Director, Product Approvals & Merchandising

Who We Are Authentic Brands Group (Authentic) is a global brand and entertainment platform that owns and invests in iconic intellectual property and cultural assets. It accelerates brands through a set of specialized businesses that combine powerful storytelling, premium content, unforgettable live experiences and global commerce. Through a network of more than 1,700 best-in-class licensees and strategic partners across 150 countries and expansive distribution, Authentic’s brands drive more than $36 billion in annual systemwide retail sales worldwide. Authentic’s diversified portfolio spans more than 50 brands and reaches nearly one billion social media followers. Its roster includes Reebok, Champion, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, Kevin Hart, Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Marilyn Monroe, GUESS, Aéropostale, Nautica, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, Nine West, Brooks Brothers, Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto, Izod, Van Heusen, Dockers, Ted Baker, Hart Schaffner Marx, Vince, Barneys New York, Judith Leiber, Quiksilver, Spyder, Billabong, Volcom, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Prince, Sperry and Hunter. For more information, visit corporate.authentic.com . Follow Authentic on LinkedIn , Instagram and WeChat . Why Authentic You’ll be able to access the resources and scale, while leveraging innovative technology and nimble environment. What we’re saying is, this isn’t your average day job. If you’re hungry to drive ideas into action and own your career, let’s chat. Our team is rapidly innovating to evolve and define the future of our brands. With the help of some of the brightest minds in retail, marketing, licensing, legal and more, we are building the intersection of digital and experiential marketing to help achieve that mission. We reimagine, evolve and transform brands! At Authentic, we foster an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought and expertise drive competitive advantage. Our global teams are built by go-getters who contribute unique perspectives and push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Headquartered in New York City, Authentic has offices in major metropolitan cities including Los Angeles and Miami, as well as Toronto, Mexico City, London, and Shanghai. What You’ll Do The Director, Merchandising & Product Development , is responsible for guiding design and development for Authentic’s product licensees for their respective brands. You’ll oversee all phases of product development from concept state to production for respective product categories. You’ll ensure products developed are in line with the brands product strategy, contractual definitions and aesthetic. You will support the commercial end of the business by ensuring that product offered to the marketplace meets the demand for product segmentation and maximizes new distribution opportunities. What you’ll be working on Provide design/merchandising direction and approvals to Licensees for various brands Working Knowledge of competitive set and able to identify/research seasonal trends within industry. Gauge new opportunities to drive volume across all channels of distribution Collaborate between differentiated product categories to achieve a shared vision regarding product ideas, designs, fabrications and quality requirements, specifically related to channels of distribution, and maximizing the brand aesthetic Collaborate with Creative Director on executing seasonal direction in set room, providing concise direction for licensed categories. Understands and communicates global seasonal brand messaging across regional partners Support business team and guide strategic decisions on new product development: specifically focusing in on commercial viability in segment and channel. Partner with business & marketing teams to prioritize brand direction with product licensees. Must Haves: 8+ years of experience in merchandising or lifestyle product development Working knowledge of buying and merchandising best practices Excellent organisational and comm…