Merchandising and Production Manager

Overview

Aquent Studios is expanding its managed service capacity to support our partnership with a Retail Marketing team based in Silicon Valley, CA. In this high-impact partnership, we act as the bridge between creative vision and physical reality. We are subject matter specialists for retail graphics and fixture production, driving outcomes for critical 3D retail projects.

As the strategic engine behind production, Aquent Studios develops innovative solutions to complex print and fixture challenges, leading production processes that directly impact key business results for Google.

Impact & Responsibilities (The How)

• Production Lifecycle Lead: Drive the full project lifecycle for 3D print and retail display initiatives, from initial briefing and development strategy through engineering, prototyping, production, and final delivery.
• Production Strategy: Define the strategy for manufacturing, suggesting innovative techniques to solve execution constraints without compromising objectives.
• Schedule & Budget Management: Develop and actively manage comprehensive critical-path schedules, budgets, and estimates.
• Technical Subject Matter Expertise: Identify and source appropriate techniques, materials, and print methods for 3D fixture production.
• Quality Assurance: Lead all end-to-end prototyping processes, QA/QC inspections, and final pack-out approvals to guarantee best-in-class Google Brand execution.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Actively plan and track complex print orders while collaborating across internal teams (Partner Marketing, GTM, Design, Legal, Procurement, Finance) and external partners.
• Supplier Management: Evaluate, source, and manage multiple suppliers, negotiating costs and holding them accountable to strict quality and delivery standards.
• Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and communicate potential project risks, collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement effective, solution-oriented mitigations.

Managed Service Deliverables (The What)

Aquent Studios will manage the production and sourcing of physical retail assets, including:

• 3D Displays: Management of POS/POP and product displays.
• Retail Graphics: Sourcing and production of attract graphics, table graphics, and shippers.
• Sourcing & Development: Oversight of manufacturing with multiple specialized suppliers.
• Project Oversight: Maintenance of production schedules, program costing, and proactive status updates for internal stakeholders.

Must-Have Expertise & Skills

• Professional Experience: 4+ years of experience in 3D print production and/or point of purchase display development, preferably with consumer electronics.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of retail fixture manufacturing processes, materials, fabrication techniques, and print production.
• Security Insight: Knowledge of OEM security suppliers for various products at a retail level.
• Project Leadership: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and budgets in ambiguous, fast-paced environments.
• Operational Mindset: Strong organizational, judgment, and time management skills with a flexible and proactive approach to pivots and changes.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a focus on stakeholder and supplier relationship management.

The target hiring compensation for this role is $85-95K. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location. 

Additional benefits offered may include: medical health insurance and dental insurance, life insurance, and eligibility to participate in 401k plan with company match (if applicable).

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.