Major League Wrestling (MLW) is seeking a hands-on, highly organized Merchandise Manager to oversee the company’s merchandise operation, including product development, e-commerce, inventory and live-event retail.
This position requires someone who can think creatively, operate efficiently and take full ownership of the merchandise business from concept through sale. The ideal candidate understands wrestling culture, knows what fans want to buy and can turn ideas, moments and talent into compelling products.
Responsibilities
- Manage MLW’s merchandise operation across online sales, live events and special releases.
- Oversee MLWShop.com, including product listings, pricing, descriptions, photography, collections, promotions and overall presentation.
- Develop and execute merchandise plans tied to MLW events, talent, championships, storylines, media launches and seasonal opportunities.
- Work with MLW talent and management to identify new merchandise concepts and product opportunities.
- Coordinate the design, approval and production of T-shirts, apparel, accessories, collectibles, posters and other merchandise.
- Manage printers, manufacturers and other merchandise vendors.
- Request quotes, negotiate production terms and closely monitor product costs, minimums, lead times and quality.
- Maintain accurate inventory records and establish appropriate reorder levels.
- Monitor merchandise performance and identify top-selling products, underperforming items and emerging opportunities.
- Build merchandise assortments for each MLW live event based on the market, venue, anticipated attendance and scheduled talent.
- Coordinate the packing, transportation, setup and breakdown of merchandise for live events.
- Manage merchandise tables and point-of-sale operations at MLW events.
- Recruit, schedule and supervise event merchandise staff when needed.
- Ensure cash, credit-card transactions and event sales are properly reconciled following each event.
- Maintain organized records of sales, expenses, inventory, production costs and talent-related merchandise.
- Prepare regular sales and inventory reports for MLW management and accounting.
- Coordinate accurate reporting for talent royalties and other merchandise obligations.
- Work with MLW’s creative, marketing, social media and production teams to support product launches and promotions.
- Develop limited-edition releases, event-exclusive merchandise, bundles, preorders and other revenue-generating initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to expand MLW merchandise into new product categories and retail channels.
- Protect MLW’s brand standards and ensure all products are properly approved before production.
- Maintain a merchandise calendar and ensure products are available in advance of key events and promotional deadlines.
- Travel to MLW live events and remain available during nights and weekends when the event schedule requires it.
Qualifications
- Experience in merchandise, e-commerce, retail, apparel or a related field.
- Strong understanding of product development, inventory management and online retail.
- Familiarity with point-of-sale systems and live-event merchandise operations.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage several products, vendors and deadlines simultaneously.
- Financial discipline and a clear understanding of margins, production costs and inventory risk.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to negotiate effectively and maintain productive vendor relationships.
- Detail-oriented, dependable and comfortable working independently.
- Ability to coordinate transportation of merchandise boxes and assist with event setup.
- Available to travel and work select nights and weekends.
- Knowledge of professional wrestling, its fan culture and the MLW brand is strongly preferred.
About MLW
Major League Wrestling is a global professional wrestling organization presenting a distinctive mix of world-class wrestling, compelling personalities and international talent. MLW programming reaches fans through major streaming and digital platforms, while its live events bring the league to passionate audiences across the United States.
To apply, please submit your résumé along with a brief introduction outlining your relevant merchandise, retail or e-commerce experience. Applicants are also encouraged to include examples of products, stores, campaigns or live-event merchandise operations they have managed.
Major League Wrestling is an equal opportunity employer.
MLW provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state or local laws.
MLW does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under federal, state or local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities.
