Merchandise Manager – Event Production

Job Title

Merchandise Manager

Company

USA TODAY Co. (RAGBRAI)

About USA TODAY Co.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

About RAGBRAI

RAGBRAI is the world’s largest and longest running annual bicycle ride in the world. Each year, we welcome over 20,000 riders and participants from all 50 states and more than 20 countries. RAGBRAI is focused on showcasing small town Iowa and the communities that have graciously hosted us for more than 52 years.

Role Summary

The Merchandise Manager is responsible for owning and executing the financial targets for the RAGBRAI merchandise program. This role drives product mix, planning, and buying strategies to improve product quality, operational efficiency, and overall profitability. The Merchandise Manager oversees the merchandise program, including management of the Shopify storefront, live events, the RAGBRAI HQ retail space product launches, and online inventory. This role works closely with Marketing and Creative teams to develop compelling merchandise assortments, coordinate product launches, and ensure brand consistency across both online and on-site retail channels.

Responsibilities

Merchandise Planning and Financial Management

• Analyze historical sales data, leverage registration trends, and use market insights to set revenue targets and inventory strategy.
• Partner with Event Director to align financial goals by building and managing detailed merchandise budgets and forecasts.
• Manage the purchasing process from order placement through production and delivery timelines.
• Develop analytical and data-driven financial models to track sales performance and refine projections and forecasts.
• Own post-event financial recaps, including SKU-level sales analysis, margin performance, and year-over-year comparisons.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory efficiency and reduce excess inventory.
• Maintain clean, organized financial documentation for all merchandise orders to support Accounting & Finance processes.
• Develop and manage the annual merchandise calendar, aligning product drops and campaigns with the broader marketing schedule.

Product Sourcing, Development and Buying

• Build product orders and collaborate with the Creative team to develop assortments that align with event brand identity, customer demand, and profitability targets.
• Determine product mix, pricing strategy, and inventory depth, ensuring cost and budget projections are updated as needed.
• Source products that meet desired aesthetic direction, quality standards, trends, and cost targets.
• Work with Creative team to develop merchandise concepts, artwork applications, and product specifications.
• Manage product development timelines and production calendars for events and e-commerce program.
• Research and source new vendors, and maintain strong relationships with an established vendor base.

Ecommerce & Digital Merchandising

• Manage the online merchandise store through the Shopify platform, including product listings, inventory updates, pricing, and promotions.
• Ensure product pages are optimized with accurate descriptions, size charts, imagery, and inventory availability.
• Coordinate product launches with marketing campaigns and event calendar.
• Monitor e-commerce performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve conversion rates and online sales.

In Person/Retail Events

• Works with Expo Event Ops Coordinator to secure placement in each location.
• Responsible for managing a team of contractors or volunteer staff to facilitate quick and smooth point-of-sale transactions.
• Perform physical duties as required by the role, such as moving equipment or transferring merchandise between locations.
• Inventory management, assisting guests with purchases, and overseeing sales transactions while maintaining a positive atmosphere.
• Implement dynamic event retail activations and strategies to maximize sales growth and improve customer experience.
• Assist with operational tasks and contribute to a positive shopping experience through merchandise upkeep and customer engagement.
• Act as a brand ambassador for RAGBRAI, its local sponsors, and venues.

Merchandise Marketing & Collaboration

• Partner with the Marketing team to promote merchandise through email, social media, and digital campaigns.
• Collaborate with Creative and graphic design teams to develop artwork, product concepts, and branded merchandise collections.
• Support merchandise storytelling and promotional initiatives that drive both online and event-based sales.
• Provide product insights and sales trends to inform future merchandise and marketing strategies.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Worker Characteristics

• 3–4 years of experience in retail merchandising, planning, or buying.
• Experience in revenue optimization, product development, and merchandising strategy.
• Deep understanding of merchandising and marketing strategies within a retail environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Working knowledge of e-commerce platforms such as Shopify.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with internal teams, vendors, and external partners.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment in all business interactions.
• Proactive, analytical, and collaborative mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Creative and curious mindset with an interest in fashion, merchandise, and live events.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain effective in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends during events.

Compensation

The annualized base salary for this role will range between $45,000 and $50,000. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications, and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual’s application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.