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Director of Product Merchandising and Retail
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is now accepting applications for a Director of Product Merchandising and Retail. Candidates must be excited to work in a startup league while building the foundation for the future.
WER is building the leading women’s rugby brand in the United States. We are looking for a creative, driven merchandising leader to lead the strategy, execution, and growth of our merchandise operations. This is a high-impact role focused on building an exceptional product experience for fans, athletes, and supporters of women’s elite rugby. The Director of Product Merchandising and Retail owns the end-to-end merchandise business, from product line strategy and design direction to sourcing, imports, production, inventory, e-commerce and event retail.
Every fan interaction with WER apparel and accessories should feel premium, inclusive, and unmistakably connected to women’s rugby. The mandate is to scale a profitable, data-driven retail operation across direct to consumer, licensing, game-day retail, and select partners, while elevating athlete-led campaigns, community impact, and multi-channel sales.
Specific Duties
• Merchandising strategy and line architecture
• Design direction and brand storytelling
• Sourcing, production and quality
• Inventory planning and operations
• E-commerce and omnichannel retail
• Marketing, partnerships and community
• Team leadership and budget
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Formal Higher Education in business, fashion, design or similar
Experience
• 4+ years in apparel or retail merchandising, brand commerce, or sports merchandise, with increasing responsibility across assortment planning, sourcing, inventory, and e-commerce. Women’s sports or growth-stage league experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success building line plans and pricing strategies, leading cross-functional teams, integrating PLM, Resource Planning, and Shopify or similar, and delivering revenue and margin growth
• Proven track record launching new campaigns or collections, running game day or pop-up retail, and building community or fundraising programs with measurable results
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Merchandise financials, OTB planning, inventory management, and basic retail economics. Strong fluency in analytics and dashboards for conversion, AOV, UPT, sell-through, and margin.
• Proficient with sourcing and production workflows, vendor negotiation, quality control, and import logistics. Comfortable managing 3PL fulfillment and event retail operations.
• Skilled in product storytelling, briefs, and sample approvals, with an eye for fit, graphics, trims, and packaging that reflect the WER brand.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration across Marketing, Partnerships, Finance, and Team Operations.
• Fan-first mindset with a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community impact.
• Must have a Valid US Drivers License and currently eligible to work in the US.
• Travel to club markets and events and availability for nights and weekends during the season for games and launches.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at pop-ups and stand for extended periods during retail operations.
Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. Send application materials to: Careers@womenseliterugby.us
Screening of Applications Begins: For best consideration submit application materials by 11/22/2025
Anticipated start date: The selected candidate is expected to start in January 2026
Salary range: $40,000-60,000 + bonus
Hours: Full Time
Location: Remote, some travel required
Background Screening Statement: A background check will be required.
Equal Opportunity Statement: WER is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact WER at careers@womenseliterugby.us
Work Authorization: As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.
VP of Business Development
Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) is now accepting applications for Vice President of Business Development for markets in New York, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco / Sacramento and Boston. Candidates must be currently located in, or willing to relocate at own expense, to one of the aforementioned markets.
In collaboration with WER leadership, the VP business development is an execution-driven “doer” who owns how the entire WER experience in their market comes to life. You’ll sell sponsorships, bring value to WER partners through real activation, and help fill seats with smart, local ticket strategies. You’re the commercial face of WER in-market and the person our sponsors, community leaders, and fans actually know.
What you’ll do
• Build relationships with local and regional brand partners, from first meeting to signed sponsorship deals
• Lead sponsor activation in-market, making sure partners receive the full benefits of a partnership with WER
• Build and run local ticket plans, group sales, community nights, and partner bundles
• Represent WER with confidence in front of stakeholders like chambers of commerce, local businesses, civic groups, and community leaders
• Coordinate with WER’s central team on messaging, inventory, and league-wide partner needs
What we’re looking for
• Proven sales track record (sponsorships, partnerships, media, sports, or other relationship-led selling)
• Comfortable presenting to rooms that include CEOs, small business owners, city leaders and everyone in between
• Strong local network builder, you can open doors and you follow through
• Organized, self-directed, and happy being judged on outcomes
• Sports experience helps, but sales ability matters more
Must be comfortable working in the evolving world of an emerging sports league.
Equal Opportunity Statement: WER is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Background Screening Statement: A background check will be required.
Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter, resume, contact information for three professional references, and indicate to which market(s) you are applying. Send application materials to: Careers@womenseliterugby.us. For best consideration submit application materials by January 12, 2026.
Anticipated start date: The selected candidate is expected to start in January
Salary range: $75,000 plus bonus structure.
Hours: Full-Time
Type: Exempt
Work Requirements: Must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background check; Able to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and travel as needed in support of team operations and league events.
Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact WER at careers@womenseliterugby.us
Work Authorization: As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.