Merchandising Director
: Job Details :

Merchandising Director, Ensemble Performing Arts – Job Description

Ensemble Performing Arts is hiring an experienced, passionate, and creative Merchandising Director at the National Educational Music Company (NEMC) to shape the musical instrument retail strategy across our growing portfolio of music schools and retail stores. The role focuses on designing and executing retail infrastructure programs aligned with corporate goals, collaborating with marketing and sales teams to optimize product offerings, and driving revenue growth and customer lifetime value. This is a fully remote, full-time, salaried position with some travel, reporting to the President, Rentals at Ensemble Performing Arts. NEMC is a subsidiary of Ensemble Performing Arts.

The Merchandising Director will be responsible for:

• Working with the President, Rentals, President, Schools, and COO to develop and implement Ensemble's MI retail strategy and brand identity.
• Designing and planning assortments for multiple retail concepts.
• Analyzing sales data and market trends to inform purchasing decisions.
• Guiding the installation of new POS systems and ERP integration.
• Nurturing vendor relationships and negotiating favorable terms and pricing.
• Managing inventory levels and optimizing turnover.
• Overseeing visual merchandising to enhance product presentation.
• Evaluating product performance and executing markdown strategies.
• Representing NEMC and Ensemble at events such as NAMM, NASMD, and other locations.

Ideal candidates will:

• Have significant experience in retail, music, music education, or related fields.
• Possess a deep understanding of inventory control and enterprise-level purchasing.
• Demonstrate a positive, resourceful attitude.
• Thrive in and promote change within a growth environment.
• Exhibit strong time-management, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
• Be highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Work well collaboratively.
• Show decisiveness and sound judgment.
• Think creatively to solve problems.

The compensation range is $120,000-$150,000 annually, with a 15% performance bonus. Full-time employees are eligible for PTO, a 401K plan with employer match, and health, vision, and dental insurance.

To apply, submit:

• A resume
• A brief cover letter explaining your interest
• Responses to our questionnaire about your background (applications missing these will be incomplete and not considered).

We value diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

About NEMC

Founded in 1957 as the New Jersey Educational Music Company, NEMC provides high-quality, teacher-approved band instruments to students nationwide. It was renamed when Ray Benedetto expanded the program through community music stores across the country. Today, NEMC continues to be a trusted leader in school band and orchestral instrument rentals, sales, and service, distributed through local stores and directly to schools and families. NEMC partnered with Ensemble Performing Arts in 2024.

Ensemble Performing Arts operates independently-run performing arts schools and businesses, supported by passionate educators. We focus on preserving each school's uniqueness, investing in the future, and enhancing the experience for students, parents, and teachers.

Our Mission and Values

• Stewardship: We care for our local communities, helping them thrive by supporting teachers and enriching student learning.
• Growth: We promote our teachers' professional development and continually expand our resources and partnerships.
• Stagehands: Our Shared Services team supports our schools behind the scenes, enabling teachers and students to be the stars.