Director Retail Strategy
Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE: SPHR) is a premier live entertainment and media company. The Company includes Sphere, a next-generation entertainment medium powered by cutting-edge technologies to redefine the future of entertainment. The first Sphere venue in Las Vegas opened in September 2023. In addition, the Company includes MSG Networks, which operates two regional sports and entertainment networks, MSG Network and MSG Sportsnet, as well as a direct-to-consumer and authenticated streaming product, MSG+, delivering a wide range of live sports content and other programming. More information is available at sphereentertainmentco.com.
Who are we hiring?
The Director, Retail Strategy serves as the strategic leader of product, licensing, and wholesale programs for all Sphere Experiences, Sphere owned events, brand collaborations, off site activations, and e-commerce. This role handles all strategic planning, identification of special initiatives (e.g., collaborations, new ways to sell merchandise), budgeting and revenue growth. This role works closely with Marketing, Sales, Brand Strategy on key initiatives (products based on customer segmentation, holidays, seasonal drops, partnerships) and Venue Operations (store layout, sales strategies, inventory management, key partnerships), as well as other functions including Legal, Social Media, VIP Services, Ticketing, etc.
What will you do?
- Develop and implement a comprehensive merchandise strategy, including product development, pricing and positioning for in venue, and distribution. Align merchandise initiatives with brand identity, guest demographics, and event programming.
- Conduct market research to identify trends and opportunities for growth in retail and e-commerce channels.
- Product Development and Curation: Collaborate with creative teams to design exclusive, high-quality, and innovative product lines. Partner with vendors, designers and manufacturers to source and produce merchandise.
- Ensure merchandise offerings reflect Sphere’s brand ethos, immersive experiences and technological focus.
- Revenue Optimization: Develop strategies to maximize sales and profitability across retail stores, online platforms, and activations. Analyze sales data to inform decision making and adjust strategies in real time. Implement dynamic pricing strategies for limited-edition and exclusive items.
- Guest Experience and Engagement: Create merchandise experiences that enhance guest satisfaction and build lasting connections with Sphere’s audience. Drive storytelling through merchandise design, packaging, and in venue displays.
- Negotiate new and existing licenses with relevant offers of merchandise across multiple platforms.
- Monitor P&L through revenue, inventory turn and margin goals.
- Direct day to day activities of department and set standards of key merchandising, licensing, and wholesale programs.
- Lead innovative initiatives (collaborations, digital sales, etc.)
What do you need to succeed?
- Experience with prestigious brands in a fast-paced environment, with a proven track record driving revenue growth and successful product launches in a company with a diverse set of businesses and a complex, matrix-based organization.
- Minimum 8-10 years of experience in merchandise strategy, retail management, product strategy development and licensing preferable within entertainment, hospitality, or lifestyle brands.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
- Demonstrates knowledge of strategic planning and budgeting
- Previous P & L management experience
- Knowledge of issues associated with import, procurement, patents, exclusive products, etc.
- SUPERVISION:
- Oversees approximately 1 person; Senior Manager Merchandise Strategy
Special Requirements
- Available to travel as needed; no more than 25-35% to attend tradeshows, events, MSG office (NYC) or vendors as needed.
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At MSG, we recognize the importance of upskilling employees’ talents and strengths so they can drive their careers forward. We are proud to offer a robust set of tools and resources to help employees understand their interests and purpose, harness their talents and obtain the skills they need to reach the next step in their careers. Growth and longevity for our employees are top priorities here.
We value diversity and are looking for extraordinary employees of all backgrounds! MSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health choices, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law mandates, MSG complies with all applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in all locations and will consider requests for reasonable accommodations as required.