Merchandising Sourcing & Production Manager

COMPANY 🌱RYZE was founded in 2019 by Andrée Werner and Rashad Hossain, out of a parents' basement, with a mission to change daily health, starting with the morning routine: a nutrient-dense mushroom coffee delivering clean energy, mental clarity, and immune support. Built on a Direct-to-Consumer foundation with a performance marketing engine, RYZE achieved hockey-stick growth and a community of over 1 million active subscribers.
DTC remains the foundation, but RYZE has expanded into mass retail, quickly becoming the #2 items in Target's overall coffee category and is now executing a multi-channel expansion, with a cross-category launch coming in early 2027. RYZE is uniquely positioned to redefine how people think about daily wellness.
We’re a lean, fast-moving, mission-driven team who believe daily rituals create the foundation for living your greatest life, and we’re just getting started!
WHAT YOU'LL DO 🎯
The Merchandise Sourcing & Production Manager is fully accountable for RYZE’s branded merchandise function — from vendor sourcing and cost management through on-time delivery and inventory control. This is an ownership role, not a coordination role. You set the standard for how merch gets made, what it costs, and when it arrives.
Responsibilities will include:
Sourcing & Vendor Management
Build and maintain a reliable supplier network that can flex to RYZE’s needs across apparel, drinkware, swag, and other branded goods for retail, events, and internal use.
Source and onboard new vendors; conduct due diligence on quality, capacity, lead times, and cost competitiveness.
Set and track vendor scorecards covering quality, cost, and timeliness — and manage vendors out if they underperform.
Negotiate favorable pricing and terms without compromising quality.
Production & Project Management
Own end-to-end production management for all branded merchandise — from creative brief through sampling, approval, production, QC, and delivery.
Build and continuously improve the processes that take merch from concept to delivery.
Manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines simultaneously without losing track of status, risk, or timelines.
Proactively flag timeline risks and have contingency plans in place before they become problems.
Budget & Cost Management
Own the merch budget, track spend against plan, and be accountable for hitting cost targets.
Identify and deliver measurable savings through negotiation and sourcing improvements.
Maintain cost transparency across all active projects so there are no budget surprises.
Inventory Planning
Own forecasting, reorder timing, and stock minimums across the merch portfolio to prevent stockouts and overruns.
Maintain inventory accuracy and report against a defined baseline.
Cross-Functional Partnership
Partner with Creative, Brand, Marketing, and Operations teams to translate concepts into feasible, well-scoped production briefs.
Be the bridge between what the brand envisions and what can realistically be made, sourced, and delivered on time and on budget.
Professional Qualifications
Proven experience owning a production or merchandise function — not just coordinating within one. Ideally in merchandise, apparel sourcing, or branded goods.
Track record of managing a budget and being held accountable for cost outcomes.
Strong background in vendor sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationship and performance management.
Skilled negotiator with a track record of securing favorable costs and terms.
Experience with inventory planning and forecasting.
Experience designing and optimizing production workflows.
Familiarity with merch production methods — screen print, embroidery, blanks sourcing — and minimum order quantities.
Comfort working cross-functionally with creative and business teams alike.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
Core Compentencies
End-to-end production ownership — Manages from concept brief through sampling, QC, and delivery. Doesn’t hand off and hope; stays accountable through every stage.
Vendor management & negotiation — Builds a supplier network, sets performance standards, holds vendors to them, and negotiates favorable terms without sacrificing quality.
Budget discipline — Owns cost targets, tracks spend in real time, and delivers measurable savings. No budget surprises.
Inventory planning — Forecasts demand, sets reorder points, and manages stock levels to prevent both stockouts and overruns.
Workflow design — Builds and improves the processes that move merch from idea to delivery. Makes the operation faster and more reliable over time.
Cross-functional translation — Converts creative ambition into feasible production briefs. Speaks both brand and operations fluently.
WHAT WE OFFER 🌟
Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market benchmarks.
Comprehensive benefits package
Paid time off and company-observed holidays.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
Access to tools, resources, and training to support success in the role.