Promotions & Branded Merchandise Manager

Promotions & Branded Merchandise Manager

Dallas / Plano, TX – Propac Agency

Overview

Propac is seeking a Promotions & Branded Merchandise Manager to support the development, sourcing, and execution of branded merchandise, premium apparel, and custom promotional programs across client initiatives. This role serves as an internal subject matter expert for promotional merchandise and branded product experiences, partnering with Client Service, Creative, Production, and Operations teams to identify product solutions, manage vendors, and execute merchandise programs that support brand activations, retail programs, and marketing campaigns.

This role plays a key part in the development of brand kits, influencer kits, branded apparel, giveaway items and premium gifting experiences. Many programs require coordinating multiple production partners and custom components — including packaging, branded assets, and specialty fabrication — to deliver polished brand experiences.

Projects often involve managing initiatives from concept and ideation through sourcing, production, kitting, and final delivery, ensuring programs are delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with brand standards.

Propac operates in a fast-moving, solutions-driven environment. The ideal candidate brings a proactive, can-do mindset and the ability to think creatively and develop alternative solutions when traditional sourcing or production approaches don’t meet program needs.

Types of Programs You’ll Support

• National retail activation programs

• Brand influencer kits, PR mailers, and VIP gifting programs

• Brand launch kits and custom merchandise experiences

• E-commerce merchandise and limited-time-offer (LTO) product programs

• Brand apparel programs and staff merchandise

• Executive gifting and premium branded merchandise initiatives

• Corporate meetings and sales conference merchandise

• Field marketing programs and retail sampling activations

Program Strategy & Vendor Partnerships

• Partner with Client Service, Creative, Business Development and Activation leadership teams to develop merchandise strategies and product solutions that support client campaigns and programs
• Collaborate with Creative teams to ideate kit concepts, merchandise assortments, and branded packaging experiences
• Help develop custom merchandise kits, including item selection, branded components, packaging vessels, and presentation details
• Support the evolution of Propac’s merchandise offering through vendor discovery, sourcing innovation, process improvements and developing agency sales collateral
• Develop and maintain a strong network of merchandise vendors, decorators, packaging partners, and specialty manufacturers
• Coordinate vendor estimates and support strategic buying decisions for merchandise, packaging, and production assets
• Coordinate new vendor onboarding paperwork and documentation in partnership with procurement and finance teams
• Mentor and provide guidance to merchandise coordinators

Merchandise Sourcing, Custom Production & Fabrication

• Source and support procurement of branded merchandise, promotional products, apparel, and custom premiums
• Identify solutions for complex sourcing requests including premium apparel, lifestyle products, and retail-quality merchandise
• Support development of custom fabricated program elements such as specialty packaging, dimensional assets, and unique promotional items
• Coordinate with vendors capable of custom builds, 3D printing, molded components, cut & sew apparel and specialty manufacturing when programs require non-standard solutions
• Work with decorators and production partners to execute premium decoration methods including embroidery, retail-quality printing, and specialty finishing
• Collaborate with Creative and Production teams to translate conceptual ideas into manufacturable, scalable program components
• Identify sourcing alternatives and creative workarounds when timelines, budgets, or production constraints arise

Many projects involve custom builds, specialty packaging, or non-traditional manufacturing solutions, requiring creative sourcing and close collaboration with vendors to bring ideas to life.

Program Management & Execution

• Manage complex merchandise and kit programs involving multiple vendors, production timelines, and deliverables
• Manage vendor communication including quoting, sampling, proofing, production tracking, and delivery
• Serve as a cross-functional connector between Client Service, Creative, Production, Operations, Finance, and external vendors
• Manage workflows including project briefs, timelines, asset routing, production coordination and warehouse fulfillment
• Coordinate logistics supporting activations, retail programs, campaigns, and corporate initiatives
• Partner with warehouse and fulfillment teams to coordinate inventory receipt, kitting, and shipping logistics
• Ensure merchandise programs are delivered with strong attention to quality, brand consistency, and presentation

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Manage estimates, purchase orders, and vendor invoices for merchandise programs
• Monitor program spend against approved scope and budgets
• Protect program margins through strategic sourcing and vendor coordination
• Serve as Credit Card Coordinator for the procurement team, supporting purchasing workflows and reconciliation processes
• Identify operational risks including vendor delays or production issues and escalate solutions proactively

Qualifications

• 4–7+ years experience in promotional merchandise sourcing, branded merchandise programs, or product development
• Experience managing custom merchandise kits or multi-vendor promotional programs
• Experience working with ASI suppliers or promotional merchandise manufacturers
• Experience sourcing premium apparel brands and retail-quality merchandise
• Strong vendor coordination and procurement awareness
• Ability to manage multiple programs and shifting timelines simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop creative sourcing solutions
• Highly organized with strong project management capabilities
• Experience mentoring or supporting junior team members is a plus
• A strong promotional merchandise vendor network is a major plus

About Propac

Propac is a shopper marketing and brand activation agency that helps brands create real-world experiences that drive connection and commerce. From retail activations and corporate meetings to branded merchandise programs, product launches, and custom promotional campaigns, our team brings brand ideas to life through thoughtfully executed programs and tangible brand experiences.

Candidates who thrive in fast-moving, hands-on environments and enjoy solving logistical challenges in real time will excel in this role.

LinkedIn Classification

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management, Operations, Procurement, Marketing

Industries

• Advertising Services