Job Description

WORK OPTION: The NBA currently provides eligible employees the option of working remotely one day per week.
Position Summary
Merchandising Management NBA Africa & BAL is responsible for overseeing product development, pricing, inventory management, and retail strategy to maximize the sales performance and brand impact of NBA Africa merchandise. This role works closely with internal teams (marketing, e-commerce, business development) and external partners (licensees, retailers, manufacturers) to ensure the successful execution of merchandising plans that align with market demands and the NBA Africa brand identity. Merchandising Management NBA Africa & BAL is also responsible for analyzing consumer trends, managing retail relationships, and optimizing product assortments to drive growth in the region.
Major Responsibilities

• Product Development & Assortment Planning: Collaborate with design teams, licensees, and suppliers to create merchandise that resonates with NBA fans across Africa, ensuring alignment with market trends and brand guidelines
• Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Monitor inventory levels, optimize stock turnover, and coordinate with retail and e-commerce teams to manage demand planning, minimizing overstock and shortages
• Retail & E-Commerce Strategy: Work closely with retail partners, online platforms, and licensees to ensure a consistent merchandising strategy across physical and digital channels, enhancing consumer accessibility
• Pricing & Promotions: Develop and implement dynamic pricing strategies based on market research, competitor analysis, and sales performance data to maximize profitability
• Sales Performance Tracking & Reporting: Analyze sell-through rates, revenue performance, and category trends, providing actionable insights to optimize merchandising decisions
• Consumer Trends & Market Analysis: Conduct research on consumer preferences, fashion trends, and local market dynamics to refine product selection and merchandising strategy
• Brand Compliance & Product Quality: Ensure all NBA-branded merchandise meets NBA quality standards, compliance regulations, and partner agreements
• Vendor & Partner Management: Build and maintain relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, ensuring smooth collaboration and timely product launches
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with marketing, digital, and business development teams to integrate merchandising efforts into broader commercial initiatives, including activations and campaigns
• Performance Reporting & Data-Driven Decision Making: Track key merchandising KPIs, monitor inventory efficiency, and provide leadership with regular reports on sales, product performance, and market opportunities

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Merchandising & Retail Expertise: Strong knowledge of product development, pricing, retail operations, and inventory management
• Market & Consumer Insights: Ability to analyze consumer preferences and translate insights into merchandising strategies
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Proficiency in using sales data, trends, and financial analysis to drive business decisions
• Project Management & Execution: Proven ability to manage multiple merchandising initiatives, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Experience working with internal teams (marketing, business development, e-commerce) and external partners (retailers, manufacturers)
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and merchandising software tools; familiarity with ERP systems is a plus
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in English required; French or Portuguese proficiency is a plus

Experience Needed

• 5-7 years of experience in merchandising or retail operations
• Proven success in managing inventory, pricing, and product development processes
• Experience in sports or entertainment merchandising is preferred

Educational Background Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
• Certifications in merchandising or inventory management are a plus

Salary Range:
N/A
Job Posting Title: Manager
The NBA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or any other third parties. Any unsolicited resume sent to the NBA will be considered NBA property, and the NBA will not pay a fee should it hire the subject of any unsolicited resume.
The NBA considers applicants for all positions on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs, and without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, marital status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, veteran status, familial status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
The NBA is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace. To safeguard our employees and their families, our visitors, and the broader community from COVID-19, and in consideration of recommendations from health authorities and the NBA's own advisors, any individual working onsite in our New York and New Jersey offices must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The NBA will discuss accommodations for individuals who cannot be vaccinated due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries. NBA Digital's assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.

Skills Required