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- Outdoor-Hive Newsletter January 8th, 2025
Outdoor-Hive Newsletter January 8th, 2025
Tips and career/job opportunities in the shooting, hunting, archery, and sportfishing Industries.
David Dolbee & Kevin Paulson
January 08, 2025
Ahh the ATA show. My annual trek to see all the great folks in the archery industry. This show is in early January every year and last year it was in St. Louis and this year it is back in Indianapolis, Indiana. I like to drive to this show and honestly this year is special because I have my mom on the trip with me. I am spending two days at the show and she is doing a little shopping downtown and we are eating a couple of great meals together including a night at the famous St. Elmo’s Steakhouse. I have been talking about this great icon of a restaurant since my first visit years ago with my good friend Chad. Now, she gets to experience one of the best steaks in the country, and I get to experience two great days catching up with friends and hopefully seeing some serious new innovation for the 2025 season. We also get to road trip together and spend some one on one time in the car on the way here.
I am also walking the floor and talking with outdoor companies about why they should list their positions with us at Outdoor-Hive because we know that quality people are what makes quality companies thrive.
I don’t have any massive tips this week but we will have some good ones next week. Most importantly, have an amazing week!
Archery
Responsible for overall production supervision of the department:
Manages employee merit sheets daily
Populates performance reviews, through merit sheet completion and for manager approval
Manages all time sheets for production department, keeping all time sheets up to date
First point of contact for floor employees regarding Sick, vacation, etc.
Provides training to “Standard Work” and “SOPs” for department
Writes standard work update requests, and some new standard work documents
Cross-trained on all department tasks
Ensure departments lines have necessary supplies at the beginning and throughout the shift
Oversee cleanup and confirm shop is ready for next shift
Ensures all Health & Safety practices and policies are followed
Bow hunting experience
Basic knowledge of bow tuning, arrow assembly, and shooting technique
Ability to teach customers proper archery form and basic shooting principles
Knowledge of archery brands including Hoyt, Bear, PSE, Prime, Mathews, Spot Hogg, Black Gold, Easton, GoldTip, etc.
Punctual and efficient work ethic
Comfortable approaching and talking with customers
Strong attention to detail
Proactive mindset
Ability to work with a team
Helpful
Retail experience
Customer service experience
Efficient Pro Shop Manager with general computer skills to complete administrative work such as cashier, inventory control, and training using Advanced Inventory System. Position offers on job training for technical positions such as arrow technician and bow technician. When technically proficient. Customer service skillset and a mechanical understanding with attention to detail.
The X Machine Operator is responsible for the set-up, operation, and maintenance of the X machine.
What you will be doing:
Set-up, operation, and basic maintenance of the X machine
Setting programs in the computer to run specific arrow shafts
Operating the weight scale
Complete required paperwork
Other duties as assigned
What you need to be successful:
Speak, understand, read, and write English
Good hand/eye coordination and ability to work quickly
Be able to lift 25 lbs.
Previous machine operation experience preferred
The Salt Lake City, Utah facility is actively seeking a capable and motivated Manufacturing Engineer to join its Engineering Team. As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a vital role in supporting our manufacturing processes through research, design, and development. Your technical expertise will contribute to process improvement, ensuring safety, reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
What you will be doing: (Duties will differentiate based on department)
Installing vanes, nocks, and points on arrows.
Packing arrows into final packaging.
Inspecting items for defects while completing work orders to ensure products meet quality standards.
Tracking products used for inventory purposes.
Completing hourly buy-offs and work order document information.
Other duties as assigned by management.
What you need to be successful:
A track record of dependability and punctuality. Good attendance is a must.
Ability to stand for long periods in one spot. (10 hours a day)
Willing to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Good hand/eye coordination and the ability to work quickly.
Able to read, write, and understand work instructions in English.
The Straighter position is responsible for the setup and operation or the straightening bench and maintaining straightness quality of all arrow shaft lines while meeting production goals.
