Project Manager, Branded Merchandise

Strategic Factory; Owings Mills (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

401k

Vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Unique benefit options

Job summary

Strategic Factory in Owings Mills, MD is seeking a Project Manager, Branded Merchandise, to lead client programs from concept to delivery. The role involves processing orders, assisting in operations, and collaborating with teams to design thoughtful programs aligned with client brand standards and budgets.

You will work closely with sales, creative, production, and operations to translate brand strategy into scalable merchandise solutions and ensure an exceptional client experience from concept

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Clearly articulate strategic rationale, product selections, timelines, and cost structures.
• Create professional decks, mockups, and program summaries in collaboration with creative teams.
• Maintain deep knowledge of the branded merchandise industry, including suppliers, decoration methods, trends, pricing structures, and compliance considerations.
• Proactively introduce innovative products, sustainable options, and new program concepts.
• 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 to listen to requests and define needs.
• 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.

Skills

Customer service

Client facing

Strategic thinking

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP system

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

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.

Gorgeous 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 care, 401k, vacation and sick time, 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