Merchandise Product Developer and Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Description : Merchandise Product Developer and Buyer (Full-Time)

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Opening in 2026, COTA’s amusement park, COTALAND, is on over 30-acres featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and 30 rides.

Job Description :

The Merchandise Product Developer and Buyer leads the end-to-end merchandise lifecycle for COTALAND— from creative concept through sourcing, production, and delivery. This role blends strategic retail buying with innovative product development, ensuring a brand-right assortment that meets financial goals and elevates the guest experience.

The ideal candidate is both analytical and creative, with strong leadership experience in buying, sourcing, vendor management, and assortment strategy. They will play a critical role in launching and managing COTALANAD brand’s merchandise identity and driving profitability through thoughtful product and financial planning. This is a full-time, on-site role.

Requirements :

Requirements & Essential Functions :

Product Development & Assortment Strategy

• Develop and present product lines and seasonal assortments aligned with brand, financial, and guest satisfaction goals.
• Lead concept-to-production development for apparel, accessories, souvenirs, and specialty merchandise.
• Partner with internal design and marketing teams to translate brand identities into commercially viable products.
• Source and negotiate with domestic and international vendors to achieve optimal quality, cost, and delivery timelines.
• Oversee product development timelines, sampling, costing, and compliance to ensure all items meet safety and brand standards.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends, consumer insights, and growth opportunities.
• Implement a balanced assortment strategy
• Develop and manage open-to-buy (OTB) budgets and inventory plans to maximize sales, gross margin, and inventory turnover.

Buying, Financial & Inventory Management

Leadership & Team Development

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Physical Demand & Work Environments :

Salary commensurate with experience

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY :

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.