Merchandise Strategy Developer (CHARLOTTE)

The Corporate Merchandise Product Developer is responsible for building the product strategy and delivering business results for their assigned category. Product innovation and co-branded collaborations are key to driving demand and expanding the market. Responsible for purchasing, product development, sourcing, testing, product approvals, quality, selection and maintenance of all products with assigned category.

This role will drive individual park strategies based on business needs. Collaborate with Category Planning to develop and deliver products within defined margin and assortment plans. Collaborate with Park Merchandise Operations teams on visual merchandising strategies for developed product assortments. Utilize product development calendar to ensure timely deliveries. Must be flexible and able to multitask and prioritize in fast paced amusement park environment while interacting and communicating with representatives from all Six Flags Parks and the Six Flags corporate office. Travel to Parks and trade shows to observe trends, identify new strategies and product ideas.

• Work collaboratively with Category Planning and Park Retail Operations to develop annual merchandising strategy and business plans for assigned categories for Six Flags Parks and review with business partners. Set direction and establish annual timeline. Partner with the park retail teams to drive the business and deliver a compelling guest experience.
• Drive innovation and take the lead in conceiving and developing new products. Champion the product development process from ideation through successful launch.
• Drive significant category growth through development and execution of category and segment strategies, new innovative products, new categories, and exclusive brands.
• Develop co-branded product opportunities, realize the benefits and strategic value of partnerships and vendor collaborations through the entire product lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain a thorough understanding of market trends and competitive products, leveraging findings to develop product strategy.
• Identify and drive opportunities to scale concepts and product initiatives across the enterprise.
• Build excellent relationships with vendors, cross-functional teams and park retail operations teams.
• Identify Customer Preferences and attend events, fairs, and exhibitions to remain up to date with markets trends. Drive innovation in the category through art development and strategic partnerships.
• Drive new product development within assigned categories to align with Category Planning Strategy, annual merchandising strategy and business plan for the category. Prepare product assortments for line reviews with business partners.
• Evaluate supplier options according to prices, quality etc. and determine the best choices, negotiate as required to achieve financial goals. Collaborate with corporate procurement as necessary. Ensure timely delivery of product initiatives. Reconcile any discrepancies between purchase order and invoice costs or any issues related to product quality or delivery timeliness.
• Ability to evaluate each vendors strengths and weaknesses to maximize vendor performance metrics.
• Create product assortments to align with Assortment Plans. Provide visual merchandise presentation guidance for developed product assortments.
• Process all custom licensed product approvals as required for all phases of approval. Ensure product quality and integrity are maintained.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with assigned third party licenses as it relates to the Licensors global strategy and potential application to the Six Flags business.

MINIMIUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelors degree in Fashion Merchandise, Business Administration, or Marketing or 2-3 years of related experience
• 3+ years of product development or buying experience
• Experience in theme parks is a plus
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Travel required: 25%

PREFERED REQUIREMENTS:

• Innovative thinking
• Ability to quickly identify emerging trends and their application to the business
• Passion for product quality and the desire to deliver an amazing guest experience
• Influence, getting others onboard with groundbreaking ideas
• Merchandise Storytelling
• Ability to create product designs that reflect the Park Experience and engage targeted guests