What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Manager, Product Information Management & Special Purchase Orders position at Guitar Center?
About the Role
The Senior Manager, Product Information Management (PIM) & Special Purchase Orders (SPO) provides strategic and operational leadership for the teams responsible for product data management and special purchase order execution across Guitar Center’s business. This role ensures data accuracy, operational excellence, and high service-level performance across systems and business partners.
This position oversees the full PIM function and directly manages the SPO function (four direct reports). The Senior Manager drives efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives to streamline data governance, SKU creation, and special-order workflows originating from brick-and-mortar stores.
What You'll Do
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and mentor PIM and SPO teams to ensure operational excellence, data accuracy, and service-level achievement across all merchandising systems and platforms. (25%)
- Identify, design, and implement system improvements, upgrades, and automation solutions to reduce manual workload and increase efficiency. (15%)
- Oversee PIM system execution including product and SKU data creation/maintenance; ensure product data integrity, consistent SKU standards, and timely order fulfillment in partnership with cross-functional teams. (10%)
- Manage end-to-end SPO processing including vendor communication, order validation, invoice reconciliation, and escalation management to ensure SLA compliance. (10%)
- Drive product data governance including quality assurance, SKU lifecycle management, and data consistency across JDA, Heiler, and downstream systems. (10%)
- Establish and monitor KPIs, reporting, and dashboards measuring productivity, accuracy, and system utilization; communicate insights to leadership. (10%)
- Lead change management initiatives by standardizing processes, documentation, and training to support scalability and growth. (10%)
- Build strong vendor and internal partnerships to ensure timely resolution of order and data discrepancies. (5%)
- Collaborate with IT and analytics teams to leverage workflow tools, automation, RPA, AI, and external APIs to streamline operations. (5%)
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Total Reports: 13
- Direct Reports: 1 PIM Manager, 4 SPO Coordinators
- Indirect Reports: 9 PIM Coordinators
- Responsible for recruiting, performance management, development planning, and succession management.
Qualifications:
To Join Our Band, You’ll Need the Following
- 5 years of experience in product data management, merchandising operations, or related discipline
- 5 years of leadership experience managing large operational teams
- Strong understanding of merchandising systems (PIM, Order Management, Vendor Management, ERP systems)
- Experience in process improvement, automation, and operational optimization
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; familiarity with workflow automation tools
Core Competencies
- Strategic, analytical thinker with strong process orientation
- Excellent leadership and communication skills; proven ability to drive cross-functional initiatives
- Experience implementing system upgrades (particularly PIM/MDM), optimizing workflows, and gathering/implementing technical requirements
- Able to leverage technology, including AI, to enhance data quality, automation, and operational efficiency
- Strong project management and problem-solving capabilities
- Passion for operational excellence and continuous improvement
- Skilled at managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Compensation: $125,000 - $165,000 10% management bonus depending on experience and location. This role is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus targeted at 10% of base salary. This posting is provided in accordance with state pay transparency laws. Actual compensation will depend on experience, education, and other factors.
Why Join Us?
Guitar Center champions creativity, individuality, and the joy that comes from making music. We strive to create lifelong musicians and ensure every customer interaction inspires musical discovery. We put customers first, lead with integrity, and pursue our mission with passion.
With a career at Guitar Center, you join the world’s largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether working in Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or our Support Center, our shared mission is to help people find their sound, and fill the world with more music.
Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing fair and equitable employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. All hiring decisions are based on valid job-related requirements.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance accessing our website or expressing interest in a position, you may request reasonable accommodation by calling 1-818-735-8800 ext. 2862 or emailing recruiting@guitarcenter.com.
