Product Manager/Merchant

****THIS IS NOT AN IT OR SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT POSITION*****

Position: Product Manager / Merchant  
Reports to: Director of Merchandising
Position Summary:
Schneider Saddlery is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and customer-focused Product Manager / Merchant to lead growth by driving demand, maximizing margins, and ensuring the success of innovative, customer-centric products in the equestrian industry. In this role, you will oversee product assortment, performance, and editing of underperforming products, while managing vendor relationships and driving profitability through new product solutions.
You’ll collaborate with the Product Development, Inventory Planning, and Sales Teams to achieve category growth, pricing and margin strategies, and business-aligned demand plans. Success in this role requires deep knowledge of equestrian products, strong negotiation and analytical skills, and the ability to capitalize on new product opportunities while meeting financial goals and maintaining customer satisfaction.
If you're passionate about merchandising, equestrian products, and horses—and ready to join a fast-paced, growth-focused team—this role is for you.

• Develop and execute product strategies that meet the needs of English disciplines, stable products and other areas designated.
• Lead initiatives to increase product demand, improve margins, and ensure profitability through strategic product selection, pricing, and sourcing while remaining competitive.
• Identify market trends and unmet product needs to introduce new product opportunities, maximizing category performance and growth potential.
• Drive the seasonal planning process staying aligned with the merch calendar, from new product concepts to line reviews, to product turnovers, product launches, to in-season performance analysis and reviews.
• Collaborate with industry experts and suppliers to introduce innovative products that improve horse and rider performance.
• Introduce new products that have a reason for being, strong features and benefits, and uniqueness in the marketplace.
• Problem solves issues that arise keeping decision making customer-centric and focused on strategic and financial objectives.

• Negotiate pricing and secure exclusive products with key vendors to ensure competitive pricing and high-quality standards.
• Lead the development of private label lines and manage national brand assortments to create a well-curated selection for customers.

• Lead and align the merchant, purchasing, and sales teams to meet demand, margin, and profitability goals through product growth and performance.
• Work closely with marketing, creative, inventory planning, product development and digital merchandising to execute campaigns, product launches, and customer experience initiatives that drive sales.
• Stay current on market trends and customer feedback to be category leaders.

• Analyze sales, margins, and competitive data to identify improvement opportunities while driving topline.
• Plan seasonal assortments, collaborating with the inventory team to ensure optimal stock levels for key products, new products and trends.
• Develop and refine pricing strategies to balance competitiveness with profitability.

• Identify and solve customer pain points by developing innovative product solutions in rider apparel, tack, stable equipment and horse care.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the equestrian industry to ensure product offerings improve the lives of equestrians and their horses. Safety, Quality and Solutions.

• Optimize online product presentation with accurate descriptions, images, and key selling points.
• Partner with marketing, creative and digital merchant teams to develop digital strategies that showcase product value and engage customers.

• Track key metrics: demand dollars, margin performance, item productivity, and in-stock levels to ensure growth.
• Seasonal performance analysis, action plans, and presentation. In-Season weekly / monthly monitoring of product performance.

• Demand ($): Achieve and grow product demand to meet sales targets.
• Margin ($ and %): Drive improvements in margin dollars and percentages for profitability.
• New Product Performance: Measure the success of new product launches based on demand, margins, and customer feedback.
• Item Productivity: Ensure high productivity across the assortment.
• In-Stock Performance: Maintain optimal stock levels, especially for high-demand items.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, retail merchandising, or related field, or 7-10 years of relevant experience.
• Extensive knowledge of English riding disciplines and equestrian stable products.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and collaborative skills with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in product analysis, financial performance, and driving sales.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for equestrian products and a deep understanding of customer needs.
• Experience in managerial skills, strong communications, and ability to gain buy in.
• Company core value fit.

Travel & Location:
This is a remote position with occasional domestic and international travel required. Candidates must reside in one of the following states: AL, AZ, GA, IA, IN, MA, MI, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, and be available to work Eastern time zone hours.