Merchandise Manager
Houston Dynamo FC
Full-time
On-site
Houston, Texas, United States
Merchandising, Professional Soccer, Manager
The Houston Dynamo Football Club (HDFC) is a multi-faceted organization dedicated to inspiring and supporting soccer participation and growth in Houston, TX and beyond. The Club’s brands include men's and women's professional teams - the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), a development academy, Houston Dynamo Dash Charities, as well as Shell Energy Stadium and Houston Sports Park.
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018 and 2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Houston Dynamo FC is seeking a strategic, creative, and detail-oriented Merchandise Manager to lead and execute retail strategies that elevate the club’s brands, drive revenue, and enhance the overall fan experience. This role will oversee the Club’s third-party retail partners and league licensees, ensuring all merchandise and promotional items align with brand standards and reflect the spirit of the Dynamo and Dash. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and work cross-functionally to bring the merchandise strategy to life through innovative initiatives and seamless execution.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Club has a rich history, including MLS Cup titles (2006, 2007) and in-season tournament championships for both the Dynamo (2018 and 2023) and Dash (2020) and is focused on building toward the next championships, inspiring and uniting the city of Houston through the sport of soccer and community outreach, and creating the most inclusive sporting experience and diverse fan base in the city and state.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Houston Dynamo FC is seeking a strategic, creative, and detail-oriented Merchandise Manager to lead and execute retail strategies that elevate the club’s brands, drive revenue, and enhance the overall fan experience. This role will oversee the Club’s third-party retail partners and league licensees, ensuring all merchandise and promotional items align with brand standards and reflect the spirit of the Dynamo and Dash. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and work cross-functionally to bring the merchandise strategy to life through innovative initiatives and seamless execution.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as main point of contact for all merchandise and promotional product operations, including third-party retail partners, vendors, and league licensees (MLS, NWSL)
- Work closely with retail partners to develop and execute a strategic merchandising plan that aligns with Clubs’ brand identities, resonates with fans, and meets revenue targets
- Collaborate with Marketing, Creative, and other internal departments to ensure brand consistency across all merchandise offerings and promotional campaigns
- Manage seasonal and matchday retail calendars, including procurement, fulfillment, and delivery of all promotional items, gate giveaways, member gifts, and fan incentives
- Assist in developing exclusive product collaborations with local artists, influencers, and community partners to support storytelling and elevate fan engagement
- Work with Marketing team on integrating merchandise components into the planning and execution of key initiatives through localized and limited-edition merchandise
- Work with retail operator to ensure stadium Team Store and other points of sale showcase Dynamo and Dash merchandise in premium way to for best fan experience
- Manage internal requests for all merchandising and promotional needs to ensure on-brand products are delivered on time and on budget
- Monitor retail sales performance reports and retail trends to optimize product assortments, inform future merchandise planning, and identifying areas for growth
- Oversee merchandise and promotional-related purchase orders and vendor payments
- Additional duties as assigned
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Merchandise Marketing, or related field preferred but not required
- Minimum 3-5 years experience in merchandising, product development, retail, or brand marketing – preferably in sports, lifestyle or apparel
- Strong understanding of brand strategy and consumer merchandising trends
- Proven experience managing multiple projects and vendors in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- Excellent communication, organization and attention to detail skills
- Knowledge of soccer and a passion for growing the sport in Houston is preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Available to work non-traditional hours including home matches, evenings, weekends and some holidays as needed
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
- Agility to respond optimally to the constantly evolving needs of a fast-paced organization and industry
- Strong work ethic with an attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Ability to strive in high-pressure environment while multitasking several responsibilities
- Ability to identify problems and their root causes, and to develop and recommend effective solutions
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills at all levels of the organization and with external contacts
- Superior level of detail orientation, accuracy and sense of urgency
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional projects
- Maintains Organizational Core Competencies
ORGANIZATIONAL CORE COMPETENCIES
- Accountable – Holds themselves (and when appropriate others) accountable for achieving goals and objectives.
- Collaborative – Works collaboratively with others to achieve organizational outcomes.
- Progressive – Open minded, accepting, creative, and innovative in approach.
- Values Driven – Being ethical in decision making and operating with professional integrity.
- Agile – Achieves personal and organizational success within a changing, dynamic and complex environment. Ability to handle ambiguity.
OTHER INFORMATION
Diverse candidates of all backgrounds are welcome, and the Club seeks individuals passionate about sport, inspiring the city and devoted to the organization's growth. While duties and responsibilities vary across positions, we are seeking individuals who are accountable, collaborative, progressive, agile and ethical/values driven.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.