Scheduled hours are Monday - Thursday. Employee can choose between a 1st or 2nd shift schedule. This is a piece rate position.
Under direct supervision of the Decoration Supervisor, efficiently performs entry level paint and powder coat operation duties. Fully proficient (exhibits independent knowledge) on at least one base coat job skill with applied knowledge on a minimum of one other paint operations task within the Decoration department.
Hunting
The Bugle conservation & wildlife editor works closely with the editorial team and is responsible for delivering engaging, quality content about RMEF’s conservation, habitat, lands and wildlife management work for Bugle magazine and RMEF’s other communication platforms. Additionally, specific focus to be applied to wildlife conservation, elk management, natural history and other topics to further RMEF’s mission. The conservation & wildlife editor will also work with designers, writers, RMEF volunteers, interns and those from other RMEF departments, with a goal of generating quality content to further RMEF’s mission.
The Membership Data Specialist will play a key role in cleaning, analyzing, and producing visualizations from our customer relationship management (CRM) system to optimize membership engagement, campaign effectiveness, and overall direct marketing goals. This position will support cross-departmental teams by providing actionable insights, ensuring data integrity, and managing the seamless integration of new systems and processes.
The Membership Marketing Specialist is responsible for overseeing the coordination of specific components related to membership marketing campaigns (acquisition, fundraising, renewal and upgrades). Primary responsibilities include, managing the end-to-end implementation of acquisition, retention, and fundraising campaigns; developing and reviewing creative elements; analyzing campaign performance; and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The role will also coordinate prize fulfillment for direct response marketing sweepstakes and other campaigns, maintain an annual marketing calendar, and collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to deliver impactful and cost-effective campaigns.
Field Operations is the primary fundraising structure of the RMEF. Regional directors oversee local volunteer chapters in organizing fundraising events, primarily banquets and other event activities, to support the continued operation of RMEF and finance elk and wildlife conservation projects.
Assistant Buyer Essential Job Functions:
Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders.
Evaluate production material requirements and issue purchase orders as needed.
Determine monthly metal requirements based on production schedules.
Send expedite reports to suppliers to confirm on-time delivery.
Monitor supplier delivery performance.
Obtain a certificate of origin for purchased items, as required.
Coordinate Non-Conformance Material Report (NCMR) processing with Quality, Inventory Control, and Suppliers.
Be an ambassador of the brand and instill the Orvis Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Culture in the entire team, provide individualized, personal attention to on-site customers, assist customers with check and on the course, maintain visual presentation standards, and more!
Be an ambassador of the brand and instill the Orvis Vision, Mission, Core Values, and Culture in the entire team, provide individualized, personal attention to on-site customers, assist customers with check and on the course, maintain visual presentation standards, and more!
Manage all customers within geographical territory, including Key Accounts, Buy Group Members, Distributors and Independent Retailers. Work with a team of external sales reps within the territory, meeting with them often and reviewing sales data and growth strategies. Responsible for delivering top line sales goals within territory. Tasked with creating new opportunities for product distribution and growing business with current customers. Cross-departmental collaboration on new product development opportunities based on identifying trends in the market. Candidate must have an internal drive to grow topline sales while also improving on program and relationships with customers in given territory.
Support product development and process management for Sitka apparel projects – from initial concept, through commercialization, to production. Provide project leadership and technical expertise for both domestic and overseas product teams. Collaborate with Design, Product Management, Merchandising, Finance, and Sales to establish target product attributes, costs and margins Utilize Sitka systems to ensure effective project and product documentation.
Own product development timelines and calendars to ensure performance objectives are met on-time and on-target. Provide expert knowledge and recommendations on materials, components, and construction options to meet product costing targets and functional requirements Drive holistic product testing and validation, utilizing lab and in-field assets, while effectively managing sampling and prototyping.
