Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary: $80,000 - $110,000
Who We Are:
At melin we believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our products that we can actually extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human, capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of A players.
About The Role:
We are seeking an exceptional Merchandiser to be the strategic link between Product, Design, Sales, Marketing, and Operations. This role is responsible for driving the product line from concept to consumer, ensuring every item has purpose, profitability, and compelling storytelling at its core.
The ideal candidate is an analytical, proactive, and collaborative "A-player" with a bias for action who can balance creative vision with commercial success. You will own the seasonal line plan, assortment strategy, and SKU architecture for our premium headwear, actively digging for new opportunities and providing thought leadership on process improvement.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Line Planning & Strategy
- Lead the development of seasonal line plans that align brand vision with financial goals and category pillars (Hydro, Thermal, Mill, and future innovation).
- Define product architecture, maintaining SKU discipline and line balance across carryover, inline, and collection stories by franchise, channel, and price tier while overseeing our innovation index is achieved
- Conduct ongoing sales analysis, performance reviews, and market trend monitoring to inform line planning and identify opportunities for margin and SKU efficiency improvements.
Assortment & Merchandising
- Curate strategic assortments for both Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and Wholesale channels, optimizing for consumer insights, in-store experience, and business objectives.
- Lead color, material, and price point optimization to maximize productivity and ensure brand differentiation in the marketplace.
- Own the product lifecycle strategy, managing the process from launch through sell-through and end-of-life.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as the voice of the marketplace, translating consumer/account needs into actionable briefs for the Product Creation and Commercial teams.
- Collaborate with Design, Development, and Operations to ensure alignment on product briefs, timelines, costing, and execution of market-relevant SMUs.
- Partner with Marketing and Sales to build Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies and seasonal launch plans that amplify product stories.
- Lead and present seasonal line reviews, ensuring buy-in and alignment across senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
Qualifications, Skills, Experience:
- 5+ years of progressive experience in Merchandising, Product Strategy, or Assortment Planning, preferably within the premium apparel, accessories, or lifestyle goods industry.
- Bachelors degree in Business, Merchandising, Marketing, or a related field required.
- Demonstrated ability to translate sales data, consumer insights, and market trends into clear, actionable product and merchandising strategies.
- Deep understanding of product lifecycles, line planning, and pricing frameworks.
- Exceptional cross-functional collaboration and communication skills; proven ability to influence design, development, marketing, sales, and planning teams.
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, merchandising systems, and PLM tools.
- Strong presentation and storytelling skills, comfortable articulating strategies to large groups and senior leadership.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and strategic thinker with a proven track record of results in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Passion for premium products, brand storytelling, innovation, and the Melin brand.
Location & Office Structure: This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in San Clemente, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.
Compensation: The salary range for this position is $80,000 to $110,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.
Benefits and Perks:
- Complimentary meals provided Monday - Thursday
- Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
- Growth opportunities within the Archipelago family of brands: OluKai, Kaenon, Melin, Roark
- Company bonus program
- 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
- Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
- Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
- 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
- 15 Days of PTO accrued annually, plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary, and 3 Floating Holidays per year
- Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations
- Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin
- Dog friendly office
Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@arch-cos.com. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.