Production Merchandise Manager - London, N1C 4AG

Production Merchandise Manager - London, N1C 4AG, United Kingdom

UMUK value e-Commerce as a key foundational channel to connect artists and fans. This is a key role within our central team t o be a key production lead for our merchandise product development strategy . You’ll work closely with CFT and internal team to source, manage and produce merchandise product ranges with our CFT and external suppliers .

Using your production management experience, y ou will deliver high quality and sustainable products in line with fashion trends , w hilst ensuring the product reaches our warehouse partners in time to ship product to fans. You will also oversee the print on demand processes and vendor mgmt for the group and help to manage production workflows for all merchandise production .

This role is unique in that it has design, production, creative and operational elements. The day to day will be varied, fast paced, and often high pressure but always rooted in making and delivering products that are in line with our CFT’s wider product and commercial strategy and ensuring that we create a range of products that feel authentic to our artists and delight their fans .

The B Side: Skills & Experience

Key Responsibilities

• Manage ment of short leadtime print production (printing on blanks) workflow and timelines for UMG artists across the group.

• Management of longer leadtime cut and sew apparel and bespoke non-apparel (jewellery, accessories, homeware, stationary etc) production workflow and timelines .

• Management of Product Development of these areas (where needed) for CFT comments and approval.

• Keeping up to date information on Monday.com boards .

• C ompiling costings, requesting POs, SKU and order information.

• Managing Print-on-Demand produc ts , from costing s , blanks offer and product setup.

• Liais ing wit h EPMs ( ecommerce Product Managers) and Design teams for full product brief s ( as and when required ) , advis ing of any technical or production restrictions for proposed designs. The ability to offer a production solution or workaround which may include seeking production advice from suppliers.

• Attending CFT and artist meetings (where needed) to input on product capabilities and timelines.

• Work closely with and supporting the Production Lead and Head of department.

• Work closely with the central ecommerce operations team to make sure that product is delivered on time to our warehouse partners , updating them of print delays or issues affecting due dates. 

• Keeping a good rapport with our supply base including site visits. Sharing information on their capabilities and new offerings to the wider team.

• Bringing in new suppliers to the mix when needed, handling the onboarding process.

• Arrange and implement weekly production meetings with the EPMs and wider team.

• Work closely with CFT , managing timelines for upcoming merch ranges to enable planning according to critical release dates and clearly communicate / oversee the production schedule to ensure the timely delivery of print artwork files. 

Skills and Experience

• Previous and demonstrable Experience in music merchandise / fashion production management, preferably working with UK based printers and suppliers.

• Proactive , able to bring their experience to the team . Able to relay information and solutions in meetings.

• Admin focussed, organised , reliable and timely .

• Flexible and agile mindset, to meet the demands of changing briefs needing creative problem solving.

• An e ye for detail , able to think o n the aesthetics of the final product, as well as the fan experience , packaging and end use .

• A passion and awareness of music and fashion culture.

• Ability to liaise and work with various departments, taking initiat ive and being proactive .

• Print - on - Demand and UK printing experience is preferable.

• U nderstanding of various print and embroidery techniques ( D2G, DTF, S ublimation, Screen, CMYK etc).

• Experience in paper printing for posters and art prints ( litho , digital , giclée etc) is preferable.

• Methodical and h ighly organised , with the ability to project manage tasks, from initial brief, through to order and delivery.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong E xcel sk ill and email etiquette is a must .