Merchandise Lead

OCAD 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_

**_ Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service._**

Reporting 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.

**Summary of Responsibilities**:

- Product Selection & Planning_
- Lead the curation of a diverse and appealing range of OCAD U branded merchandise
- Analyze 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/members
- Collaborate with suppliers and designers to develop new product concepts
- Oversee 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 Plan
- Inventory Management_
- Oversee effective inventory management to ensure that the appropriate products are available with the appropriate quantities at the correct times
- Monitor and forecast product demand and& inventory levels to recommend strategic decisions about restocking products, discontinuing products and/or introducing new items
- Optimize inventory turnover and minimize excess stock to control carrying costs by closely tracking sales data and analyze historical performance
- Marketing and Promotion_
- Analyze the effectiveness of different marketing efforts and adjust strategies accordingly to maximize reach and engagement
- Special Projects_
- Serve as the primary liaison between Dark Horse Café & OCAD U to support merchandise management, event planning and all other relevant communications
- Coordinate with Hullmark Properties to manage usage of facilities and lead the conceptualization and executive of café events
- Act 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 operations
- Oversee all components of the ShopOCADU platform for OCAD-branded merchandise, including, but not limited to website design, inventory management, order fulfilment and customer communications
- Lead the Fineline. Art Marketplace, including software integration, managing artist relations and sales management.
- With support from the VPFA, develop sales strategies through events and corporate partnerships, including art sales at Dark House Café and collaborations with Hullmark Properties

**Qualifications**:

- Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (i.e., merchandising, business administration, commerce or economics), or an equivalent combination of education, professional certification and work experience
- A 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 strategies
- Proficient experience working with relevant customer demographics and a progressive lens product design, development and execution
- Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail
- Strong knowledge and ability to research and analyze data to develop recommendations and strategies to improve operations
- Understanding 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 landscape
- Knowledge of vendor relationship management and proven ability to develop & maintain vendor relationships and manage conflicts/disputes that may arise
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and proven experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, faculty, administrators, counsellors and su