Director, North America Merchandise

Description

The IRONMAN Group operates a global portfolio of events that includes the IRONMAN® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN® 70.3® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, the Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series, IRONKIDS®, World Triathlon Championship Series, Epic Series™ mountain bike races including the Absa Cape Epic®, road cycling events including UTMB®, and other multisport races.

The IRONMAN Group is the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world and provides more than a million participants annually with the benefits of endurance sports through the company’s vast offerings. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN® brand and its first event in 1978, athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® by crossing finish lines around the world. Beginning as a single race, The IRONMAN Group has grown to become a global sensation with hundreds of events across 55+ countries. For more information about The IRONMAN Group visit: www.ironman.com. 

Position Summary

The Director of North America Merchandise contributes to the IRONMAN Group’s success by leading and growing the North America Event Team. This role is responsible for overseeing the merchandise store logistics and operations while driving revenue growth, with a focus on the athlete’s experience.

The Director of NA Merchandise works cross-functionally with the global merchandise teams to create data-informed logistic decisions and implement strategic plans to achieve the goals of increased merchandise sales in North America. In addition, this role will establish and monitor performance to hold empowered teams accountable for the execution of the regional store standards and sales strategies to provide quality customer experience and drive product sell-through.    

The position will report to the Chief Merchandise Officer and will oversee the store operations and event leadership to manage operating costs, increase profitability, and apply learning to achieve optimal execution and selling success.

Key Responsibilities of the Job

• Develop and plan the North America budget. 
• Ensure all budget line items are managed at each event including operational costs, labor costs, travel and expense. 
• Effectively communicates and broadly supports the execution of company strategies and priorities. Advocate solutions in the overall best interest of the IRONMAN Group and its employees. 
• Oversees the North America merchandise budget, responsible for achieving revenue goals by monitoring merchandise event operations and taking appropriate actions to drive profitability. 
• Uses product knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgement in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities. 
• Collaborate with members of the global merchandise teams to ensure the execution of the merchandise store aligns with global store standards to ensure consistency in quality and best practices for the customer and employee experience. 
• Manages regional team and supports ongoing learning and development by providing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and addressing performance concerns.
• Challenges and inspires employees to achieve business results. Communicates key responsibilities to promote a successful attitude, confidence in leadership, and teamwork. 
• Collaborates with local operation and marketing teams to identify opportunities for growing awareness and monitors effectiveness and adjust plans necessary. 
• Travel to key events to build relationships with store leads, enhance brand awareness, and drive event merchandise sales. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Management and / or Marketing degree (BA; BS) 
• (10+) years of work experience in event management, employee recruitment, and retail management
• Proven experience in establishing vision and goals; developing strategic plans and leading teams to accomplish positive results. 
• Demonstrates a high level of interest and passion for an active lifestyle and race culture.
• Ability to travel, including weekends and non-traditional hours.
• Strong organizational skills and experience working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and are a reasonable representation of its activities.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.