Merchandising Manager (Remote)
Fully Remote IL Merchandising
Job Type
Full-time
Description

We are HALO! We connect people and brands to create unforgettable, meaningful, and lasting experiences that build brand-negative and loyalty for our over 60,000 clients globally. With over 2000 employees, 1,100 Account Executives and 40+ sales offices across the United States, HALO is the global leader of our $25B industry. 

  

The Manager of Merchandising leads the strategy, sourcing, and execution of branded merchandise programs across key client accounts. This role is responsible for establishing merchandising direction, optimizing product assortments, and ensuring high-quality delivery of promotional solutions that drive client satisfaction and profitability.


This leader builds and manages a team of merchandising professionals, translating client needs, brand strategy, and market trends into scalable, innovative merchandise programs while maintaining strong supplier partnerships and operational excellence.


* Must be willing to work Central Time Zone*

Key Responsibilities:


Merchandising Strategy & Execution

  • Define and lead merchandising strategies across client portfolios, ensuring alignment with business goals and revenue targets
  • Oversee the development of curated product assortments for e-commerce, kits, catalogs, and campaigns
  • Ensure all merchandising solutions are on-brand, trend-forward, and commercially viable
  • Establish best practices for product development, sourcing, and program execution

Team Leadership & Development

  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of merchandising specialists to deliver high-quality work and meet performance expectations
  • Provide clear direction on priorities, workload management, and client deliverables
  • Review and elevate team output including product assortments, presentations, and sourcing strategies
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on accountability, creativity, and client service
  • Partner with HR and leadership on hiring, onboarding, and performance management
  • Identify skill gaps and implement training and development plans to strengthen team capabilities

Client & Account Leadership

  • Serve as a senior merchandising partner to account teams and key clients
  • Provide strategic input on product solutions, program design, and assortment planning
  • Participate in high-level client presentations and business reviews
  • Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality merchandising solutions across accounts

Vendor & Sourcing Strategy

  • Establish and manage a preferred supplier network to support quality, innovation, and cost efficiency
  • Oversee vendor relationships, including negotiations, performance management, and issue resolution
  • Guide team on sourcing strategies, cost negotiations, and supplier selection
  • Stay informed on supplier capabilities, global sourcing trends, and supply chain dynamics

Pricing & Margin Management

  • Partner with sales, account management, inventory team, and finance to balance competitiveness with financial targets

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee timelines and work-back schedules to support on-time delivery
  • Drive continuous improvement of merchandising workflows and tools
  • Ensure accuracy and consistency of product data, specifications, and client deliverables

Analytics, Trends & Innovation

  • Lead analysis of SKU performance, category trends, and program results
  • Translate insights into actionable recommendations for clients and internal teams
  • Stay ahead of promotional product trends, including sustainability and retail influence
  • Encourage innovation and new product exploration within the team

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with sales, marketing, creative, and operations to deliver cohesive merchandising programs
  • Support key events, client activations, and industry trade shows, client visits, or HALO events.
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, merchandising, or related field (preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in promotional products merchandising, sourcing, or product development
  • 3+ years of experience leading or mentoring team members
  • Strong knowledge of promotional product categories, suppliers, and decoration methods
  • Experience supporting complex client programs or multiple accounts

 

Compensation:  The estimated salary range for this position is between $100,000 - $125,000 annually.  Please note that this pay range serves as a general guideline and reflects a broad spectrum of labor markets across the US. While it is uncommon for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the range, compensation decisions are influenced by various factors. At HALO, these include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's work experience, location, education and training, key skills, internal equity, external market data, and broader market and business considerations.


Benefits: At HALO, we offer benefits that support all aspects of your life, helping you find a work-life balance that’s right for you. Our comprehensive benefits include nationwide coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance, along with additional Voluntary Benefits. Prepare for your financial future with our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).


Application Information: To apply to this opportunity, click the APPLY button at the top right or very bottom of the screen to complete our online application. A resume is optional, so you may choose to upload and have the application prefill with your information.  There are 5 sections to complete in total, including General information, Work History, Education, Compliance, and optional demographic questions. Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive a submission confirmation email from our system. 


Application Deadline:  Applications are reviewed and processed only when there is a specific need or opportunity, rather than on a fixed schedule or at a set deadline. Because they are reviewed on an as-needed basis, a job posting will be removed once the position has been filled or is no longer available. 


More About HALO:

At HALO, we energize our clients' brands and amplify their stories to capture the attention of those who matter most. That’s why over 60,000 small- and mid-sized businesses partner with us, making us the global leader in the branded merchandise industry.

  • Career Advancement: At HALO, we’re passionate about promoting from within. Internal promotions have been key to our exponential growth over the past few years. With so many industry leaders at HALO, you’ll have the opportunity to accelerate your career by learning from their experience, insights, and skills. Plus, you'll gain access to HALO’s influential global network, leadership opportunities, and diverse perspectives.
  • Culture: We love working here, and we’re confident you will too. At HALO, you’ll experience a culture of ingenuity, inclusion, and relentless determination. We push the limits of possibility and imagination by staying curious, humble, and bold breaking through yesterday’s limits. Diversity fuels our creativity, and we thrive when each of us contributes to an inclusive environment based on respect, dignity, and equity. We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence with a commitment to results and supporting one another with accountability, transparency, and dependability.
  • Recognition: At HALO, your success is our success. You can count on us to celebrate your wins. Colleagues across the company will join in recognizing your milestones and nominating you for awards. Over time, you’ll accumulate recognition that can be converted into gift cards, trips, concert tickets, and merchandise from your favorite brands.
  • Flexibility: Many of our roles offer hybrid work options, and we pride ourselves on flexible schedules that help you balance professional and personal demands. We believe that supporting our customers is a top priority and trust that you and your manager will collaborate to create a schedule that achieves this goal.

HALO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We insist on an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Inclusion is a core value at HALO and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people.


HALO participates in E-Verify. Please see the following notices in English and Spanish for important information: E-Verify Participation and Right to Work.


HALO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at hr@halo.com. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be reviewed and responded to on a case-by-case basis.