Merchant - Promotional Products

Helm; Plymouth (MI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Helm in the Detroit metro area is seeking an experienced Merchant who can protect brand integrity and curate a compelling product lineup across selected brands. You’ll translate brand voice into merchandise that ships, displays, and communicates consistently, ensuring every item amplifies the brand it represents.

In this hybrid role, you’ll scout trends through vendor connections and trade shows, lead supplier strategy, negotiate costs, and collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Creative, and

Qualifications

• Branding, trends, and smart merchandising.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management experience.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional alignment.
• Self-starter mindset with relentless curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Be the Brand Guardian and ensure products capture the brand essence.
• Curate hot, must-have merchandise through vendor connections and trend scouting.
• Lead supplier strategy and negotiations on cost, freight, terms, and promotions.
• Drive revenue and maximize profit through strategic pricing and margin focus.
• Analyze sales data to guide assortments and promotions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Creative, and Planning to align with customer needs.
• Spot next big thing with limited-time promos and markdown opportunities.
• Prepare product previews to energize internal teams and clients.

Skills

Branding

Trends

Negotiation

Vendor management

Data-driven decisions

Job description

Drive Trendsetting Products to Market!

Are you obsessed with finding the perfect product to represent a brand? Do you have a sixth sense for spotting trends before they hit the mainstream? If so, we want to talk to you.

Helm is looking for an experienced Merchant in the Detroit Metro Area for a hybrid role. The ideal candidate is someone who focuses on brand integrity, knows what sells, and can negotiate. You’ll be the go‑to expert for all things product-related across selected brands, ensuring every item not only fits — but amplifies — the voice of the brand it represents.

What You’ll Do

• Be the Brand Guardian You’ll make sure every product in our lineup perfectly captures the brand’s essence — from look to feel to story.
• Curate Hot, Must-Have Merchandise Scout out the latest trends through vendor connections, trade shows, and deep dives into what’s buzzing online.
• Lead Supplier Strategy & Negotiations Build strong vendor relationships while locking in deals on cost, freight, terms, advertising, and more.
• Drive Revenue & Maximize Profit Use your sharp eye for margin and strategic pricing to optimize profitability without compromising on brand value.
• Analyze & Act Use real sales data to make smart merchandising decisions, create impactful promotions, and cut what’s not working.
• Collaborate Across Teams Work hand-in-hand with Sales, Marketing, Creative, and Planning to ensure every product speaks the language of the customer.
• Spot the Next Big Thing Identify limited-time promotions, seasonal bestsellers, and markdown opportunities that move the needle.
• Showcase What’s Next Prepare and present new product previews that energize both internal teams and clients.

Requirements

What You Bring to the Table:

• A passion for branding, trends, and smart merchandising
• Strong negotiation chops and vendor management experience
• Data-driven decision-making
• Excellent communication skills and cross-functional team alignment
• A self-starter mindset with relentless curiosity