Associate Project Manager, Branded Apparel and Merchandise

Position Summary

The Associate Project Manager, Branded Apparel and Merchandise role is responsible for the successful execution of Life Time branded apparel, uniforms, merchandise and promotional product projects. This position works closely with the Director of Apparel, internal business stakeholders, Creative, vendors, decorators and other cross-functional partners to identify product solutions and manage projects from initial concept through final delivery.

This position serves as a key point of contact for branded product needs, ensuring projects are executed on time, within budget and in alignment with Life Time brand standards and business objectives. The role will manage multiple projects simultaneously while supporting product sourcing, custom product development, artwork, purchasing, vendor management, e-commerce setup, reporting and retail initiatives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary point of contact for business owners and Creative when branded apparel, uniform, merchandise or promotional product needs are identified
• Partners with the Director of Apparel to identify product solutions based on business needs, brand standards, budget, quantity and timelines
• Sources and coordinates branded apparel, bags, hats, drinkware, office accessories and other promotional merchandise through name-brand and ASI product suppliers as well as custom product development partners
• Requests, tracks and evaluates RFQs, comparing product options, pricing, decoration, minimum quantities, lead times and other project requirements
• Presents product recommendations and pricing to business owners through PowerPoint presentations and other appropriate formats
• Communicates and manages project timelines, tasks, deadlines, execution of decoration, any issue resolutions and status updates to internal and external partners
• Identifies opportunities for cost savings and economies of scale across both small and large product opportunities
• Partners with Creative and business owners to review artwork and production proofs to ensure adherence to Life Time brand standards, including proper logo sizing, placement, color and overall clarity
• Coordinates purchase order creation, manages invoices and maintains project budgets and ensures on time delivery
• Completes and submits item setup forms for new e-commerce items and uniform products, including pricing, descriptions, photographs and other required information
• Maintains and updates the internal approved product catalog
• Coordinates annual business reviews with internal business owners, including scheduling and preparing annual order reports including look books showcasing products secured for each business
• Assists with annual vendor reviews and evaluates opportunities to improve vendor relationships, pricing and service
• Maintains project tracking and reporting using Workfront, Excel, Powerpoint and other applicable systems
• Manages a high volume of complex, highly visible and time-sensitive projects simultaneously while effectively prioritizing changing business needs
• Identifies and implements opportunities to improve project management processes, increase efficiencies and enhance the overall stakeholder experience

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Apparel, Merchandising, Marketing, Project Management or a related field
• 1-2 years prior project management, apparel, retail, merchandising, sourcing or related experience
• Experience managing projects, vendors or product development processes preferred
• Strong organizational and project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and resolve issues
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with business stakeholders, Creative, vendors and other cross-functional partners
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, with the ability to learn and adapt to new software systems
• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, project documentation and vendor communications
• Experience working with apparel, merchandise, retail, promotional products, sourcing or related categories

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of apparel, branded merchandise, promotional products and/or retail
• Experience working with vendor partners, decorators or promotional product suppliers
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign
• Prior experience with Workfront and Workday
• Experience with e-commerce product setup and retail merchandise systems
• Familiarity with apparel decoration methods, product specifications and production processes
• Interest in apparel, retail, consumer products and emerging merchandise trends

Pay

This is a salaried position starting at $58,000.00(or applicable minimum salary, if higher) and pays up to $80,000.00, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:

• A fully subsidized membership

• Discounts on Life Time products and services

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)

• Training and professional development

• Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage 

• Short term and long term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans

• Parental leave and adoption assistance

• Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave

• Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.