Merchandise Manager

Birmingham City FC; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Enhanced Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Matchday tickets

Staff discount

Growth opportunity

Job summary

Birmingham City Football Club is seeking an experienced Merchandise Manager to shape and deliver the club's retail merchandise and inventory strategy. You will lead forecasting, stock optimisation, supplier relationships, and product management to maximise revenue and control costs, working across channels and partners.

The role reports to the Head of Retail and involves cross-functional collaboration with Commercial, Finance, Marketing, Partnerships, Operations, and Retail teams to support the

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a merchandise management, buying, planning, or product-focused role.
• Strong experience managing inventory forecasting, replenishment, and stock optimisation.
• Demonstrable experience working with leading sporting brands, technical partners, manufacturers, and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain and inventory management processes.
• Experience using inventory management systems and reporting tools such as RSS, Medoc, SWAN, Shopify, or equivalent.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead inventory planning, forecasting, replenishment, and stock management across all retail channels.
• Develop demand forecasts and forward ordering strategies that align with commercial objectives and supporter demand.
• Manage stock availability and reordering activity to maximise sales opportunities whilst controlling inventory exposure.
• Analyse sales trends and product performance to inform purchasing and merchandising decisions.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and licensees to ensure high levels of service and operational performance.
• Oversee third-party embellishment processes for playing kit, training wear, and other product categories where required.
• Support the Head of Retail with budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting across all product categories.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve stock efficiency, and optimise product performance.
• Contribute to the development of wholesale and distribution opportunities, both domestically and internationally.
• Work closely with Commercial, Finance, Marketing, Partnerships, Operations, and Retail teams to ensure alignment on business priorities.
• Attend relevant industry events, trade shows, and supplier showcases to stay informed on emerging trends and opportunities.

Skills

Merchandise management

Inventory forecasting

Stock optimisation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Planning & organisation

Retail experience

Sports/football merchandising

Tools

RSS

Medoc

SWAN

Shopify

Job description

Birmingham City Football Club is on the rise.

With an incredible history dating back to 1875, Birmingham City Football Club is part of an exciting period of accelerated growth and modernisation and is playing its part in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support the transformation of England's second city through the Sports Quarter project.

With significant investment across our football, commercial, and community operations, we are rebuilding the Club for long-term success, both on and off the pitch. The journey we're on involves strengthening our structures, elevating our performance environments, growing our teams, and investing heavily in the people, processes, and culture that will define the next chapter of Birmingham City FC.

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Merchandise Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the Club's retail merchandise and inventory strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Club during a transformative period of growth, leading inventory planning, product management, and technical partner relationships to support an ambitious retail operation and enhance the supporter experience.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Retail, the Merchandise Manager will lead the Club's merchandise planning and inventory management function, ensuring the right products are available at the right time, across the right channels.

You will take ownership of forecasting, stock optimisation, supplier relationships, and technical partner product management, ensuring commercial opportunities are maximised whilst maintaining operational efficiency and strong inventory control.

Working closely with internal stakeholders and external partners, you will help drive revenue growth, protect margin, and support the continued development of Birmingham City Football Club's retail operation.

Key Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning & Inventory Management

• Lead inventory planning, forecasting, replenishment, and stock management across all retail channels


• Develop demand forecasts and forward ordering strategies that align with commercial objectives and supporter demand


• Manage stock availability and reordering activity to maximise sales opportunities whilst controlling inventory exposure


• Analyse sales trends and product performance to inform purchasing and merchandising decisions

Technical Partner & Supplier Management

• Manage product ordering and distribution with the Club's technical partners, ensuring delivery schedules, budgets, and critical paths are achieved


• Build strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and licensees to ensure high levels of service and operational performance


• Oversee third-party embellishment processes for playing kit, training wear, and other product categories where required

Commercial Performance

• Support the Head of Retail with budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting across all product categories


• Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve stock efficiency, and optimise product performance


• Contribute to the development of wholesale and distribution opportunities, both domestically and internationally

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Commercial, Finance, Marketing, Partnerships, Operations, and Retail teams to ensure alignment on business priorities


• Support product launches, seasonal campaigns, and major retail initiatives throughout the football calendar


• Ensure merchandising activity is aligned with wider Club objectives and commercial plans

Process & Operational Excellence

• Establish and maintain robust stock control, inventory management, and reporting processes


• Ensure consistency of standards and ways of working across all retail touchpoints


• Monitor and improve operational efficiency across purchasing, replenishment, and supply chain activity


• Monitor industry trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement


• Utilise data and reporting tools to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement


• Attend relevant industry events, trade shows, and supplier showcases to stay informed on emerging trends and opportunities

About You

We are looking for a commercially minded merchandise professional with a proven track record of managing inventory, forecasting demand, and delivering strong retail performance.

You will be analytical, highly organised, and results-driven, with the ability to balance commercial opportunities with operational control in a fast-paced environment.

• Proven experience in a merchandise management, buying, planning, or product-focused role


• Strong experience managing inventory forecasting, replenishment, and stock optimisation


• Demonstrable experience working with leading sporting brands, technical partners, manufacturers, and suppliers


• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain and inventory management processes


• Experience using inventory management systems and reporting tools such as RSS, Medoc, SWAN, Shopify, or equivalent


• Excellent planning, organisational, and analytical skills


• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities


• Ability to operate effectively within a commercially focused retail environment


• Experience working within sports retail, licensed products, or football club merchandising operations


• Previous experience leading, coaching, or developing team members


• Understanding of wholesale, distribution, or international retail channels

Personal Attributes

• A proactive, hands-on approach with strong commercial awareness


• Highly motivated and able to work independently whilst managing multiple priorities


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence


• Calm under pressure and capable of making sound decisions in a fast-moving environment


• Professional, adaptable, and solution-oriented


• Trusted to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity

What We Offer

• 23 days annual leave, increasing to 25 days with service, plus bank holidays


• Enhanced Pension scheme with auto-enrolment


• Life assurance cover


• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support


• Complimentary matchday tickets for Men's and Women's home league fixtures


• Staff discount at the Club Shop


• The opportunity to play a key role in the growth of one of English football's most ambitious clubs

Safeguarding & Equality

Birmingham City FC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The safety and wellbeing of our players is our highest priority, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be required to undergo appropriate background checks and safeguarding training as part of the recruitment process.

Birmingham City FC is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and assess candidates solely on merit, regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, political or religious belief, background, or family circumstances.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all suitably qualified individuals. Reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process where required.