Branded Merchandise Strategist

Job Description

The Invitation

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Brand Merchandise Strategist

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Hybrid, Chicago, IL

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Contract Position – 6 months

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ABOUT US

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tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world’s leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions – from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.

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Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including McDonald’s, T-Mobile, O2, Starbucks, and adidas.

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Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.

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WHAT MATTERS THE MOST

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Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.

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tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.

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At tms we believe that from day one our job is to prepare you, develop you, train you and invest in you so that while with us you will become ready to take on the next challenge better prepared than you thought possible.

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So whether you’re here for a meeting, a project, or a career – be prepared to Leave Changed.

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WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE

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tms is a customer engagement agency with specialties in promotions, loyalty/crm, and product and packaging. We are looking for a naturally curious and adaptable Senior Strategist with deep promotional products experience to join our team.

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You should be the type of strategist who can spot the next great product trend while also owning a room during a presentation. You should be passionate about creating products people actually want to keep, and know what it takes to get them from a sketch to someone's hands. All candidates should be comfortable leading promo and merch strategy for Fortune 500 clients, partnering closely with sourcing and suppliers, and connecting the dots between brand goals and the products that bring them to life.

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We are specifically looking for a strategist with experience on the agency, distributor, or supplier side of the promo industry. This role will be responsible for building promotional product programs for clients, developing products from concept to market, shaping merch and e-commerce programs, and supporting new business. This is a 6-month contract-to-hire role, based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule.

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What you will own

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• Support the Director, Experience Strategy to develop and execute promotional product and merchandise strategies across a diverse portfolio of clients and industries.
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• Lead the development of strategic promotional product programs that align brand objectives, campaign concepts, and consumer insights to create meaningful audience engagement.
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• Drive product innovation from initial concept through development and market launch, collaborating closely with sourcing teams and suppliers to ensure feasibility, quality, and brand alignment.
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• Shape branded merchandise, company stores, and direct-to-consumer programs that strengthen brand affinity and deliver engaging customer experience.
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• Contribute strategic thinking, innovative product concepts, and compelling recommendations to new business pitches and growth opportunities.
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• Collaborate with account, creative, sourcing, and other cross-functional teams to translate strategic ideas into impactful, commercially viable products and programs.
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• Monitor emerging product trends, consumer behaviors, and industry best practices across promotional products, merchandise, and e-commerce to inform forward-thinking client recommendations.
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• Being a source of inspiration, innovation, and tireless ambassadorship of the strategy space.
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WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION

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• 4–6 years of experience in promotional product strategy.
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• Must have: Experience in the promotional products industry, whether on the agency, distributor, or supplier side.
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• Strong understanding of sourcing and supplier processes, including decoration methods, lead times, costing, and compliance.
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• Experience bringing products from initial concept through development and launch.
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• A keen eye for emerging product trends and the ability to turn those insights into fresh, relevant ideas for clients.
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• Working knowledge of e-commerce and branded merchandise programs.
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• A natural storyteller and confident presenter who can bring complex ideas to life.
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• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across teams, clients, and partners.
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• A curious, adaptable mindset with a willingness to dive into new products, explore unfamiliar categories, and keep learning.
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SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

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• Previous agency experience, ideally working across multiple clients or brands.
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• Experience with company stores or direct-to-consumer merchandise platforms, including how they’re built, managed, and brought to life.
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