As this is a hybrid role working out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates that currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
The Sales Operations Manager has primary responsibility for the overall operational management for assigned chains. Works with Sr. Account Executives – Operations and Sales Team(s) to ensure flawless execution of chain and corporate initiatives, new store openings, remodels, FMO communications, and issue resolution. Develops relationships with internal and retailer partners to coordinate and implement programs and store activities.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Required Length & Type of Experience:
 5-7 years previous experience in sales operations, marketing or product management; and proactive account management skills
 Previous experience in a retail or merchandising environment preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Demonstrated success in meeting/exceeding sales goals/forecasts
 Proficiency in reading and interpreting financial and sales-related data; able to make fact based decisions
 Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
 High level of interpersonal skills; ability to build strong relationships, influence others, leverage networks/relationships
 Good organization and time management skills with excellent attention to detail
 Strong PC skills
 Works with sense of urgency; results oriented and focuses on productivity vs activities
 Consumer centric; anticipates and meets consumer needs and takes appropriate action without being prompted
 Accepts responsibility for own actions
 Operates with a growth mindset
 Innovative; identifies effective, new ways of doing things
 Able to work effectively with limited or partial information
 Able to clearly define purpose driven goals and the actions required to accomplish them; aggressively pursues challenging goals and objectives
 Valid driver’s license

EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Marketing/Sales or related field

 Manages operations in assigned accounts, serving as project manager for initiatives, ARF’s and communications, centralized orders, and seasonal program execution.
 Continuously works to identify process improvement across the organization to deliver efficiency and consistency in retail execution.
 Responsible for understanding all retailer requirements including but not limited to financial, contractual, distribution, operations, and service.
Leverages knowledge of retailer requirements to influence profitable business decisions.
Supports Sales Team on program development, execution planning, operations, and communication strategies that align with retailer and American Greeting’s objectives. Includes providing/analyzing sales and performance reports, consumer insights data, business intelligence reports; and overseeing all chain activity (new stores, remodels, relocations, significant strategies/events, etc.)
 Subject Mater Expert on all footage, fixtures, endcaps and outpost locations for assigned chains.
 Maintains Chain Master Files including relevant store/chain information, Greeting Card Department and outpost details.
 Maintains list of new, relocation, remodel and closed stores including individual store layout details. Communicates changes and updates internally while managing service expectations with the retailer.
 Manages the creation and maintenance of necessary communications and reference documents to field service organization.
Understands, identifies, and utilizes the available levers to generate profitable unit growth and accelerate consumption (product, price, promotion, and placement)
 Responsible for ensuring chain programs are executed timely and flawlessly.
 Effectively communicates, in both written and verbal formats, relevant information to the sales team, retail contacts and internal partners.
 Responsible for meeting or exceeding all financial goals (i.e. Sales Less Returns, Variable Margin) for assigned accounts to exceed the Company’s financial goals (i.e. EBITDA, Cash Flow)
 Collaborates with internal teams (FMO, Revision Management, POSR, Business Unit, SBT, Finance, Shopper Marketing) as needed to deliver operational excellence effectively and efficiently in assigned chains.
 Lends support as needed towards the development of retailer specific presentations.
 Responsible for developing partnerships to facilitate open dialogue and honest feedback with Field Managers and District Managers supporting assigned chains.
 Monitors program execution and troubleshoots issues to identify, scope and resolve issues within a timely manner.
Represents American Greetings in a professional manner and demonstrates sales knowledge, thought leadership, financial acumen, industry knowledge and category expertise.
 Where applicable provides operational support for 3rd party service organization including training, issue resolution and communication processes to ensure flawless service support.
 Other duties as assigned.