Merchandising & Local Partnerships Manager

Gotham FC; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision plans

401(k) option

Job summary

Gotham FC is seeking an Associate Manager, Retail & Local Collaborations to shape the club's merchandise strategy, manage local collaborations, and drive sales and fan growth in the NY/NJ market. This role partners with Brand, Fan Experience, and external vendors to deliver on launches and initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years in merchandising/retail, excellent communication, and the ability to lead projects end-to-end in a fast-paced sports environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Merchandising/Retail, Business, Sports Management, or Communications.
• 3-5 years of merchandising, retail, brand marketing, project management, or related experience.
• Experience independently managing projects from brief through execution.
• Strong written and verbal communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in merchandising, retail operations, product development, or inventory management preferred.
• Experience in sports/entertainment/fashion/retail brands is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Shape and drive the Club's merchandise and apparel strategy to support sales, brand awareness, and fan growth.
• Manage merchandise request process from intake to delivery including approvals and timelines.
• Develop a centralized merchandising calendar and tracker for timely delivery across events.
• Oversee merchandise needs for matchdays, events, VIPs, and special projects.
• Maintain relationships with retailers and vendors for seamless execution.
• Coordinate product planning with league retail partners and vendors.
• Lead annual kit launches and priority merchandise launches.
• Create briefs and coordinate with Creative on assets for launches.
• Lead outreach and collaborations with local businesses and partners.
• Manage collaboration projects with external partners end-to-end.
• Maintain pipeline of collaborators and opportunities in the NY/NJ market.
• Track and report on performance of merchandise initiatives and partnerships.

Skills

Ownership

Organization

Communication

Cross-functional

Project management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelors in Marketing or related

Job description

Gotham FC is seeking an Associate Manager, Retail & Local Collaborations to shape the club's merchandise strategy, manage local collaborations, and drive sales and fan growth in the NY/NJ market. This role partners with Brand, Fan Experience, and external vendors to deliver on launches and initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years in merchandising/retail, excellent communication, and the ability to lead projects end-to-end in a fast-paced sports environment.