Venue Merchandise Specialist

OverviewOur league was born out of a collective desire to empower ourselves and reimagine women’s hockey. Here, we combine grit with grace and speed with style. We move beyond discrimination in a spirit of togetherness. We elevate every one of our athletes. We commit to taking risks that will drive our growth. We challenge ourselves to inspire future generations to dream bigger. Because this moment is bigger than all of us.The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Venue Inventory Specialist in Ottawa to oversee the full lifecycle of inventory operations across our venue, gameday, and community event merchandise initiatives. This is a hands-on role requiring strong organizational skills, leadership, and a commitment to operational excellence. You will work closely with partners, game-day staff, and internal teams to ensure a seamless retail experience for fans and attendees. Responsibilities and tasks will be supervised by the team’s Merchandise Operations Manager, with support and guidance provided by the Ottawa team’s Director, Business Operations.ResponsibilitiesInventory ManagementReceive and count all incoming merchandise shipments in collaboration with the venue sales teamOrganize and secure all inventory in stockrooms and event locationsUpdate inventory systems following shipments, sales, and restockingEnsure accurate barcoding, pricing, and POS system integration for all productsPerform monthly cycle counts and reconcile discrepanciesMaintain detailed financial and inventory reportsManage special requests from internal staff members and partnership needs as directed by the PWHL Merchandise TeamGame Day Operations & EventsFulfill inventory requests from the PWHL Merchandise TeamReplenish products during events in real time and track restocks in the systemTrain part-time vendor staff nightly on product knowledge, customer service, and upselling strategiesEnsure all merchandise areas are properly stocked, staffed, and displayedAct as merchandising liaison to the venue sales teamResponsible for collaboration with the team around all facets of merch management to ensure best game day execution and fan experienceReport after each game or event as to how to improve processes and get better results – what worked, what did not, we need more of, we need less of, etc.Manage merchandise pop-ups at external community and youth hockey eventsIdentify and secure local event opportunities that align with PWHL brand valuesMaintain visual displays per provided planogramsCollaborate with third-party partners to ensure appropriate fixtures and presentationEnsure signage, video board graphics, and P.A. reads are executed with the marketing teamWarehouse & Stockroom OversightEnforce best practices in inventory and stockroom standard operating proceduresMaintain a clean, organized, and safe workspaceTrack all in-store processes including receiving, returns, pricing, and inventory accuracyQualificationsProven experience in inventory, retail operations, or venue merchandise managementFamiliarity with Inventory Management and Point of Sale (POS) SystemsAbility to lift up to 30 lbs. regularly and perform physical stockroom tasksStrong organizational and communication skillsExcellent relationship-building and people skills, with the ability to interact with internal and external clients at all levels within the organizationA proactive mindset with attention to detail and ability to multi-taskAvailability for nights, weekends, and game/event daysPreferred Skills/AttributesExperience working in sports, entertainment, or high-volume retail environmentsInterest in supporting women’s professional hockey and community engagement initiativesEmployment & CompensationEmployment Type: Part-Time (expected approximately 30 hours per week in-season & 20 hours per week off-season – Hours are not guaranteed)Compensation Range: $25.00 to $30.00/hour CADBackground check: Successful completion of pre-employment comprehensive background check except where limited by applicable law.EEOC: The Professional Women’s Hockey League is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class. #J-18808-Ljbffr