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Buffalo Sabres · 1 day ago

Director of Merchandise

Buffalo, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$90K/yr - $135K/yr

7+ years exp

Buffalo Sabres is a professional sports organization, and they are seeking a Director of Merchandise to lead the strategic planning and execution of retail and merchandise operations. The role encompasses overseeing merchandise strategy, retail operations, e-commerce, and team development to enhance revenue and the fan experience.

Event ManagementEventsSports

Culture & Values

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandise strategy across all teams and events, optimizing sales performance and fan engagement

Establish annual merchandise revenue goals, budgets, and performance metrics

Identify growth opportunities in both physical and digital retail channels

Collaborate with NHL, NLL, and league partners on officially licensed product initiatives and compliance

Oversee all retail locations within KeyBank Center, including team stores, pop-up shops, kiosks, and mobile retail units

Manage game-day and event-day retail operations for the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, and live concert events

Ensure proper staffing, training, and scheduling of retail teams for efficient and high-quality service

Partner with ticketing and marketing to develop promotional retail initiatives, fan giveaways, and cross-promotional campaigns

Lead seasonal buying plans and product selection that reflect current trends and fan preferences

Collaborate with designers and vendors to create exclusive team and event merchandise, limited editions, and co-branded products

Negotiate contracts with vendors and licensing partners to maximize margins and maintain quality standards

Coordinate with league partners (NHL/NLL) and major suppliers (Fanatics, Adidas, Nike, New Era) to ensure product alignment and timely delivery

Oversee the online retail presence for both the Sabres and Bandits, ensuring seamless integration with marketing campaigns and fan engagement initiatives

Implement digital merchandising strategies, including data-driven product recommendations, email campaigns, and special online drops

Monitor analytics to optimize online sales performance and user experience

Uphold consistent brand presentation across all retail environments and product lines

Design engaging in-store and event-specific merchandising layouts that enhance the fan experience and drive conversion

Supervise and mentor retail management and staff, promoting a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement

Recruit, train and evaluate employees to ensure operational excellence and superior customer service

Perform other duties and tasks as assigned

Qualification

Retail management experienceE-commerce platformsNegotiation skillsBudgeting skillsAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsTeam leadershipCollaboration skills

Required

Excellent negotiation, budgeting and analytical skills

Proven success leading retail operations with multimillion-dollar revenue targets

Proficiency in retail management software, POS systems and e-commerce platforms

Exceptional communication and organizational skills

Ability to work non-traditional hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Preferred

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Retail Management or related field preferred

Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in retail or merchandise management, preferably in professional sports, entertainment or large-scale live events

Benefits

Medical Plans: Comprehensive and affordable medical plans; supplemental vision care, dental care, life insurance coverage, fully paid, short and long-term disability and life insurance coverage.

Investments: 401(k) with employer matching; annual discretionary defined employer contributions

Paid Time Off: Paid Volunteer Days

Sabres Experience: (up to 4) Comp tickets to Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans when available

Wellness: Annual Health & Wellness fair, monthly wellness initiatives including but not limited to lunch & learns, fitness classes and challenges.

Sabres Family: many annual social events for employees and their families to enjoy, including various holiday parties and activities. DEI committee with annual initiatives, ERG (Employee Resource Groups), Community Volunteer opportunities and more.