Universal Orlando Resort · 10 hours ago
Manager, Merchandise Product Development (Apparel/Lifestyle)
Orlando, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expUniversal Orlando Resort is seeking a Manager of Merchandise Product Development to oversee the product development process for apparel and lifestyle categories. The role involves collaboration with various teams to ensure effective communication, vendor management, and quality execution, while also providing leadership and development to direct reports.
Entertainment
Responsibilities
Product development process implementation: Ensures all aspects of product development steps are achieved and product is delivered and ready for point of purchase (including managing art-to-product, sample creation, fit sessions/paint master/tooling, where applicable, social and safety compliance and quality). Oversees coordination between vendors, suppliers, and Product Design & Development, Brand Team and ATI to facilitate kickoffs, submittals, and approvals executed on time. Coordinate and lead Category Line Reviews with the team, presenting to senior leaders to support the global development milestone calendar
Category & creative design: Oversees the development and adherence to calendar timelines and production schedules for specific categories. Drives both seasonal and long-term plans based on a comprehensive understanding of past and present product performance and market trends. Ensures key milestone meetings with Brand Management and Product Design & Development teams are effectively executed
Vendor selection & management: Drives business model (direct to factory or vendor) and vendor selection, with input and feedback from other team members. Works cross functionally with Product Design & Development leaders to ensure teams have production ready tech packs and control drawings provided to vendor. Monitors production work in progress and oversees vendor management. Ensures timely communication with internal and external parties occurs
Sourcing & quality execution: Ensures collaboration occurs with MPD and product sourcing team to manage both international and domestic vendors. Oversees strategic negotiations to reduce costs, tariffs, and minimum order quantities, while optimizing the flow of goods. Reviews competitor analysis, benchmarks industry standards, and focuses on practical trends, product innovation, and market dynamics to ensure quality execution
Partnership and Communication: Proactively fosters positive and efficient communication with partners, PDS, Creative, Planning & Operations, vendors, leaders, team members, and IP partners to resolve challenges and achieve objectives
Financial ownership & cost savings: responsible for specific category performance to include per cap, COG, and inventory goals. Responsible for team hitting delivery dates to ensure these goals are met. Responsible for team exploring all options for cost savings
Leadership: responsible for actively training, mentoring and developing their teams and have a strong influence on peers and partners
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree is required
7+ years of required experience in retail product development/buying; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Company
Universal Orlando Resort
For years, we’ve been creating a legacy of unforgettable experiences for our Guests.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Universal Orlando Resort has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (8)
2024 (8)
2023 (5)
2022 (5)
2021 (2)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Tracey Stockwell
CFO
Bobby B. Belzeski
Human Resources Business Partner
Company data provided by crunchbase