Project Manager, Branded Merchandise

Strategic Factory; Owings Mills (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Promotion opportunities

State-of-the-art facility

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401k with matching

Paid time off and holidays

Team-building activities

Job summary

Strategic Factory is seeking a Project Manager, Branded Merchandise to lead client programs from concept through delivery, translating brand guidelines into scalable merchandise solutions.

You will partner with sales, creative, production, and operations to design thoughtful programs aligned with client standards, campaign objectives, and budgets, while maintaining a high-touch customer experience.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in branded merchandise or related industry.
• Strong customer service with proven client-facing success.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; high school diploma required.
• Understanding of sourcing, vendor management, pricing, and production workflows.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple programs.
• Experience using an ERP system preferred.
• Proficient in computers, data entry, internet research, MS Office and email.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, translating brand guidelines into merchandise solutions.
• Research branded merchandise and prepare cost analyses in ERP.
• Design decks, mockups, and program summaries with creative teams.
• Collaborate with sales, creative, production, and operations to align programs with client standards and budgets.
• Ensure timely delivery with high-touch, consultative client service.
• Coordinate with sourcing, purchasing, and operations to ensure feasibility and margin alignment.

Skills

Branded merchandise

Customer service

Project management

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

High school diploma

Tools

ERP system

Microsoft Office

Email applications

Job description

Position Summary

While working as a Project Manager, Branded Merchandise, you will be tasked with fulfilling duties and performing tasks related to processing orders and assisting in the operational functions of the Branded Merchandise department. The person in this position assists with design of projects, project management of customer order needs, and collaboration with co-workers in supporting customer interfacing plans and actions. This role requires deep knowledge of the branded merchandise/promotional products industry, exceptional customer service instincts, and the ability to translate brand strategy into compelling, scalable merchandise solutions.

This individual will partner closely with sales, creative, production, and operations teams to design thoughtful programs that align with client brand standards, campaign objectives, and budget.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Client Strategy & Communication
  

  Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, recommending merchandise solutions that drive awareness, loyalty, and ROI. Translate brand guidelines and campaign objectives into cohesive merchandise assortments and programs. Research branded merchandise for customers as requested. Estimate by communicating with the customer and building a cost analysis in the company’s ERP system to determine the cost. Clearly articulate strategic rationale, product selections, timelines, and cost structures. Create professional decks, mockups, and program summaries in collaboration with creative teams.




• Industry & Product Expertise
  

  Maintain deep, current knowledge of the branded merchandise and promotional products industry, including suppliers, decoration methods, trends, pricing structures, and compliance considerations. Proactively introduce innovative products, sustainable options, and new program concepts to clients and internal teams.




• Client Experience & Customer Service
  

  Act as a trusted client facing partner throughout program development and execution. Ensure a high-touch, consultative customer experience from concept through delivery. Anticipate challenges and proactively resolve issues related to sourcing, timelines, quality, and budget. Use professional and courteous communication skills to listen to requests to accurately define or determine needs and provide the appropriate response.




• Internal Collaboration
  

  Ensure team meets deadlines and quality standards. Partner with sales to support new business development and upselling opportunities. Collaborate with sourcing, purchasing, and operations teams to ensure feasibility and margin alignment. Provide strategic guidance to sales team and contribute to best practice development.

Requirements

Qualifications

4+ years of experience in branded merchandise, promotional products, or a closely related industry

Strong customer service background with demonstrated client facing success

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. High school diploma required.

Strong understanding of sourcing, vendor management, pricing, and production workflows

Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple programs simultaneously

Previous experience using an ERP system preferred

Solid understanding of computers, data entry, internet searches, the Microsoft Office suite and email applications

Strategic thinker with a creative mindset

Passion for branding, marketing, and creating meaningful brand experiences

Why Work for Strategic Factory?

• Financial stability. Start with a competitive base salary and earn promotions based on positive performance and measurable results.


• Massive advancement opportunities. Join a rapidly growing company that’s poised to double in size in the next three years.


• Updated work environment. Have you seen our building? Work alongside skilled professionals in our state-of-the-art facility.


• Strategic benefits. Our comprehensive package includes health, dental and vision benefits, 401k with generous matching, paid time off, paid holidays, and other unique benefit options.


• Uber-talented team members. Prepare to be inspired as you work alongside the very best and brightest talent the industry has to offer.


• Engaging company culture. We may work hard, but we play hard, too! We host a variety of fun, team building activities throughout the year.

Strategic Factory is an Equal Opportunity Employer.