Product Merchandising Specialist - Performance Products chez J.W. Pepper & Son, Inc.

Description

Overview

About J.W. Pepper & Sons, Inc.

J.W. Pepper was founded in 1876 and is the world’s largest retailer of sheet music, with a particular focus on the K12 education market, offering over 1.2 million products on our website from over 1,000 suppliers. The company is headquartered in Exton, PA with a large distribution facility in Atlanta, GA.

Our Mission 

Pepper primarily serves people who direct music programs in schools, churches and community groups and it’s our goal to thrill them with our service throughout their career.  Our ability to present the highest quality products in formats that meet the needs of our music education customers has become a hallmark of our Editors’ Choice and catalog promotions.

Role Summary

The Product Merchandising Specialist – Performance Gear is responsible for curating and managing a comprehensive catalog of musical instruments, accessories, professional audio equipment, and software to meet customers' music performance needs, typically complementing sheet music purchases. This position ensures the accuracy of product data and pricing, closely monitors sales performance and margins, and collaborates with vendors as well as purchasing, product sales, and marketing teams. The specialist also develops promotional and assortment strategies, maintains an up-to-date awareness of market trends, and acts as the subject matter expert for designated product categories.

Supports: School & Church Choral, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Vocal, Piano, Organ, Solo & Ensemble Orchestra, Combo, Accessories, Pro-Audio & Software

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Market Engagement

• Build relationships with educators, church leaders, and performers to understand product needs.
• Assess market potential for new products across supported categories
• Advise on gear trends and ensemble requirements for schools, church, and community groups

Vendor & Internal Collaboration

• Maintain communication with suppliers on new products, promotions, and margin opportunities.
• Act as liaison between Product Sales and Inventory/Purchasing teams.

Product Management

• Curate a diverse catalog for school and church programs, ensembles, and pro-audio needs.
• Benchmark pricing and assortment against competitors; ensure MAP compliance.
• Add new suppliers and products aligned with target customers.
• Optimize online shopping experience and collaborate on marketing campaigns.
• Represent J.W. Pepper at industry events (e.g., NAMM, MEA).
• Maintain profitability goals contributing to EBITDA growth.
• Review ROI for email campaigns and catalogs across the product lines to develop quarterly improvement strategies.
• Consistently monitor competitor websites to assess Pepper’s competitive advantages and areas for improvement.

Data Analysis & Strategy

• Use sales and web analytics to guide merchandising and promotional strategies.
• Align promotions with performance seasons and academic calendars.
• Monitor margins and identify improvement opportunities.

Digital Merchandising & SEO

• Partner with marketing and e-commerce teams to optimize product pages and storefronts.
• Implement SEO best practices and update content for trends and search visibility.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in music retail or merchandising (preferred).
• Broad knowledge of musical instruments, accessories, and pro-audio technology.
• Strong analytical, pricing, and merchandising skills.
• Experience with e-commerce platforms and MI industry trends.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Familiarity with school music programs and church needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online merchandising tools.
• Willingness to travel; professionalism and creativity with a passion for music education.

Benefits

Full-Time Positions include:

• Medical / Dental / Vision Benefits
• Paid holidays and vacation following company schedule.
• 401K during enrollment period

 J.W. Pepper & Son provides equal employment opportunity for everyone regardless of age, sex, color, race, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religious persuasion, marital status, veteran status, disability that does not prohibit the performance of essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation, or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local law.