Program Merchandiser

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

We are HALO! We connect people and brands to create unforgettable, meaningful, and lasting experiences that build brand engagement and loyalty for our over 60,000 clients globally. Our nearly 2,000 employees and 1,000 Account Executives located in 40+ sales offices across the United States are the reason HALO is the global leader in branded merchandise, uniform programs, and recognition and incentive solutions.

The Program Merchandiser is responsible for planning, selecting, and executing annual and seasonal product assortments for client programs to achieve profitability, maintain SKU count, drive sales, and ensure overall client satisfaction. This role combines creativity and analytical insight to build strategic assortments aligned with each client’s brand and business objectives. The Program Merchandiser collaborates closely with clients, Account Executives, and cross-functional teams to deliver on-brand, innovative, and high-performing product solutions that strengthen client relationships and drive business growth.

*Please be prepared to share visual examples of past products or a portfolio of items you’ve worked on during the interview process. *

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, select, and execute annual and seasonal product assortments for client programs, ensuring SKU accuracy, margin achievement, and on-time execution.
• Analyze marketplace trends, consumer insights, and performance data to identify opportunities, gaps, and strategies to optimize product assortments.
• Serve as a brand ambassador for assigned clients—developing deep knowledge of brand guidelines, target audiences, and product expectations to ensure brand consistency and client satisfaction.
• Collaborate with Program Management to develop and manage workback calendars, ensuring all deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Partner with Category Merchants to brief product requirements, source options, confirm availability and costing, and ensure quality standards are met.
• Review and analyze business performance reports, SKU productivity, and inventory trends; recommend reorders, markdowns, or SKU retirements as needed.
• Manage all client art assets and decoration requests, including sew-outs, spec samples, and proof approvals to ensure brand and quality compliance.
• Create and present high-quality product assortment presentations, articulating the strategic rationale behind selections and recommendations.
• Approve e-commerce and marketing assets (copy, images, size charts) to ensure accuracy and alignment with product details.
• Partner with internal teams—including Creative, Web, and Inventory—to ensure cohesive execution and launch readiness.
• Lead complex and strategic product development with domestic and overseas manufacturers, ensuring timely sample delivery and adherence to quality standards.
• Ensure all products and labeling comply with applicable safety and industry standards.
• Support client activations including trade shows, retail events, and photoshoots by coordinating product samples, merchandising displays, and marketing needs.
• Maintain proactive communication with Account Executives, Program Managers, and other stakeholders to align expectations and resolve issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying process efficiencies, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for operational refinement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of merchandising or product development experience; experience in licensing or client-branded programs preferred.
• Proven ability to plan and execute e-commerce or retail assortments that drive profitability and client satisfaction.
• Strong understanding of retail math, margin analysis, and assortment planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Illustrator; experience with Jira and Smartsheet a plus.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross-functional and client stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, resourceful, and proactive problem-solver with strong ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining collaboration across teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to client sites, trade shows, and events.

*Please be prepared to share visual examples of past products or a portfolio of items you’ve worked on during the interview process. *

Compensation: The estimated base salary range for this position is between $55,000 and $85,000 annually. Please note that this pay range serves as a general guideline and reflects a broad spectrum of labor markets across the US. While it is uncommon for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the range, compensation decisions are influenced by various factors. At HALO, these include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's work experience, location, education and training, key skills, internal equity, external market data, and broader market and business considerations.

Benefits: At HALO, we offer benefits that support all aspects of your life, helping you find a work-life balance that’s right for you. Our comprehensive benefits include nationwide coverage for Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability insurance, along with additional Voluntary Benefits. Prepare for your financial future with our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).

Application Information: To apply to this opportunity, click the APPLY button at the top right or very bottom of the screen to complete our online application. A resume is optional, so you may choose to upload and have the application prefill with your information. There are 5 sections to complete in total, including General information, Work History, Education, Compliance, and optional demographic questions. Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive a submission confirmation email from our system.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed and processed only when there is a specific need or opportunity, rather than on a fixed schedule or at a set deadline. Because they are reviewed on an as-needed basis, a job posting will be removed once the position has been filled or is no longer available.

More About HALO:

At HALO, we energize our clients' brands and amplify their stories to capture the attention of those who matter most. That’s why over 60,000 small- and mid-sized businesses partner with us, making us the global leader in the branded merchandise industry.

• Career Advancement : At HALO, we’re passionate about promoting from within. Internal promotions have been key to our exponential growth over the past few years. With so many industry leaders at HALO, you’ll have the opportunity to accelerate your career by learning from their experience, insights, and skills. Plus, you'll gain access to HALO’s influential global network, leadership opportunities, and diverse perspectives.
• Culture : We love working here, and we’re confident you will too. At HALO, you’ll experience a culture of ingenuity, inclusion, and relentless determination. We push the limits of possibility and imagination by staying curious, humble, and bold breaking through yesterday’s limits. Diversity fuels our creativity, and we thrive when each of us contributes to an inclusive environment based on respect, dignity, and equity. We hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence with a commitment to results and supporting one another with accountability, transparency, and dependability.
• Recognition : At HALO, your success is our success. You can count on us to celebrate your wins. Colleagues across the company will join in recognizing your milestones and nominating you for awards. Over time, you’ll accumulate recognition that can be converted into gift cards, trips, concert tickets, and merchandise from your favorite brands.
• Flexibility : Many of our roles offer hybrid work options, and we pride ourselves on flexible schedules that help you balance professional and personal demands. We believe that supporting our customers is a top priority and trust that you and your manager will collaborate to create a schedule that achieves this goal.

HALO is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We insist on an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Inclusion is a core value at HALO and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people.

HALO participates in E-Verify. Please see the following notices in English and Spanish for important information: E-Verify Participation and Right to Work.

HALO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process – including the online application and/or overall selection process – you may email us at View email address on ziprecruiter.com. Please do not use this as an alternative method for general inquiries or status on applications as you will not receive a response. Reasonable requests will be reviewed and responded to on a case-by-case basis.