TEAM MEMBER WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK ONSITE AT OUR RALEIGH, NC HQ FOUR DAYS A WEEK.

Summary

The Private Label and Merchandise Development Manager will oversee the development, management and sourcing of private label products and merchandise assortments. Responsibilities also include ensuring alignment with the company’s brand strategy, quality standards, and financial objectives. This role involves facilitating collaboration among cross-functional teams, including the global sourcing team in Taipei, the U.S.-based category management team, and the product quality assurance team, to bring innovative and competitive products to market. The role also includes responsibility for sourcing products globally—both domestically and internationally—and cultivating strong vendor relationships to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Key Responsibilities:

• Private Label Product Facilitation: Coordinate the sourcing, design and production of private label products, ensuring they meet quality standards and align with the company’s brand strategy.

• Merchandise Assortment Recommendations: Analyze market trends and customer preferences to provide recommendations for merchandise assortments that align with financial targets and customer demands.

• Market Analysis: Conduct research to identify market trends and target customer preferences, helping inform product development and assortment planning decisions.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate communication and collaboration between the global sourcing team in Taipei, the U.S.-based category management team, and the product quality assurance team to ensure cohesive product development and sourcing strategies.

• Global Sourcing: Partner with the Taipei Sourcing Team and leads the sourcing of products from both domestic and international markets. Identify and establish relationships with new vendors to ensure a diverse, cost-effective, and high-quality supply base.

• Vendor Management Support: Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with domestic and international vendors, collaborating on product specifications, packaging, labeling, MOQs, and cost-effective shipping models. Continuously evaluate vendor performance and negotiate terms to support competitive pricing and innovation.

• Project Management Support: Assist in developing timelines for new projects and product launches, ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets.

• Financial Oversight Support: Assist in developing merchandising strategies, sales targets, and profitability objectives for private label product assortments, ensuring they meet overall company goals. Monitor and manage financial metrics related to sourcing and product quality, including cost savings, supplier performance metrics, and revenue growth.

• Financial Accountability: P&L ownership across private label products, margin management, and financial KPIs (e.g., inventory turn, speed to market)

• Quality Assurance Support: Assist in ensuring that private label products meet established quality standards, minimizing returns and enhancing customer satisfaction.

• Trade Compliance Oversight: Ensure all private label merchandise complies with international trade laws and regulations, including accurate product classification, proper documentation, and adherence to import/export requirements.

Financial Objectives:

• Drive contribution margin improvements through strategic product development, pricing, and sourcing decisions

• Support accurate sales forecasting and assortment planning to meet revenue and profitability targets

• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities through vendor negotiations, supply chain efficiencies, and optimized shipping models

• Ensure alignment of merchandising strategies with company-wide financial goals and performance benchmarks

• Monitor and manage financial metrics including inventory turnover, contribution margin performance, supplier performance, revenue growth and speed-to-market efficiency to ensure private label assortments meet profitability and operational targets

Certifications, Experience, and Education:

Certifications: None

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years in retail, private label, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) product development and sourcing, with demonstrated success in profit and loss (P&L) ownership and delivering against key performance indicators (KPIs). Proven track record of creating and launching innovative, customer-focused products in partnership with cross functional teams.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Merchandising, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of experience and education. MBA or equivalent advanced degree is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and facilitation abilities

• Ability to conceptualize and implement new ideas to enhance product offerings

• Strong capability to analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and sales data to make informed decisions and address challenges effectively

• Proficiency in overseeing product development timelines, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely product launches

• Excellent ability to collaborate with internal teams and external partners, and to present ideas and strategies clearly and persuasively

• Deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes to inform product development and positioning strategies

• Experience in P&L management, pricing strategies, and sales forecasting to drive profitability and achieve financial targets

• Understanding of product development and private label management processes

• Familiarity with quality assurance processes and standards

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant product development software