Venue Merchandise Specialist

Overview Our 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. Responsibilities Inventory Management Receive and count all incoming merchandise shipments in collaboration with the venue sales team Organize and secure all inventory in stockrooms and event locations Update inventory systems following shipments, sales, and restocking Ensure accurate barcoding, pricing, and POS system integration for all products Perform monthly cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies Maintain detailed financial and inventory reports Manage special requests from internal staff members and partnership needs as directed by the PWHL Merchandise Team Game Day Operations & Events Fulfill inventory requests from the PWHL Merchandise Team Replenish products during events in real time and track restocks in the system Train part-time vendor staff nightly on product knowledge, customer service, and upselling strategies Ensure all merchandise areas are properly stocked, staffed, and displayed Act as merchandising liaison to the venue sales team Responsible for collaboration with the team around all facets of merch management to ensure best game day execution and fan experience Report 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 events Identify and secure local event opportunities that align with PWHL brand values Maintain visual displays per provided planograms Collaborate with third-party partners to ensure appropriate fixtures and presentation Ensure signage, video board graphics, and P.A. reads are executed with the marketing team Warehouse & Stockroom Oversight Enforce best practices in inventory and stockroom standard operating procedures Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workspace Track all in-store processes including receiving, returns, pricing, and inventory accuracy Qualifications Proven experience in inventory, retail operations, or venue merchandise management Familiarity with Inventory Management and Point of Sale (POS) Systems Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. regularly and perform physical stockroom tasks Strong organizational and communication skills Excellent relationship-building and people skills, with the ability to interact with internal and external clients at all levels within the organization A proactive mindset with attention to detail and ability to multi-task Availability for nights, weekends, and game/event days Preferred Skills/Attributes Experience working in sports, entertainment, or high-volume retail environments Interest in supporting women’s professional hockey and community engagement initiatives Employment & Compensation Employment 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 CAD Background 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