Retail Merchandising Manager

Description Our goal in Hallmark Retail is to become a “store of first choice” for gifts. Our new target consumer is Moms with Kids 0-18 and Boomer Grandmas. Even more important are the psychographics – she is a person who is energized by showing she cares to her inner circle of family and friends. We want to inspire her to connect with others and give her creative products and ideas to make it happen. And to make the shopping experience more fun in our stores. We intend to make the 400 corporately owned Hallmark Gold Crown stores a stronger model for the network of 3000 independent owners. Hallmark Cards has an immediate opening for a Retail Merchandise Manager in our Kansas City headquarters. The Retail Merchandise Manager (MM) is accountable for planning and managing the retail product assortment and product life cycle for their assigned categories in the Hallmark Gold Crown store. This role has P&L responsibility for the retail performance of their categories in the company-owned stores. The MM builds an integrated assortment plan, partners with internal Hallmark product development for categories that we produce, directly sources non-Hallmark product and makes final buying decisions. MM’s are responsible for developing the assortment plans necessary to achieve revenue, cost and margin targets for their categories. The role partners closely with internal product development and non-Hallmark vendors to ensure appropriate products are developed or purchased to meet the assortment plan. They also partner with Demand and Inventory Planning on the planning, forecasting and allocation efforts for retail. The MM works with the visual merchandising and marketing teams to effectively display and promote their product lines. There is a close partnership with the store operations group to ensure that stores have the product knowledge necessary to sell the programs. Collaboration is key in this highly integrated environment. The division manages the following categories:  Kids – plush, games, accessories, puzzles,  Girlfriend Gifts – jewelry, accessories, bath and body, and other on-trend pick-up gifts  Sentiment Décor – Editorially focused artist based collections, wall art, framed sentiments  Baby and Wedding Gifts  Collectibles – Willow Tree, Jim Shore, Precious Moments  Books – kids and gift books  Memory Keeping – frames, albums  Candy/gourmet  Candles/home fragrance  Seasonal gifts and décor In this position you will: • Build category assortment plan(s). Select product to fill the assortment plan. Manage overall pricing and margin structure to achieve financial targets for the entire portfolio. Ensure sales and margin plans meet wholesale and retail business requirements. • Make decisions on inventory levels and coordinate the product lifecycle management for the category. Coordinates with the P&A Strategist to ensure analysis, planning and execution maximize sales and profitability for assigned categories. Analyses performance and makes on-going adjustments. • Develop holistic understanding of category, consumer, and competitive dynamics. Translate insights into product strategies and assortment plans that optimize revenue, margin and pricing. • Negotiate exclusive vendor programs and pricing on behalf of the independent network of stores.

Requirements Basic Qualifications: o 5 + years of buying experience o Retail experience that encompasses product merchandising o In compliance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, Hallmark Cards, Inc. and its subsidiary companies will hire only U.S. citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. Hallmark does not generally provide sponsorship or employment visa status. Prior to beginning employment, all new employees will be required to complete Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification and submit to a drug test and background check. Other Preferred Qualifications o Business, Marketing, or Retail Degree, MBA Preferred o 10+ preferred of buying experience o Specialty Retail experience preferred o Deep understanding of consumer needs as well as retailer profitability o Strong ability to develop relationships, trust and influence o Strong written and verbal communication skills o Works independently to solve problems, while maintaining a collaborative style o Motivates others to take action o Maintains composure and effectiveness in fast paced, high stress situations To apply for this job, go to hallmark.com/careers. Click on search jobs and then on Headquarters and Manufacturing to enter our on-line application area. Please enter IRC70005 in the keyword search to find this job. You will need to register to apply to this position.