Overview

Drive strategy and development for all products within assigned category for resale at Six Flags Parks. Responsible for purchasing, product development, sourcing, testing, product approvals, quality, selection and maintenance of all products with assigned category.  Drive individual park strategies based on business needs.  Collaborate with Category Planning to develop and deliver products within defined margin and assortment plans.  Collaborate with Park Merchandise Operations teams on visual merchandising strategies for developed product assortments.  Utilize product development calendar to ensure timely deliveries.  Must be flexible and able to multitask and prioritize in fast paced amusement park environment while interacting and communicating with representatives from all Cedar Fair Parks and the Cedar Fair corporate office.  Travel to Parks and trade shows to observe trends, identify new strategies and product ideas.  Travel may include international markets.  

This is a temporary position

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Category Planning and Park Retail Operations to develop annual merchandising strategy and business plans for assigned categories for Six Flags Parks and review with business partners. Set direction and establish annual timeline. Partner with the park retail teams to drive the business and deliver a compelling guest experience.
• Drive innovation and take the lead in conceiving and developing new products. Champion the product development process from ideation through successful launch.
• Drive significant category growth through development and execution of category and segment strategies, new innovative products, new categories, and exclusive brands.
• Leads key merchandise initiatives.
• Develop co-branded product opportunities, realize the benefits and strategic value of partnerships and vendor collaborations through the entire product lifecycle.
• Establish and maintain a thorough understanding of market trends and competitive products, leveraging findings to develop product strategy.
• Identify and drive opportunities to scale concepts and product initiatives across the enterprise.
• Develop excellent relationships with vendors, cross-functional teams and park retail operations teams.
• Identify Customer Preferences and attend events, fairs, and exhibitions to remain up to date with market’s trends. Drive innovation in the category through art development and strategic partnerships.
• Collaborate on direct import product development with Six Flags corporate staff. Drive product strategy and quality standards.
• Develop new products within assigned categories to align with Category Planning Strategy and annual merchandising strategy and business plan for the category. Prepare product assortments for line reviews with business partners.
• Evaluate supplier options according to prices, quality etc. and determine the best choices, negotiate as required to achieve financial goals. Collaborate with corporate procurement as necessary.  Ensure timely delivery of product initiatives.  Reconcile any discrepancies between purchase order and invoice costs or any issues related to product quality or delivery timeliness.
• Ability to evaluate each vendors strengths and weaknesses to maximize vendor performance metrics.
• Prepare product assortments to align with Assortment Plans. Provide visual merchandise presentation guidance for developed product assortments.
• Process all custom licensed product approvals as required for all phases of approval. Ensure product quality and integrity are maintained.
• Maintain good working relationships with assigned third party licenses as it relates to the Licensor’s global strategy and potential application to the Six Flags business.
• Assist with the development and training of Product Developers and Merchandise Assistants.
• Oversee the work of any assigned direct reports including assigned Product Developers and Merchandise Assistants where applicable. Provide feedback on performance.

Qualifications

MINIMIUM REQUIREMENTS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandise, Business Administration, or Marketing with 4-6 years of relevant experience
• 5+ years of product development/buying management
• Experience in procurement is a plus
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strategic thinking—must be proficient and comfortable with developing solid product strategies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Travel required: 30%

 PREFERED REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to lead and influence
• Innovative thinking
• Ability to quickly identify emerging trends and their application to the business
• Merchandise Storytelling
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Proven track record working with and influencing cross-divisional teams, as well as establishing an internal network of relationships at all levels to drive results