Develop Retail channel Demand Plans across various business categories that meet revenue targets and KPIs through collaboration with sales, marketing, finance, and product development teams. Analyze sales and inventory data to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. Use data insights to make informed decision and recommendations to management. Create and maintain Retail channel in-season sales forecast. Use in-seasons trend forecast to identify opportunities and risk to the seasonal plan Identify and manage slow-moving or obsolete inventory to reduce excess stock.
Maintain accurate size requirements for the Retail Channel to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize stockouts or overstock situations Partner with Supply Chain Team to provide guidance regarding inbound receipt requirements to ensure optimal on-time delivery and Retail channel in-stock positions. Recommend and present monthly changes to Retail demand forecasts in the recurring S&OP Demand Review meetings. Champion the development and reporting of sales planning metrics.
In this role, you will collaborate and coordinate planning activities for wholesale accounts with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve financial goals. In this role, you will collaborate and coordinate planning activities for wholesale accounts with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to achieve financial goals.
The Mossy Oak Field Producer & Content Creator role is an opportunity for you to express your creativity not only through the lens, but with project management and fresh ideas. You’ll see your work at a national level across multiple media channels in Socials, websites, traditional print, TV and more
Your core responsibility will be completion of various video and photo content production and editing projects that will take place both in the field and in our studio facilities.
Editing skills are preferred but not required – we offer training on editing alongside the latest tools and technology to help not only fulfill your responsibilities but grow your personal and professional skill sets.
The Staff Accountant will work diligently to ensure the continued financial and operational integrity of our company. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a variety of sectors and fields, such as retail, supply chain, and audit.
This career requires significant organizational skills, the ability to communicate clearly, the ability to balance multiple projects at once, and deliver on timelines.
Firearms
As an Outside Sales Representative, you will be the face of our brand, visiting gun shops and building strong relationships within your designated territories. We’re looking for "ROAD WARRIORS" who are excited about traveling and exploring our great country while sharing their passion for firearms.
*Key Responsibilities:
Travel extensively to establish relationships with independent gun retailers
Act as a brand ambassador, promoting our products and values
Conduct sales presentations and product demonstrations
Collaborate with the sales team to strategize and meet sales goals
Provide feedback from the field to help improve our offerings
*Qualifications:
Recent college graduate or young professional (0-2 years experience)
Strong knowledge and passion for firearms and the Second Amendment
The “Lead Gunsmith” is a critical role to business, so we are searching for a motivated, intellectually curious, hardworking, problem solver that is also ready to step up and be a leader in our rapidly growing business. You will be responsible for directing employees, maintaining exemplary records, interacting with customers, etc. We have a full shop including a lathe, mill, dirty room, blasting cabinets, an in-house test fire, a DCOA station, Cerakoting room (ovens & vented spray booth) and all the tools you need to complete your tasks.
The Department Manager is required to oversee all aspects related to sales and service of his or her designated department(s) and its customers. A major component is to successfully coordinate the inventory so that the department(s) are prepared for serving our customer’s needs. The position requires three years of general experience.
Preparation of cartridge and chamber drawings and velocity/pressure test barrel drawings for new cartridge designs and changes to existing designs.
Assist in the creation of and updates to SAAMI Technical Committee Manual documentation and American National Standard documents.
Assist in the American National Standard revision process, including formation of consensus bodies, compilation of returned comments, documentation of actions taken to resolve comments, and required updates to the standards
Assist in the management of the SAAMI Reference Ammunition Program, which will include compiling assessment data, and communicating the announcements and results with members.
Assist with the development and quarterly updates of an industry demand forecast for proof ammunition, dummy ammunition, and copper crushers.
Support the scheduling, organization and execution of SAAMI meetings and Conferences.
As needed, support other SAAMI functional areas with design of test equipment, writing of test procedures, communicating test requirements, and compiling of test results.
Make recommendations for new documentation and updates/changes to existing documentation.
