General Merchandise Manager

General Merchandise Manager

Manages employees and operations of the General Merchandise department. Coordinates sales promotions to grow the business.

Key Results Areas:

• General Merchandise Department Operations
• Management
• Customer Service
• Promotions

Major

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Ensure General Merchandise personnel are well trained and available when needed.

· Design displays for merchandise, which are appealing to customers. Make effective use of:

• Fixtures
• Wall Displays
• Show Cases Glass Cubes & Towers
• Mannequins Window Displays

· Regulate seasonal promotions (i.e. holiday display themes, fashion shows, special events, etc.) and coordinate them with other departments.

· Review all stock orders to ensure a fast-moving balanced inventory of General Merchandise. Coordinate orders with P&A manager, if possible.

· Maintain sufficient quantities of stock to support demand and acceptable inventory turn ratio.

· Assist staff when needed.

· Become familiar and efficient with all phases of the computer system required for General Merchandise management, including generating and reviewing Inventory reports.

· Work with the Inventory Manager to maintain an accurate up-to-date inventory management & control system.

· Collaboratively work with the Inventory Manager to order and receive merchandise.

· Ensure employees keep all merchandise and displays clean, well dusted, and appealing to customers.

· Set-up and maintain a smooth running, efficient, appealing retail environment for the General Merchandise department.

· Purchase product assortments, gauge stock movement, and devise promotions, when necessary.

· Set policies and procedures for General Merchandise department.

· Manage employee performance (evaluate and council).

· Provide training for all General Merchandise employees:

• – Harley-Davidson University Programs
• – Dealer Shows & Expo's

· Assist Dealer Principal or General Manager with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and terminating employees.

· Employ sound management practices to ensure General Merchandise department contributes acceptable levels of gross & net profit.

· Maximize return on investment of General Merchandise inventory.

· Grow the volume of General Merchandise sales.

· Maintain budgeted revenue and expense objectives.

· Collaboratively work with the Director of Marketing on promotional campaigns for merchandise.

· Communicate regularly with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company regarding:

• Policies
• Product Availability
• Product Style Options New/Future Product line Studies

· Benchmark other retailers to determine "best practice" standards.

· Organize and stage fashion shows and other events to sell merchandise.

· Provide reports to Dealer Principal or General Manager, as requested.

· Develop monthly and annual objectives for the department in collaboration with Dealer Principal or General Manager.

· Provide superior customer service to both internal and external customers.

· Greet customers immediately, in a courteous and friendly manner.

· Handle telephone transactions quickly, and courteously.

· Point out any sales, specials, or new merchandise to staff and customers.

· Handle customer complaints reasonably, showing empathy and a positive attitude, and demonstrate our commitment to Superior Customer Service.

· Plan and execute "exceptional" promotions to bring both "new and existing" customers into the dealership on a regular basis.

· Coordinate promotions with other departments to maximize return on promotions spending.

· As Assigned

Requirements:

· Treat all employees and customers fairly, courteously, and with dignity.

· Model superior customer service behavior for all General Merchandise personnel by maintaining positive relationships with customers, employees, General Manager and Dealer Principal.

· Be prompt and available for flexible scheduling.

· Be honest and fair in all business dealings.

· Demonstrate an interest in growing the General Merchandise business.

· 3-5 years' experience with retail sales and inventory management.

· Prefer knowledge and experience with Harley-Davidson General Merchandise, and other products sold by the dealership, or the demonstrated ability to quickly learn them.

· Experience with Point-of-Sale and Parts & Service management computer software or the ability to quickly learn due to general knowledge & experience with computers.

· Occasionally required to bend, stoop, crouch, reach, and lift 40 lb. of material

· Is potentially exposed to battery acid, gasoline, chemical cleaning materials or other toxic materials commonly found in a motor vehicle service department.

· Occasionally, exposed to exhaust fumes or other airborne particles.

· Normally indoors, however, some outdoor work is required during open houses or other events.