Merchandise Planning Associate – Collectibles

FOCO • Full-time • Piscataway, NJ, US • 5d ago

🏢 Who we are

Team Beans/Forever Collectibles, LLC (FOCO) is a global leader in sports and entertainment merchandise, producing an extensive range of products from collectibles and novelty items to promotional memorabilia. With major sports licenses and a diverse product line, FOCO reaches new heights every day. Our continued success comes from innovative designs, forward-thinking manufacturing techniques, and dedicated professionals who bring these ideas to life. We're looking for a skilled Production Sourcing & Factory Manager to join our team and contribute to our rapid growth!

🔍 The Opportunity

We’re looking for a highly organized and detail-driven Planning / Merchandise Associate to support the development, planning, and execution of FOCO’s Collectible and Bobblehead product. You’ll help drive demand planning, category assortment, production tracking, and licensing approvals for one of FOCO’s most high-profile categories.

This Merchandise Planning Associate role is a cross-functional role that blends merchandising strategy, operational planning, and vendor coordination. It’s perfect for someone with a passion for sports, pop culture, and consumer products looking to gain hands-on experience across the full product lifecycle.

🎯 What You’ll Do

🗂 Product Planning & Forecasting

Collaborate with Planning and Buying teams to create seasonal demand plans and SKU-level forecasts.
Analyze historical sales, inventory positions, and sell-through to inform Open-to-Buy (OTB) strategies.
Monitor category performance and identify risks and reorder needs across the collectibles portfolio.

🎨 Merchandising & Assortment Execution

Support category line plan development to ensure product alignment with brand, market, and licensing strategies.
Help manage the merchandising calendar for all collectibles and bobbleheads.
Track prototypes, sample reviews, and line sheet updates.
Track product launches and execution.

🛠 Product Development & Licensing

Partner with Product Development to manage sculpt approvals, specs, and timelines.
Oversee licensing submissions and approvals across all collectible SKUs.
Coordinate cross-functional timelines from concept through production readiness.

🌏 Vendor & Factory Communication

Serve as a liaison between FOCO and global vendors on production schedules, sample requests, and product updates.
Participate in international factory visits to support development and quality checks.

🚚 Inventory & Logistics Coordination

Work with Planning and Logistics teams to ensure on-time delivery and balanced inventory levels.
Monitor inventory flow to support replenishment and resolve fulfillment delays.

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration

Align with Sales, Marketing, and eCommerce teams to support launch timelines and promotional planning.
Provide reporting on category performance, production tracking, and merchandising KPIs.

💡 What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, or a related field
0–3 years of experience in merchandise planning, product development, or operations (CPG, collectibles, or licensed products preferred)
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and planning/reporting tools
Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills
Knowledge of product lifecycle, factory coordination, and licensing workflows
Flexibility to travel internationally (20–30%)

🌟 Why FOCO?

Join a creative, passionate team dedicated to fan-first products and innovation
Gain cross-functional exposure across merchandising, planning, licensing, and global sourcing
Work with leading global partners and iconic brands
Competitive salary, growth potential, and immersive hands-on experience in licensed CPG

Tryouts are open at FOCO!

If you're ready to help shape the future of sports collectibles and grow your career in merchandising, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Apply now and bring your passion for product and planning to FOCO!