Sr Manager, Direct Sales Merchandising

Vestis Corporation; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent apparel company is seeking a Merchandising Manager to lead the development of uniform product assortment strategies for their Direct Sales Division. You will be responsible for managing product lifecycles, partnering with cross-functional teams, and ensuring market competitiveness. The ideal candidate has 5-7 years of experience in merchandising, excellent analytical and communication skills, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This role is remote-based with some travel required.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in merchandising, product management, product marketing, or apparel category management.
• B2B experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage product assortment for corporate uniform programs.
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Product Development.
• Oversee product lifecycle management from concept to end-of-life.
• Analyze category performance and recommend profitability adjustments.
• Collaborate with design and sourcing teams on garment standards.
• Support customer-facing teams with product specifications.
• Ensure cost and pricing accuracy.
• Manage vendor relationships and quality standards.
• Monitor market trends for innovation opportunities.
• Lead seasonal and program line reviews.
• Determine promotional strategies for digital sales.

Skills

Analytical skills

Proficiency in Excel

Understanding of apparel construction

Excellent communication skills

Presentation skills

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or Marketing

Tools

Merchandising systems

Job description

Overview

The Merchandising Manager leads the development and management of uniform product assortment strategies for the Direct Sales Division that meet customer brand, functional, and operational needs. This role balances design, quality, cost, and supply chain efficiency to deliver high‑performing apparel programs for business and institutional clients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage product assortment for corporate uniform programs, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, brand standards, and industry trends.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Product Development to bring new uniform collections to market and maintain existing programs.
• Oversee product lifecycle management—from concept and sourcing through launch, replenishment, and end‑of‑life transitions. Source and provide substitutions for discontinued styles as needed.
• Analyze category performance (sales, margin, turnover, inventory health) and recommend adjustments to maximize profitability and service levels.
• Collaborate with design and sourcing teams to ensure garments meet fit, fabric, function, and durability standards appropriate to customer industries.
• Support customer‑facing teams with product recommendations, specifications, and presentations for bids, renewals, and upsell opportunities.
• Ensure cost and pricing accuracy, balancing margin goals with customer contract requirements.
• Manage and maintain strong vendor relationships, overseeing timelines, costs, and quality standards.
• Monitor market and competitive trends in workwear and branded apparel to identify innovation and differentiation opportunities.
• Lead seasonal and program line reviews, ensuring clear communication of changes to internal and external stakeholders.
• Determine seasonal and promotional strategies for digital sales and revenue.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven analytical skills and forecasting with proficiency in Excel and merchandising systems.
• Strong understanding of apparel construction, fabrics, and sourcing.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate data and product insights into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborative, cross‑functional mindset with experience influencing across departments.

Working Environment / Safety Requirements

• Remote‑based
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to conduct presentations and meet with vendors and customers.

Experience / Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, or Marketing.

• 5‑7 years of experience in merchandising, product management, product marketing, or apparel category management. B2B experience is strongly preferred.