Merchandising Specialist – Promotional Products

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Develop, source, and implement strategic product assortments that cater to client requirements for e-commerce and catalog promotional offerings.

• Enhance sales, conversion rates, and profitability across SKUs and product categories.

• Act as a brand ambassador and authority on brand guidelines, marketing initiatives, product trends, and industry competitors.

• Utilize reporting and analysis to convey business trends and SKU-level performance metrics.

• Conduct quarterly internal assessments and competitive analyses, providing actionable recommendations.

• Collaborate with both internal and external cross-functional teams while establishing timelines for product launches.

• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, cost analyses, and specification samples for client meetings.

• Oversee vendor sourcing, product development, and cost negotiations to meet target margins and pricing tiers.

• Manage the sample order process and oversee the sample budget from initiation to completion.

• Participate in promotional product trade shows and supplier presentations to stay informed on supply chain capabilities and product trends.

• Work alongside the Creative Team on trend presentations, product mockups, web photography, and related design requirements.

• Create and maintain item bills of materials, approved proofs, product descriptions, size charts, and web-ready images for Operations.

• Assist Account Executives and Marketing at client-hosted events such as tradeshows, pop-up shops, and national sales meetings.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field, or a combination of 5 years of experience and education.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in the Promotional Products industry.

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Capability to forge strong vendor partnerships.

• Strong negotiation and strategic planning abilities.

• Excellent business mathematics skills, including a solid understanding of gross margin and assortment planning.

• Strong presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate and sell concepts to both internal and external business teams.

• Detail-oriented with superior organizational skills and the capacity to deliver accurately under tight deadlines.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

• Competence in handling sensitive situations with tact and sound judgment.

• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional client service.

• Inquisitive, adaptable, and possessing a positive “can do” attitude.

• Ability to give, receive, and constructively respond to feedback.

• Must be willing to travel multiple times each year to attend trade shows, pop-up shop installations, and similar events.

🏝️ Benefits

• Nationwide coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance.

• Optional Voluntary Benefits.

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

• Opportunities for career advancement and internal promotions.

• Leadership opportunities along with access to HALO’s global network.

• Recognition awards that can be converted into gift cards, trips, concert tickets, and merchandise.

• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.