Project Manager, Creator Merchandise
Houston, TX
Trend Services
Trend Services
Role Overview
As a Project Manager for Trend Merchandise, you will lead the end-to-end development of physical products for top-tier content creators. You will act as the bridge between creative vision and launch reality, managing the lifecycle of custom apparel and accessories from initial concept through production and final delivery.
We are seeking a driven individual with an ownership mindset who is excited to help build and scale our emerging creator merchandise vertical from the ground up. This role is open to both remote and in-office candidates, with offices located in Nashville and Houston.
Key Responsibilities
- Collection Development: Curate and develop a collection of core apparel and accessory options; proactively source additional unique items as needed to best support and elevate each creator’s specific brand identity.
- Campaign Strategy: Working in conjunction with Talent Managers, develop thoughtful product campaigns to present and suggest to creators, ensuring merchandise launches are cohesive and brand-aligned.
- Vendor Management: Identify, vet, and manage relationships with supplier ecosystem, including manufacturers, printers, and logistics partners to ensure high-quality production.
- Project Lifecycle Oversight: Define project scopes, create detailed timelines, and ensure all milestones are met for on-time product launches.
- Quality Control & Material Mastery: Establish and enforce rigorous quality standards for fabrics and printing techniques; conduct detailed sample reviews and approvals.
- Budget & Resource Management: Negotiate pricing with vendors, manage COGS (Cost of Goods Sold), and maintain project profitability without compromising design integrity.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with design teams to translate creator branding into technical specifications, align with talent on the program, and develop effective go-to-market marketing and pricing strategies.
- Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify potential production bottlenecks or supply chain disruptions and implement contingency plans.
- Responsible for driving new business and ensuring pipeline of new creators is in queue, as well presenting the value proposition to interested creators.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 3–5+ years of project management and/or product development experience, preferably in apparel or consumer goods manufacturing.
- Aesthetic Sensitivity: A strong eye for detail and design aesthetics is essential; you must be able to ensure the final product aligns with a creator's specific brand, "vibe," and visual standards.
- Tools: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or Airtable) and experience reading/creating Tech Packs
Preferred Skills
- Technical Fabric Knowledge: Deep understanding of textile compositions, fabric weights (GSM), drape, and durability for both knits and wovens
- Printing & Application Expertise: Understanding of various decoration processes, including Screen Printing (Plastisol, Water-based, Puff), Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Embroidery, Tackle Twill, and Sublimation or strong desire to learn
- Experience working directly with influencers, YouTubers, or talent agencies or in the apparel/accessories industry
- Knowledge of sustainable sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices.
- Background in e-commerce fulfillment, logistics and Shopify
- Enterprising