About the role
Founded in 2000, FAM Brands designs, manufactures, and sells men’s and women’s sportswear and active wear apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and throughout the world. Our portfolio of proprietary brands features Marika, Wildfox, Three Dots, and Balance Collection, while a partial list of licensing partners includes Orvis, Jessica Simpson, Eddie Bauer, and Woolrich.
With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.
That's the FAM Brands difference.
SUMMARY
FAM Brands is seeking a product-driven Merchandising Manager with a strong foundation in women's sportswear apparel design and development. This role is ideal for a designer-turned-merchant or product developer who thrives at the intersection of trend, product innovation, and commercial execution. You will lead the merchandising vision by driving concept-to-product storytelling, owning assortment strategy, and partnering cross-functionally to bring trend-right, cost-effective, and scalable product to market. This role requires a hands-on leader who is deeply passionate about research & development, fabrication, and product creation, not just line planning.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Product Leadership & Development
- Own the end-to-end product lifecycle from concept through production, ensuring alignment on design intent, cost, and margin
- Act as the product authority across categories (knits, wovens, sets), driving construction, fabrication, and innovation
- Partner closely with Design and Technical teams to translate trend into commercially viable product
- Lead fit sessions, prototype reviews, and development milestones to maintain product integrity
Trend, Research & Concept Direction
- Drive seasonal trend research, market analysis, and competitive benchmarking
- Develop and present trend decks, concept boards, and product direction to internal teams and retail partners
- Identify emerging trends in contemporary sportswear, fabric innovation, and silhouette evolution
- Champion a culture of R&D experimentation (new fabrics, washes, finishes, construction techniques)
Merchandising Strategy & Assortment Planning
- Build and execute assortment strategies that balance trend, core business, and retail partner needs
- Analyze sales performance, pricing architecture, and margin targets to inform line decisions
- Align product strategy with key accounts (e.g., club, mass, specialty retail) ensuring customer-first thinking
- Drive line architecture and SKU efficiency across categories
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as the central connector across Design, Production, Sourcing, Sales, and Planning teams
- Lead and mentor a team of merchandisers/product developers, fostering product excellence and innovation mindset
- Partner with overseas vendors and factories to ensure development feasibility and execution
Execution & Operational Excellence
- Oversee PLM systems, tech packs, and product data accuracy throughout development
- Ensure all products meet timeline, cost, and quality targets in a high-volume environment
- Proactively troubleshoot development, sourcing, and production challenges
ABOUT YOU
- 7+ years of experience in sportswear merchandising, product development, or design
- Background as a Designer or Product Developer with strong product ownership
- Deep expertise in contemporary sportswear (knits, wovens, active-inspired lifestyle)
- Proven experience working with high-volume retailers (club, mass, or private label preferred)
- Strong knowledge of fabrication, garment construction, and costing
- Experience leading trend presentations and seasonal product direction
- Proficiency in PLM systems and product lifecycle management
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence cross-functional partners
- A product-obsessed leader who lives and breathes sportswear
- A designer at heart who understands how to translate ideas into scalable product
- Passionate about research & development, fabrics, and innovation
- Equally comfortable in trend concepting and detailed execution
- A strong storyteller who can sell a vision through product
COMPENSATION
At FAM Brands, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation. Salary ranges for positions are based on job level, location, and market data. We offer competitive benefits and are dedicated to equal pay for equal work. Specific salary offers depend on each candidate’s qualifications and experience. FAM Brands also offers all
Aplyr's read
FAM Brands thrives in the consumer goods sector with a focus on activewear, attracting creative professionals in design and merchandising roles.
What's promising
- •Strong portfolio with well-known brands like Marika and Wildfox, indicating market recognition.
- •Opportunities for creative roles in design and merchandising, appealing to innovative professionals.
- •Focus on activewear aligns with growing consumer interest in fitness and lifestyle products.
What to watch
- •Highly competitive industry requires constant innovation to maintain market position.
- •Limited public information about company culture and employee satisfaction.
- •Potential challenges in balancing diverse brand identities within the portfolio.
Why FAM Brands (Marika, Wildfox activewear)
- •Diverse brand portfolio allows for creative freedom across different styles and markets.
- •Specialization in activewear taps into a niche with consistent consumer demand.
- •Combines home and lifestyle products, offering a broad spectrum of design opportunities.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About FAM Brands (Marika, Wildfox activewear)
FAM Brands is a company specializing in consumer products, particularly in the home and lifestyle sectors.
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