Merchandising Manager

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Links Unlimited®, Inc. is one of Cincinnati’s largest private companies and a leader in the corporate incentives industry. We offer a full range of services to our corporate customers with a focus on product procurement, decoration management, product warehousing, and order fulfillment.

• Partner closely with Account Managers to understand client objectives, brand standards, budgets, and program requirements.
• Own the end‑to‑end product sourcing and curation of client product collections, ensuring alignment with brand identity, program goals, and customer experience expectations.
• Source, evaluate, and recommend products from domestic and international vendors, negotiating pricing, lead times, MOQs, and terms to deliver competitive, high‑quality solutions.
• Develop and present compelling product assortments, merchandising concepts, and recommendations that meet budget, quality, and timeline requirements.
• Lead and support merchandising coordinators as assigned based on account scope—overseeing workload distribution, quality control, deadlines, and professional development.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Creative Services, Purchasing, and Fulfillment to ensure product details, samples, approvals, and production timelines are executed accurately and on schedule.
• Proactively manage project timelines, identifying and resolving sourcing, production, or vendor risks before they impact delivery.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, staying current on new products, capabilities, pricing structures, and category trends.
• Ensure accurate setup and maintenance of all product, pricing, and vendor details within internal systems (ERP/P21 and customer accounts).
• Maintain up‑to‑date customer and opportunity information in Hub Spot to support visibility, forecasting, and account planning.
• Review and analyze program performance, identifying opportunities for optimization, cost savings, and assortment improvements.
• Produce quotes, support order processing, and monitor invoices to ensure pricing accuracy and smooth execution.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sourcing, merchandising, and departmental best practices and initiatives.
• Support account growth by identifying new product opportunities and program enhancements in partnership with Account Managers.
• Be accountable for the successful sourcing and execution of assigned client programs.

• Strong organizational, negotiation and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Keen attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of sourcing and execution.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively with Account Managers, internal teams and vendors.
• Experience giving presentations to clients.
• Understanding product development, sourcing and merchandising best practices.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel); experience with CRM or ERP systems preferred.
• Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator strongly preferred.
• Client and customer service focused.
• Strong people and team management skills; proven track record of developing successful teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in merchandising, product sourcing, or buying; ideally in promotional products, retail, or incentive programs.
• 3+ years of day‑to‑day client management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of employees.
• Experience managing both domestic and international vendor relationships.
• Familiarity with decoration and customization processes, a plus.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at time.
• Ability to travel 20%.
• Competitive pay.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Paid Time Off.
• Paid Holidays.
• Employee discount program.
• On‑Site Gym.
• Paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Profit Sharing Bonus.
• 401(k) with company match.