The Director of Purchasing is responsible for overseeing all activities related to procurement and sourcing for the organization. We are looking for an individual with experience in the firearm industry. This key role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies, negotiating with distributors and manufactures to secure favorable terms, and managing vendor relationships to ensure the best value and margin for the company. The Purchasing Director will oversee all procurement opportunities for inventory and operational supplies, providing guidance and support to optimize purchasing processes and drive efficiencies.
The Sales Outfitter provides counter sales and customer service for Hunting/Archery Merchandise non-Firearms. This position provides customer service and sales of Floor Hunting/Archery Merchandise. They perform various selling/customer service activities, to include greeting and acknowledging all customers in a prompt and friendly manner, handling merchandise with care, providing information, assistance and direction to customers.
The role of a Category Merchandising Manager is pivotal in steering the direction and success of consumer-centric product solutions. This position demands a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on management through every phase of product development, from conceptualization to market launch. The core responsibility involves orchestrating annual line plans that are not only ambitious in terms of revenue, gross margin, and market share growth but also reflective of a deep understanding of market demands and consumer preferences. This strategic assortment of superior products underpins the company’s competitive edge and its ability to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Mechanical Adjuster/Operators are responsible for adjusting, operating and repairing production machinery in the manufacture of ammunition. This includes operation of machinery as well as maintenance, repair, and adjustment of machinery, set-ups, and changeover procedures.
Experience a preview of what a Mechanical Adjuster at Federal Ammunition does by checking out the following video: https://youtu.be/rQBmnPZJido
The Graphic Designer II will play a crucial role in driving the creative evolution of SIG Sauer. Reporting to the Director, Creative Strategies, this individual will contribute towards the elevation of creative standards across a range of consumer and customer touchpoints. This role will involve managing multiple creative design projects simultaneously to meet specified deadlines and participating in reviews to provide constructive feedback to team members. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of current creative trends and a passion for staying ahead in the design industry. This role is critical in ensuring SIG Sauer maintains a high level of project output from the team and maintains brand standards and consistency throughout the organization.
The Sr. Manager of Human Resources will be responsible for the management and administration of all HR activities associated with talent acquisition, training, organizational design, performance management and employee relations activities for the Lonoke, Arkansas location in direct support of the Remington business. Must be a strong leader, able to clearly communicate with executives, coach and mentor team members to high performance and provide on-going performance feedback and guidance. Must also be a strong business partner for the executive team and very experienced in identifying issues and risks, developing solutions, and managing the relationship with other HR functions, including Compensation and Benefits.
The Manufacturing Engineer will design, build and implement high volume, repetitive production equipment and processes. Improve product and process reliability, productivity, ergonomics and safety in manufacturing processes. Provide technical support to Manufacturing Departments.
The Quality Engineer is a key factory staff member responsible for developing and maintaining programs, processes and metrics that support Quality Assurance program within Kimber Manufacturing. The Quality Engineer will work in concert with cross-functional teams and other departments to provide support in achieving quality goals defined and established by upper management.
Passion and enthusiasm for firearms and history, help describe beautiful, rare, unusual, historic, and mint condition world-class collectibles. With an eye for detail and focus on historical research, Describers work intimately with pieces of art and history from all over the world while writing descriptions of these pieces for RIAC world-class catalogs.
Fishing
Simms is looking to fill Production Specialists roles. It will train the right candidates to be members of its Wader Maker Team. An eye for detail, focus on excellence and a positive team member are the characteristics we’re looking for. The mission of the Wader Production Team is to produce high quality waders. Roles may learn the production processes in the Pressing, Sewing/Taping, Attachment/Boot Building and/or Testing and Packaging area.
This position reports to the Director of Plant Operations of Scientific Anglers. They will interface with associates throughout the company related to the business units. They will have contact with associates across broad levels of responsibility and must be able to communicate well at all levels. They will also have external interactions with vendors, customers, sales reps, and tax authorities.
An outdoor industry rep group is seeking dynamic & experienced INDEPENDENT REPS (COMMISSION ONLY) who are self-motivated and have a passion for the outdoors.
