Job Description

PLAN FOR THE MOMENT. EXECUTE AT GAME SPEED.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

At Blue 84 and Zephyr, championship moments are built into our playbook. From Conference Championships to National Titles, when the clock hits zero, our licensed apparel and headwear programs move at game speed across NCAA and conference partners nationwide.

We are looking for a Hot Market Manager to lead fast-turn championship execution across our collegiate division. This role sits at the center of NCAA and conference programs, aligning Sales, Licensing, Production, Operations, Customer Service, and Marketing to deliver rapid-response licensed merchandise tied to postseason and championship events.

You will drive cross-functional alignment, execution planning, and revenue performance for event-driven collegiate programs. If you thrive in the licensed collegiate space and understand the urgency of championship timelines, this is your opportunity to own execution for brands trusted nationwide.

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm.

Hot market execution follows the rhythm of college athletics. Evening and weekend work may be required based on game outcomes, championship schedules, and event timelines.

PAY: Salary range: $65,000-$85,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

LOCATION: Detroit Lakes, MN (onsite) or remote in approved states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NV, NY, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI

WHAT YOU'LL DO | Plan the Moment + Align the Teams + Execute at Game Speed Hot Market Execution + Strategy

• Lead all aspects of hot market sales execution for Blue 84 apparel and Zephyr headwear
• Manage major collegiate event programs including: Conference Championships, CFP, FCS and National Championships, Road to the Final Four, Final Four, College World Series, NCAA DI, DII and DIII Championships, Olympic sports, and emerging hot market opportunities
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all hot market communication across the organization
• Act as liaison to the sales rep force, ensuring timely and accurate communication

Cross Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with Production, Purchasing, Licensing, Finance, Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, and Art teams
• Partner with the VP of Sales and Sales Managers to develop and execute licensed programs
• Work with Operations on contract apparel printing and headwear opportunities
• Serve as the primary contact with NCAA and conference partners

Sales & Operational Performance

• Partner with our Elite Fan Shop (Amazon) teams to support e-commerce hot market execution
• Support Sales leadership and the CBDO on closeout programs
• Work with our Little Falls, MN team to manage min and max inventory patch levels
• Champion process enhancements that streamline workflows and elevate hot market performance

Travel & Collaboration

• Travel quarterly to Detroit Lakes and Little Falls for onsite collaboration
• Complete additional travel as directed by the VP of Sales

QUALIFICATIONS | Industry Knowledge + Strategic Thinking + Game-Speed Execution

• 5+ years' experience in the licensed sports or collegiate apparel industry
• Strong understanding of NCAA structure, conferences, College World Series, Road to the Final Four, College Football Playoffs, and National Championship pathways
• Passion for sports and an appreciation for the urgency of championship execution
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills across cross-functional teams
• Ability to lead without direct authority in a matrixed environment
• Data awareness with comfort reviewing metrics tied to sales performance
• Adaptability in fast-paced, high-pressure moments
• Proactive leadership style, able to anticipate needs before the final buzzer sounds

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE. Blue 84 and Zephyr are leaders in collegiate licensed apparel and headwear. Backed by Lakeshirts, one of the largest screenprinting and embroidery manufacturers in the United States, we combine domestic manufacturing, vertical integration, and decades of licensed experience to deliver product with speed, quality, and consistency.

Our work is guided by our core values of Team, Continuous Improvement, Meritocracy, and Community, with a shared commitment to WOW our customers at every level.

LIFE'S BETTER IN A T-SHIRT & SO IS WORK! Here's what you can expect when you join the Lakeshirts team:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• Profit sharing and 401(k) with company match
• Up to 22 paid days off in your first year
• Casual dress environment
• Onsite perks at headquarters and team-focused workplace culture

Cognitive or Mental Requirements of the Job: Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires good judgment, people-oriented, flexible, organized, diplomatic, reliable, enthusiastic, courteous, helpful, patient.

Physical Demands: OCCASIONALLY: Lift, Stand, Walk, Carry, Push, Pull, Climb, Balance, Bend, Twist, Crawl, Reach, Lift under 10 lbs., Lift 10-50 lbs., Lift over 50 lbs., Carry under 10 lbs., Carry 10-50 lbs., Carry over 50 lbs., Reaching above, at, and below shoulder height.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employee may perform other related duties as needed, based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.