VP Retail Strategy
Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSG Sports) is a leading professional sports company, with a collection of assets that includes the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL), as well as two development league teams – the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). MSG Sports also operates a professional sports team performance center – the MSG Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. More information is available at www.msgsports.com.
Who are we hiring?
The Vice President of Retail Strategy for MSG Sports serves as the leader of product, licensing, design direction, retail operations, partnerships, and wholesale programs for the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, and Westchester Knicks. This position is responsible for developing the long-term business plan as well as key initiatives to drive revenue and innovate the business. This role will also oversee all merchandise planning, product buying, and retail budgeting, leveraging new strategies that capitalize on trends through licensing and wholesale programs. The VP of Retail will be a strong analytical thinker and will serve as a partner with the marketing team to build campaigns that drive sales and sell-through of product. The VP is both a strategic brand builder and a hands-on operator with deep experience within sports, lifestyle, or consumer brands. This position reports to the SVP, Marketing for MSG Sports.
What will you do?
- Develop and execute a strategic business plan and key initiatives to create product strategy, development and positioning for key distribution channels such as in arena and ecommerce
- Develop and lead the overall merchandise strategy across all MSG Sports brands, defining long-term roadmaps and annual plans
- Partner with Teams marketing to develop creative campaigns that drive sales
- Negotiate new and existing licenses with relevant offers of merchandise across multiple platforms
- Creative approach towards all aspects of product development and selection including collaborations and digital sales
- Own product lifecycle strategy, inclusive of assortment planning, forecasting, buying, design direction, pricing, and distribution
- Monitor P & L through revenue, inventory turn and margin goals
- Partner with MSG Sports lines of business to ensure brand presence and vision is aligned
- Analyze and identify key market trends, consumer insights and competitive landscape
- Lead relationships with league partners, other teams and 3rd party vendors
- Act as lead merchandise representative in meetings with talent and league to support MSGS overall strategic plan
- Oversee team of three (3)
What do you need to succeed?
- 12+ year's experience with merchandise product strategy, development, merchandising, licensing, and marketing in diverse retail and wholesale segments
- Highly seasoned executive with senior level experience with prestigious brands in a fast-paced environment, with a proven track record in a company with a diverse set of businesses and a complex, matrix-based organization
- Comprehensive knowledge of product strategy, development, merchandising, licensing, and marketing in diverse retail and wholesale segments
- Strong operational skills along with exceptional leadership, management, and customer service focus
- Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to manage and develop high performing teams
- Able to oversee complex and diverse businesses while continuing to grow revenue
- Demonstrates knowledge of strategic planning and budgeting, P & L management
- Exceptional analytical skills
- Knowledge of issues associated with import, procurement, league rights, patents, exclusive products, etc.
Special Requirements
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends to support the retail environment during games and events
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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.