Merchandise and Experience Development Manager

Merchandise and Experience Development Manager

Company:

Boeing Stores, Inc

Boeing Stores Inc., a fully integrated subsidiary of The Boeing Company and is dedicated to extending and protecting the Boeing brand through engaging face-to-face and digital experiences. Our responsibilities encompass branded merchandise management across physical retail, digital, wholesale, internal merchandise support, and consumer product licensing. We also curate immersive experiences, including multi-site tours and the renowned Boeing Factory Tour at the Boeing Future of Flight (BFoF) attraction. Our operations include content development, marketing, technical support, and Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility, all aimed at enhancing the Boeing brand.

We are seeking a creative and passionate leader to join our team as the Merchandise and Experience Development Manager in either Seattle, WA; Everett, WA; Mukilteo, WA or Renton, WA. This entry-level management role will oversee a team of product and experience developers, driving the merchandise and experience strategy to maximize both financial performance and brand growth.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and motivational leader, possessing strong strategic thinking abilities and a collaborative spirit that fosters cross-functional partnerships. You will demonstrate exceptional creativity and innovation, along with expertise in brand management. Your background in merchandise and experience development will drive strategic growth across all categories, enhancing overall business performance. Additionally, you will exhibit strong business acumen, a commendable work ethic, and a profound understanding of the end customer. A genuine commitment to the professional development of your team members is essential.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive merchandise and experience strategy for all external and internal channels, ensuring alignment with strategic, financial, and brand objectives

• Collaborates closely with Licensing, Retail, and Future of Flight leaders to align content strategy with business objectives and audience expectations

• Oversees the development cycle, working cross-functionally within Boeing to ensure continuity with brand strategy and creative direction

• Manages the entire product and experience lifecycle from concept, implementation and end-of-life, ensuring high-quality outputs that support business goals

• Oversees inventory management, freight logistics, and supplier relations in close collaboration with the operations team

• Develops and implements inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels, reduce costs, and minimize waste

• Leads and develops a diverse team of inventory, product, and experience development specialists, fostering a culture of creativity and strategic thinking

• Works closely with the marketing team to provide recommendations for seasonal photoshoots and product features that drive business outcomes

• Drives the development calendar to meet critical deadlines

• Conducts industry, stakeholder and customer benchmarking and creative strategy assessments to ensure Boeing merchandise and experiences meet or exceed standards and audience expectations

• Leads cross-functional content and brand strategy review meetings

Basic Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field

• 5+ years of experience in merchandise management, retail strategy, or brand development, preferably in the aviation or consumer goods industry

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Industry Knowledge:  In-depth understanding of retail operations, merchandise planning, and experience development.  Familiarity with current market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscape

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and presentation

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with business goals

• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, and financial forecasting. Ability to analyze sales data and adjust strategies to maximize profitability

• Project Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

• Creative Vision: High level of creativity and innovation in product and experience design

• Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation abilities to manage supplier relations and se