Merchandise Manager, Bike.

Accountabilities

• Category Strategy and Financial Performance:

  • Execute merchandising and sourcing strategies across complete bikes, frames, and components, including drivetrains, wheels, brakes, suspension, cockpit, and pedals.

  • Own the open-to-buy budget and day-to-day buying decisions across five retail banners and multiple sales channels.

  • Drive category sales, gross margin, inventory turnover, and profitability targets.

  • Evaluate market trends, historical sales performance, customer preferences, and product compatibility to build differentiated assortments.

  • Vendor Management and Sourcing:

    • Build and maintain strong relationships with bicycle brands and component manufacturers.

    • Negotiate pricing, commercial terms, key buys, and promotional opportunities to improve gross margin and category performance.

    • Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers to strengthen the vendor network and expand assortment opportunities.

    • Work with suppliers to establish product quality standards and conduct regular quality checks.

    • Buying, Inventory, and Analytics:

      • Manage SKU and purchase order worksheets, including order quantities, financial allocations, product styles, and size and color breakdowns.

      • Oversee inventory flow through receipt planning, sell-through targets, replenishment decisions, and inventory reduction strategies.

      • Partner with Planning to develop exit strategies for slow-moving products and optimize inventory levels.

      • Use sales data, customer insights, and analytical tools to forecast demand and refine procurement plans.

      • Monitor category KPIs and vendor performance, identifying opportunities and corrective actions to meet financial targets.

      • Product Accuracy and Customer Experience:

        • Apply technical cycling knowledge to ensure product specifications, component compatibility, and build-kit configurations are accurate.

        • Support vendors, planning partners, and customer-facing teams with informed product guidance.

        • Maintain category content standards, visual merchandising, and product taxonomy to improve the customer experience and conversion.

        • Collaborate with Marketing and Creative teams on promotions, campaigns, and category selling strategies.

        • Cross-Functional Collaboration and Team Leadership:

          • Work closely with Planning on budgets, forecasting, inventory management, and KPI reporting.

          • Lead, guide, and mentor buyers and junior merchants, supporting their professional development and performance.

          • Establish effective team routines, processes, and performance frameworks that support accountability and continuous improvement.

          • Foster a collaborative, ownership-driven environment while maintaining pace and execution quality.

          Requirements:

          • Education and Experience:

            • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline preferred.

            • At least 10 years of experience in retail buying or merchandising, with a strong track record in strategic sourcing, vendor management, and e-commerce.

            • Demonstrated experience in inventory management, demand forecasting, procurement optimization, and category financial performance.

            • Direct experience in the cycling industry, including established relationships with major bicycle and component brands, is preferred.

            • Previous experience managing or mentoring a buying team is preferred.

            • Technical Cycling Expertise:

              • Hands-on knowledge of bicycles, frames, and components, including drivetrains and groupsets, braking systems, wheel and tire standards, suspension, cockpit and contact points, frame geometry, and frame materials.

              • Ability to assess cross-component compatibility and evaluate complete bike and build-kit configurations.

              • Strong understanding of the cycling and outdoor retail markets, customer preferences, and industry trends.

              • Merchandising and Commercial Skills:

                • Strong understanding of retail mathematics, merchandising fundamentals, assortment planning, and buying processes.

                • Proven negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

                • Ability to interpret sales trends, evaluate vendor performance, and make data-informed commercial decisions.

                • Familiarity with marketplace merchandising alongside traditional owned-inventory retail channels is preferred.

                • Tools and Technology:

                  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly advanced Excel.

                  • Experience using purchasing software and merchandising systems.

                  • Working knowledge of AI tools and their practical application in merchandising workflows, including demand forecasting, assortment planning, and trend analysis.

                  • Communication and Leadership:

                    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.

                    • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management, including the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

                    • Ability to lead and develop team members while taking ownership of decisions and outcomes.

                    • Genuine passion for cycling and outdoor products.

                    • Willingness and ability to travel as needed.

                    • Location and Interview Requirements:

                      • Remote position based in the United States, with candidates in the Mountain or Pacific time zones preferred.

                      • A mandatory in-person interview at the company's Cottonwood Heights office is required before an offer can be made. Candidates must be willing and able to attend.

                      Benefits:

                      • Paid time off policies.

                      • 401(k) plan with company match.

                      • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

                      • A variety of supplemental insurance policies.

                      • Employee discounts across the company's portfolio of brands.

                      • Opportunities to build and lead a buying team with direct ownership of category outcomes.

                      • Professional and leadership development, including hands-on exposure to AI-driven merchandising tools.

                      • Significant autonomy and end-to-end responsibility for category strategy, vendor relationships, and financial performance.