General Merchandise Manager

Description

Job Data

Job Title:............................ General Merchandise Manager

Department:...................... General Merchandise Department

Supervisor:........................ General Manager

Summary Description

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

1) General Merchandise Department Operations

· 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.

2) Management

· 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.

3) Customer Service

· 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. 

4) Promotions

· 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.

5) Other Duties

· As Assigned

Requirements

Commitments

· 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.

Qualifications & Job Requirements

· 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.

Physical Demands

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

Working Conditions

· 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.