Description:
Savvital is looking for an experienced Merchandise Associate to support a U.S.-based client operating in the promotional products, branded merchandise, and commercial printing space.
This is a specialized operational role—not a general virtual assistant position. We are explicitly seeking candidates with hands-on industry experience who understand the end-to-end lifecycle of print and promo orders: from initial sourcing, quoting, and artwork proofing to vendor management, production tracking, and final delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Order & Project Management: Track and manage customer orders from request through delivery. Maintain accurate data (SKUs, quantities, specs, artwork, setup fees) within internal systems and proactively address potential delays.
- Product & Supplier Research: Source products based on client specifications, turnaround times, and budgets. Compare vendor pricing, verify stock availability, and identify viable alternatives when items are backordered or out of budget.
- Vendor & Supplier Coordination: Act as the direct liaison with suppliers and decorators. Request RFQs, clarify production requirements, coordinate artwork revisions, and resolve invoice or pricing discrepancies.
- Print & Production Support: Manage production workflows including proof approvals, imprint methods (screen printing, embroidery, laser engraving, etc.), and tracking shipping dates to ensure hard deadlines are met.
- Systems & Administrative Maintenance: Issue purchase orders, generate order documentation, assist with basic accounting recon, and keep digital files organized within ERP systems (Sage, PrintPLANR).
Requirements & Qualifications
- Industry Experience (Mandatory): Direct experience working with promotional product distributors, commercial printers, screen printers, embroidery shops, or print brokers.
- Systems Knowledge: Hands-on experience with industry ERPs and sourcing databases (Sage or PrintPLANR experience is highly preferred; experience with similar systems like ASI, ESP, or PromoStandards is a major plus).
- Process Mastery: Clear understanding of setup charges, proof approvals, lead times, decoration methods, vector artwork requirements, and freight/shipping logistics.
- Communication: Exceptional written and verbal English skills for seamless interaction with U.S. vendors and cross-functional teams.
- Proactive Problem Solver: Self-driven professional who independently follows up on outstanding vendor items and keeps projects moving forward without micro-management.