Vice President, Retail & Merchandising

The Vice President, Retail will serve as the senior leader overseeing all multi-channel retail operations across the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, the new Atlanta NWSL club, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and AMBSE special projects. This role owns the complete retail journey—strategic direction, P&L, product vision, operational execution, and team leadership—while shaping a fan-first, data-driven retail ecosystem.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the VP, Retail leads all aspects of AMBSE’s retail business. This executive sets long-term retail strategy, owns the P&L, drives product innovation, manages licensing and vendor partnerships, oversees all physical retail operations, and ensures seamless omnichannel integration. The VP will build and scale a high-performing team and establish the processes, standards, and technologies needed to elevate performance, profitability, and fan connection across every retail touchpoint.

Key Challenges & First-Year Deliverables

• Operational Excellence: Strengthen buying, inventory, and retail operations
• New Team Launch: Launch a merchandise strategy for the Atlanta NWSL team
• Margin Improvement: Improve margins through pricing, supply chain optimization, and assortment strategy
• Innovation & Growth: Increase custom collections and drive at least 15% growth in units sold

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & P&L Ownership

• Drive top-line revenue growth and margin expansion across all physical retail channels, holding full P&L accountability for the in-venue business
• Redefine AMBSE’s overall retail strategy, prioritizing fan experience and revenue growth

Product Lifecycle Ownership

• Own the full product lifecycle: assortment planning, forecasting, buying, design direction, pricing, and distribution
• Develop compelling merchandise that blends team identity (Falcons, United, NWSL) with leading retail trends
• Elevate women’s and youth offerings, expand custom collections, and pursue local collaborations

Licensing, Partnerships & Wholesale

• Oversee licensing, vendor agreements, wholesale programs, and league relationships
• Serve as the primary liaison with AMBSE’s third-party eCommerce partner (Fanatics), ensuring seamless inventory integration, coordinated product launches, and a cohesive omnichannel experience

Physical Operations Management

• Oversee operations across all physical retail locations, including the flagship stadium store, concourse kiosks, and future retail concepts
• Ensure operational excellence, strong visual merchandising standards, and an elevated fan experience

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Implement inventory and supply chain strategies to optimize stock flow, minimize shrinkage, and maximize availability during high-demand events
• Manage inventory needs related to roster moves, playoffs, and special events

Technology Leadership

• Leverage technology to drive sales and streamline operations (e.g., RFID, mobile POS, app-based promotions)
• Evaluate and implement new retail technologies to enhance fan experience and operational efficiency

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead a team of full-time managers and part-time/seasonal associates
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, and service excellence
• Oversee onboarding, training, and development

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Representation

• Partner across Marketing, Finance, Stadium Operations, and Team leadership to align retail strategy with business objectives
• Support marketing campaigns that drive product awareness and sell-through
• Represent AMBSE with external partners, licensees, and league stakeholders

Strategic Planning & Market Analysis

• Analyze market trends, consumer insights, and competitive landscape to inform product and retail strategy

Key Prior Experience & Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading multi-channel retail organizations with P&L accountability
• Experience within professional sports retail or a comparable environment
• Experience with large-scale consumer brands (e.g., Nike, Adidas, Fanatics, Nordstrom, Lululemon)
• Strong understanding of the Atlanta market and consumer landscape
• Deep expertise in merchandising, assortment planning, and inventory management
• Experience managing vendor partnerships and third-party relationships
• Proven track record leading large, diverse teams in complex retail environments
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred

Professional & Cultural Characteristics

• Executive presence with the ability to present complex strategies to senior leadership
• Creative vision to translate brand identity into compelling product offerings
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• Analytical and process-driven with a focus on data-informed decision making
• Adaptable and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for both retail and sports

Compensation & Location

• Based in Atlanta, Georgia
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, to support games and events