Director, Merchandising

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The New York Islanders Hockey Club is one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports, with a deeply passionate and loyal fan base that is second to none. Built on a Dynasty in the 1980’s with four straight Stanley Cup Championships and 19 consecutive playoff series wins, our history has defined a legacy that remains untouched in professional sports. That legacy inspires us to leave our mark in the sports, entertainment, and cultural landscape.

In 2021, the New York Islanders moved to our new permanent home, UBS Arena. This state-of-the-art venue, built for hockey and made for music, is nestled within the historic Belmont Park – a storied landmark of New York. UBS Arena features best in class facilities and amenities, including premium suites, clubs, and lounges that offer boutique hospitality to elevate the guest experience.

This senior-level role is responsible for developing and overseeing the merchandising strategy for the New York Islanders Retail Brand. The role ensures that the right products are developed, selected, priced, and presented to maximize sales and profitability while aligning with brand identity and customer expectations.

• Partner closely with the VP of Retail Operations to translate creative vision and market insights into a pivotal role in bridging high-level concepting with hands‑on execution, ensuring our brand and products remain both culturally relevant and strategically effective.
• Based on Long Island and require a hands‑on merchant with a proven eye for trend, visual merchandising, and experience scaling an omnichannel business.
• Curate visual and digital assortments that create a cohesive brand narrative across retail locations, pop‑ups and e‑commerce.
• Partner with the Creative Team and Visual partners to align on themes for product development and presentation.
• Build seasonal merchandise plans that balance brand storytelling with margin and turn objectives.
• Identify product opportunities through market, competitive, and sell‑through analysis, presenting data‑driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Retail Operations to align inventory, launch calendars, brand messaging and creative vision across all channels.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team and cross‑functional partnerships.
• Provide merchant expertise for additional stores, collaborations, and capsule drops.
• Own OTB, SKU mix, and cost negotiations from concept through final buy.
• Present work to internal stakeholders and clients, articulating concepts with clarity and conviction.
• Work as a cross‑functional leader with Marketing, Game Presentation, Sales and Client Services teams to ensure creative ideas align with brand objectives and timelines.
• Manage in‑season business performance with a strong command of KPIs, and adjust strategies in real‑time to meet financial targets.

• 5+ years of merchandising or retail buying experience, 2+ years managing a team.
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of retail design trends and best practices, with the ability to apply them to a playful, brand‑focused retail environment.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills; ability to balance creative vision with operational execution.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to act as a liaison between many departments.
• Understanding of business driver components (e.g., sales reports, history, and company trends).
• Business acumen.
• Detail‑oriented, process‑oriented, and able to handle multiple tasks at once.
• Passion and eye for product.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely attendance.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to constantly operate a computer, other office equipment and look at a monitor for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate and exchange information verbally, in writing, or through other means in person, telephonically, or through virtual communication methods.
• Ability to reach at or below shoulder level.
• Ability to carry equipment, move boxes/samples, etc.
• B…