young people to give them a nurturing environment to flourish and thrive. We do this through a holistic model of athletic development, where young people grow as human beings and great footballers. RTD's promise is set out in their Manifesto: a set of 8 commitments which will be central to the San Diego FC ethos from the front office to the field, when games start at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025.
This is an opportunity to be a part of a great team building something meaningful for San Diego. We offer excellent benefits including health coverages with generous company contributions, over 30 days of paid time off, and a 4% company match on your 401(k).