Director, Merchandising & Product Development - APAC
Who We Are
Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a leading sports, media, entertainment and lifestyle platform. As the owner of some of the most iconic and beloved intellectual property in the world, Authentic acquires and invests in brands to create long-term value for all of its stakeholders.
A digital-first, asset-light platform, Authentic sits at the intersection of culture, commerce and technology. It brings brands to life and cultivates fandom through powerful storytelling, premium content and unforgettable live experiences. Together with nearly 2,000 best-in-class licensing partners across 150 countries and an expansive distribution network, Authentic’s brands drive more than $38 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide.
Why Authentic
You’ll be able to access the resources and scale, while leveraging innovative technology and nimble environment. What we’re saying is, this isn’t your average day job. If you’re hungry to drive ideas into action and own your career, let’s chat. Our team is rapidly innovating to evolve and define the future of our brands. With the help of some of the brightest minds in retail, marketing, licensing, legal and more, we are building the intersection of digital and experiential marketing to help achieve that mission. We reimagine, evolve and transform brands! At Authentic, we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought and expertise drive competitive advantage. Our global teams are built by go-getters who contribute unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Headquartered in New York City, Authentic has offices in major metropolitan cities including Los Angeles and Miami, as well as Toronto, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai.
What You’ll Do
The Director, Merchandising & Product Development, is responsible for guiding design and development for Authentic’s product licensees for their respective brands. You’ll oversee all phases of product development from concept state to production for respective product categories. You’ll ensure products developed are in line with the brands product strategy, contractual definitions and aesthetic. You will support the commercial end of the business by ensuring that product offered to the marketplace meets the demand for product segmentation and maximizes new distribution opportunities.
What you’ll be working on
- Provide design/merchandising direction and approvals to Licensees for various brands
- Working Knowledge of competitive set and able to identify/research seasonal trends within industry.
- Gauge new opportunities to drive volume across all channels of distribution
- Collaborate between differentiated product categories to achieve a shared vision regarding product ideas, designs, fabrications and quality requirements, specifically related to channels of distribution, and maximizing the brand aesthetic
- Collaborate with Creative Director on executing seasonal direction in set room, providing concise direction for licensed categories.
- Understands and communicates global seasonal brand messaging across regional partners
- Support business team and guide strategic decisions on new product development: specifically focusing in on commercial viability in segment and channel.
- Partner with business & marketing teams to prioritize brand direction with product licensees.
Must Haves:
- 8+ years of experience in merchandising or lifestyle product development
- Working knowledge of buying and merchandising best practices
- Excellent organisational and communication skills with attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task and prioritise in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication, presentation, and organisational skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Must be a strategic thinker, persuasive and collaborative
- Ability to understand and explain a brand’s needs
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration or related field
- Licensing experience is a plus
Fraud Alert: Unauthorized Job Offers and Impersonations
We have been made aware of fraudulent job offers and interview requests being sent by individuals falsely claiming to represent Authentic. These scams are often initiated via email, employment websites and social media, and may include fake interview requests, offer letters or attempts to collect personal and financial information.
Please note:
- All legitimate Authentic job postings can be found only on our official website (authentic.com) or through our verified LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareauthentic).
- Authentic does not conduct interviews over Teams or Zoom without prior email correspondence from a verified @authentic.com email address.
- We will never ask you for sensitive personal information, payment or banking details as part of the hiring process.
If you believe you've been contacted by someone impersonating an Authentic team member, please report it immediately by emailing peopleandculture@authentic.com.
Authentic conducts background checks for candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment, where permitted by law. Background checks are administered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and in a consistent, nondiscriminatory manner.
Authentic is an equal-opportunity employer and we value and embrace the diversity and inclusion of all Team Members. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, national origin, disability, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or other legally protected status.
For individuals with disabilities or religious obligations who would like to request an accommodation, please contact talent@authentic.com
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