Merchandising Operations Program Manager

The Program Manager is a cross-functional resource that supports key stakeholders across multiple departments by providing data-driven solutions to support strategic business decision-making and sales optimization related to product planning and systems management. This role is responsible for developing and leading strategic programs that will reduce friction for the Sales team, allowing them to maximize their time growing the business. This individual also develops and implements event management strategies, Planogram product layouts (POG), and processes improvement strategies to increase efficiency and sales. The Program Manager excels in documenting processes, updating processes, and following them to completion.

This is a full-time on-site position based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Planning:

• Operates as the linkage from the Product / Marketing / Sales teams to develop Planogramming layouts that fit customer needs.
• Delivers printed layouts for use in store-level merchandising.
• Delivers new product listing to Sales Operations team for Card Manager updates.
• Acts as back-up for Everyday Card Manager operations.

Event Management:

• Serves as a leader on the project team for sales conference, tradeshow, and quarterly events planning and execution.
  • Identifies, requests, and tracks all tradeshow materials and samples.
  • Creates and manages a system to execute lead generation and follow-up from tradeshow activity.
  • Travels to tradeshows to participate in the set up and presentation of product and actively sells the product at the show.

Sales Projects and Process Improvement

• Uses analytical and problem-solving skills and independent judgment to make decisions in the best interest of their customers and the business.
  • Manages customer programs and portals, including customer portals, product pricing, and fixtures.
  • Maintains a thorough understanding of each brand’s product offering and leverages their knowledge to proactively promote products to their customers, with the goal of maximizing customers’ value, upselling, and increasing sales (inside sales).
  • Uses knowledge of customer’s priorities to analyze customer patterns and adjust internal processes to create efficiencies between the customer and sales team.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned by Sales Operations leadership.

Convivial Brands Expectations of all Employees:

• Adheres to all Convivial Brands Policies and Procedures.
• Always conducts self in a manner consistent with Convivial Brands’ Core Values.
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude with all contacts.
• Consistently reports to work on time and prepared to perform the duties of the position.
• Meets productivity standards and performs duties as workload necessitates.
• Maintains the privacy of all company proprietary information.
• Treat visitors, vendors, customers, and team members with respect and dignity.
• Able to safely perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Maintains the required minimum score on the GWC scale at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Marketing, General Business, or other related field; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• At least 1-3 years of event management experience.
• Must be a self-starter and problem solver, capable of functioning in a dynamic, fast paced, change oriented environment.
• Must be willing to travel nationally up to 20% of the time, including overnight stays.

Desired Qualifications:

• Collaborative team player with the ability to connect and work with employees at all levels; interacting effectively with senior management and staff to carry out the organization’s mission and objectives.
• Ability to
  • understand and assess business priorities and act accordingly
  • give and receive constructive feedback
  • be influential and to effectively and quickly build relationships that establish trust, respect, competence, and confidence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.