Large existing accounts already in place! Possible draw $$ against commission.
Territories Available
New York ~ Northeast New Jersey ~ New England ~ North Carolina ~ South Carolina ~ Virginia
Requirements
A handgun permit, or the ability to acquire a handgun permit for travel within the territory (if required).
2+ years of experience in the Outdoor Industry (retail or sales).
Experience in hunting / fishing industry is a major plus.
Must possess self-drive, comfort with telemarketing, and not be afraid to cold call.
An OEM Sales Manager is responsible for playing a vital role in the execution of an aggressive market growth plan. This position is also responsible for implementing strategic sales and promotional plans to increase sales, revenue, and continual expansion of the Shimano brand with our OEM partners. These efforts will require working closely with management and customers, as well as coordination with internal departments (Product, Planning, Service, and Marketing teams)
Simms is seeking an experienced Marketing Director to join its Outdoor Performance Marketing platform team and lead the global marketing strategy for Simms Fishing. The Outdoor Performance strategic priorities are to be consumer-first focused, lead with power brands, and invest inward. The marketing team will create focus and power of the consumer through brand marketing, content and creative services, shopper experience, and channel marketing to achieve our objectives.
As the Marketing Director you will be responsible for establishing brand positioning and strategies designed to enhance brand value and equity. You will lead and develop strategy and plans based on Simms Fishing goals of brand identification and establish global guidelines and standards for the organization. You will lead the implementation of the strategies for Simms Fishing by working with department and platform leaders to achieve market dominance while driving revenue and profitability growth.
An assembler is a professional who aims to be as efficient and consistent as possible when putting together A product. They are responsible for packaging finished goods, recording items that do not meet product quality and palletizing product. Assemblers should verify and maintain quality control standards. This position requires you to be on your feet for most of the day. The employee may have to lift objects/equipment up to 40 lbs. and overhead 25 lbs. Physical movements necessary to perform this job are lifting, turning, twisting, safety gate operation, reaching, pulling, pushing, and clutching.
Plans, conducts, and may “lead and direct” large, important projects. Serves as an advisor to lower-level personnel and may assist with the review and evaluation of personnel. Trains personnel in routing and specialized laboratory procedures. Provides technical consultation to peers and other departments — primarily Manufacturing and Engineering. Conducts experiments to improve upon or to duplicate various materials and substances and engages in research to develop new methods of processing or production. Evaluates progress and results and recommends changes in procedures as appropriate. Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge around specialization to the completion of significant assignments, operating with considerable latitude for un-reviewed action or decision.
Maintains expertise in materials used in our products and insures we have the capability to analyze those materials. Assists Manufacturing in new product implementation through procedure development, troubleshooting, etc., and assists in process changes. Research design, process, and material technologies that may be applicable within the outdoor product industry. Identifies development opportunities in new products, new processes, quality enhancements, cost reduction, product line extensions and productivity. Develops contacts to supply and manufacture technologies applicable to outdoor products.
Miscellaneous
Looking for an experienced Sporting Goods Director for this high-profile role within our organization. Our ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the Sporting Goods Category and has experience developing go-to-market recommendations and strategies. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and create impactful selling stories.
The Department Manager is required to oversee all aspects related to sales and service of his or her designated department(s) and its customers. A major component is to successfully coordinate the inventory so that the department(s) are prepared for serving our customer’s needs. The position requires three years of general experience.
In this key role, you will be at the heart of our sales strategy, tasked with driving revenue and market share across specific business segments. You will develop sales plans, manage quotas, and collaborate closely with other departments to optimize processes and meet company goals. Reporting directly to our Sales Director, you’ll have the opportunity to impact product growth and innovation.
Don’t string me along with these bow jokes.
One of the things I say about archery is "Don't try it until you nock it"
We’ve quivered in excitement to share these puns.
You should really try blindfolded archery.
You don’t know what you’re missing.
Ever seen an archer tell a joke?
It’s always on target.
