Merchandising and Production Manager

Overview

Build what stops people in their tracks.

Aquent Studios is partnering with one of the world’s most influential tech brands as they reinvent their in-store retail presence—from standard, repeatable displays to premium, head-turning experiences!

This is a high-visibility, high-investment initiative with a clear mission: elevate physical retail into something unforgettable. And we need a production leader who knows how to turn bold creative ideas into real-world executions—flawlessly.

 What You’ll Do

You’ll sit at the center of creativity and execution—translating vision into physical reality across a wide range of 3D retail displays and environments.

• Own the full production lifecycle: from concept and engineering through prototyping, fabrication, and final delivery
• Be the bridge between design and build: partner closely with an Art Director to bring ideas to life (you don’t design—but you know exactly how things get made)
• Drive production strategy: recommend materials, fabrication methods, and innovative solutions that balance quality, cost, and speed
• Manage timelines and budgets: build and own critical paths, forecasts, and vendor negotiations
• Ensure flawless execution: oversee prototyping, QA/QC, and final approvals to meet exacting brand standards
• Collaborate cross-functionally: work with marketing, retail partners, legal, procurement, and field teams to deliver at scale
• Lead vendor ecosystems: source and manage fabricators, printers, and specialty suppliers

What Makes This Role Unique

• Premium Transformation: This isn’t maintenance work—you’re helping shift an entire retail strategy to a more elevated, premium experience
• Real Ownership: You’ll step into a critical role with budget, influence, and the ability to say “no” when needed—and offer smarter solutions
• High Impact, Fast Pace: Projects are visible, timelines are tight, and your decisions directly shape what millions of customers see in-store
• Long-Term Opportunity: Initial 18–24 month engagement with strong potential to extend

 What You Bring

• 4+ years in 3D production, retail displays, or POP/POS environments (consumer electronics a plus)
• Deep expertise in materials and fabrication (acrylics, metals, fabrics, print processes, etc.)
• Strong understanding of retail “realities”—from shipping constraints to in-store installation
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines
• Confidence to push back constructively on creative and stakeholders when needed
• Experience working with multiple vendors and negotiating production solutions
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills

What to Know Before You Apply

• You’ll often step into projects midstream—success means navigating momentum while improving outcomes
• The environment values low ego and high EQ—listening first is critical before driving change
• You’ll partner with a tenured peer who holds deep institutional knowledge—collaboration is key to success
• Must be located close to or near Mountain View, CA ideally

💡 Bottom Line

If you love solving complex production challenges, thrive at the intersection of creativity and engineering, and want to build retail experiences that actually make people stop and look—this role is built for you.

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