Job Description

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create

Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service.


Reporting to the Executive Director, Marketing & Communications, with dotted line reporting to the Vice-President, Finance & Administration (VPFA), the Merchandise Lead plays a crucial role in promoting and managing the branded products at OCAD University (OCAD U). Working closely with various units across the institution, the incumbent is focused on key areas, such as product selection & planning, inventory management and marketing & promotion. In addition, the position oversees and supports a number of special projects that support the University's revenue diversification efforts and enhance overall business operations.

Summary of Responsibilities

:

Product Selection & Planning

Lead the curation of a diverse and appealing range of OCAD U branded merchandise Analyze and research internal and external market trends to understand the preferences of the University's target audience, including, but not limited to, students, faculty, employees, alumni & community partners/members Collaborate with suppliers and designers to develop new product concepts Oversee the planning of the merchandise assortment to cater to a variety of events and/or initiatives, such as new student orientation, alumni reunions, corporate events, etc. Ensure all merchandise aligns with the University's brand identity &and values, while also supporting the institution's Academic & Strategic Plan
Inventory Management

Oversee effective inventory management to ensure that the appropriate products are available with the appropriate quantities at the correct times Monitor and forecast product demand and& inventory levels to recommend strategic decisions about restocking products, discontinuing products and/or introducing new items Optimize inventory turnover and minimize excess stock to control carrying costs by closely tracking sales data and analyze historical performance
Marketing and Promotion

In collaboration with the OCAD U Marketing & Communications (M&C) team, develop & and execute marketing strategies to increase awareness and interest in the University's branded products across various channels, such as social media, email marketing, campus events, pop-up shops/events, etc. Analyze the effectiveness of different marketing efforts and adjust strategies accordingly to maximize reach and engagement
Special Projects

Serve as the primary liaison between Dark Horse Cafe & OCAD U to support merchandise management, event planning and all other relevant communications Coordinate with Hullmark Properties to manage usage of facilities and lead the conceptualization and executive of cafe events Act as the project lead for the vending machine initiative at 100 McCaul, including, but not limited to: vendor research & selection, account management and coordination with OCAD U Facilities Management and M&C teams to support installation, promotion and ongoing operations Oversee all components of the ShopOCADU platform for OCAD-branded merchandise, including, but not limited to website design, inventory management, order fulfilment and customer communications Lead the Fineline. Art Marketplace, including software integration, managing artist relations and sales management. With support from the VPFA, develop sales strategies through events and corporate partnerships, including art sales at Dark House Cafe and collaborations with Hullmark Properties

Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (i.e., merchandising, business administration, commerce or economics), or an equivalent combination of education, professional certification and work experience A minimum of four (4) years' experience in retail purchasing and merchandising, preferably in product categories of branded apparel, stationery, etc. Proven ability to understand and develop product and merchandising strategies Proficient experience working with relevant customer demographics and a progressive lens product design, development and execution Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, interpersonal and communication skills Demonstrated dedication to accuracy and detail Strong knowledge and ability to research and analyze data to develop recommendations and strategies to improve operations Understanding of the post-secondary retail/merchandising business, including, but not limited to creative inventory management, and the specific expectations of the various customers/stakeholders in the higher education landscape Knowledge of vendor relationship management and proven ability to develop & maintain vendor relationships and manage conflicts/disputes that may arise Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and proven experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, faculty, administrators, counsellors and support staff

Compensation:

OPSEU Unit I, Appendix A, Grade A5; $66,925.74 to $87,958.44 per annum

Hours of Work:

Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week.

Mode of Work:

Hybrid Model


Interested

internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service applicants

are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter (

PDF

) , no later than

Wednesday May 28, 2025.

Please upload your resume and cover letter

as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code*

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-deserving groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U's Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.