Manager of Merchandise & Retail

AC Grand Rapids is an MLS NEXT Pro expansion club set to launch in 2027. As a new pillar in the West Michigan sports landscape, the club is committed to building a best-in-class sporting and entertainment organization that reflects the pride, passion, and values of the Grand Rapids community. We are building an innovative and community-driven club that wins on and off the pitch.

AC Grand Rapids is an MLS NEXT Pro expansion club set to launch in 2027. As a new pillar in the West Michigan sports landscape, the club is committed to building a best-in-class sporting and entertainment organization that reflects the pride, passion, and values of the Grand Rapids community. We are building an innovative and community-driven club that wins on and off the pitch.

The Manager, Retail will play a foundational role in leading the club’s retail operation, including the stadium team store, match day locations, off-site events, and e-commerce. This role owns both the fan retail experience and the financial results behind it, overseeing merchandising, inventory, product buys, staffing, and in-store events. The Manager, Retail will build a high-performing retail team, deliver a premium fan experience, and ensure the retail function reflects the AC Grand Rapids brand across every touchpoint.

• Hire, onboard, and train hourly retail staff to deliver a premium fan experience.
• Run pre-shift meetings, set zone assignments, and maintain a visible presence on match days.
• Recognize strong performance, address issues, complete performance reviews, and develop future talent.
• Oversee opening and closing procedures to ensure every location is ready, clean, safe, and secure.
• Maintain premium visual merchandising standards, including restocking and rotating product by event type.
• Resolve customer complaints promptly, both in-store and online.
• Manage retail operations for special events, including concerts, outside sporting events, and consignment business.
• Support licensees to develop localized assortments that serve the fan base across all categories and fan segments.
• Work with club leadership to place product buys based on demand analysis and within open-to-buy guidelines.
• Manage receiving, invoicing, monthly cycle counts, and annual physical inventory.
• Plan in-store events and promotions alongside the marketing team, leaning into club events and sales trends.
• Own sales, gross margin, and overall performance for all retail locations.
• Align labor spend with revenue forecasts and approve retail expenses.
• Partner with club leadership and other departments on retail initiatives and capital expenditures.
• Work in unison with the marketing, communications, partnerships, ticketing, and community teams to implement department goals.
• Maintain an up-to-date awareness of MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, and sports retail trends, strategies, and activities.
• Assist with the development, coordination, and implementation of game day activities as needed.
• Provide the highest standards of customer service to every fan, partner, and guest.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 5 years of retail management experience.
• Experience with retail POS systems, inventory management, and workforce scheduling tools.
• Proven track record of managing retail P&L, including sales, gross margin, and labor.
• Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and match days.
• Must be willing to travel when necessary.
• Must pass pre-employment screens.

• Prior experience in a professional or collegiate sports or live venue…