Merchandise Lead

OverviewOCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create. OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art and design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design. It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.PositionReporting to the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, with dotted line reporting to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration (VPFA), the Merchandise Lead plays a crucial role in promoting and managing the branded products at OCAD University (OCAD U). Working closely with various units across the institution, the incumbent is focused on key areas, such as product selection & planning, inventory management and marketing & promotion. In addition, the position oversees and supports a number of special projects that support the University’s revenue diversification efforts and enhance overall business operations.ResponsibilitiesProduct Selection & Planning: Lead the curation of a diverse and appealing range of OCAD U branded merchandiseAnalyse and research internal and external market trends to understand the preferences of the University’s target audience, including, but not limited to, students, faculty, employees, alumni & community partners/membersCollaborate with suppliers and designers to develop new product conceptsOversee the planning of the merchandise assortment to cater to a variety of events and/or initiatives, such as new student orientation, alumni reunions, corporate events, etc.Ensure all merchandise aligns with the University’s brand identity and values, while also supporting the institution’s Academic & Strategic PlanInventory Management: Oversee effective inventory management to ensure that the appropriate products are available with the appropriate quantities at the correct timesMonitor and forecast product demand and inventory levels to recommend strategic decisions about restocking products, discontinuing products and/or introducing new itemsOptimize inventory turnover and minimize excess stock to control carrying costs by closely tracking sales data and analyse historical performanceMarketing and Promotion: In collaboration with the OCAD U Marketing & Communications (M&C) team, develop and execute marketing strategies to increase awareness and interest in the University’s branded products across various channels, such as social media, email marketing, campus events, pop-up shops/events, etc.Analyse the effectiveness of different marketing efforts and adjust strategies accordingly to maximize reach and engagementSpecial Projects: Lead pop-up sales including planning, set-up and managing any student sales staffAct as the project lead for the vending machine initiative at 100 McCaul, including, but not limited to: vendor research & selection, account management and coordination with OCAD U Facilities Management and M&C teams to support installation, promotion and ongoing operationsOversee all components of the ShopOCADU platform for OCAD-branded and student-created merchandise, including, but not limited to website design, inventory management, order fulfilment and customer communicationsWith support from the VPFA, develop sales strategies through events and corporate partnerships, including art sales at Dark House Café and collaborations with Hullmark PropertiesQualificationsUndergraduate degree in a relevant field (i.e., merchandising, business administration, commerce or economics), or an equivalent combination of education, professional certification and work experienceA minimum of four (4) years’ experience in retail purchasing and merchandising, preferably in product categories of branded apparel, stationery, etc.Proven ability to understand and develop product and merchandising strategiesProficient experience working with relevant customer demographics and a progressive lens product design, development and executionDemonstrated leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skillsDemonstrated dedication to accuracy and detailStrong knowledge and ability to research and analyse data to develop recommendations and strategies to improve operationsUnderstanding of the post-secondary retail/merchandising business, including, but not limited to creative inventory management, and the specific expectations of the various customers/stakeholders in the higher education landscapeKnowledge of vendor relationship management and proven ability to develop & maintain vendor relationships and manage conflicts/disputes that may ariseDemonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and proven experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, faculty, administrators, counsellors and support staffMode of Work: Hybrid Model. Minimum 3 days per week on-campus. Subject to change depending on the department's needs.Compensation: Hiring Range - $36.77 to $42.16 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits; Salary Range - $36.77 to $48.33 per hour.Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract with an expected duration of 1 year.This posting is for an existing vacancy.Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume and cover letter (PDF) by selecting "Apply Now" below. Please apply no later than January 30, 2026.If the posting is still live, we are still accepting applications.Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job CodeAs an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities.All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr