General Merchandise Manager

Position Description

We are currently seeking a General Merchandise Manager who can thrive in a fast-paced business environment where hard work and self-motivated professionalism are rewarded.  This position works closely with the Online Bookstore Account Managers as well as college and university administrators to understand the needs of each individual account and determine appropriate apparel and merchandise opportunities and best practices. This position works with various vendors to select, price, and order apparel, merchandise, and additional non-book items as needed for multiple colleges and universities across the country.  The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills combined with great attention to detail and the ability to analyze data, as well as a strong ownership mentality.  Flexibility is also critical as this is a very dynamic, ever-changing industry.  This position is a remote, work-from-home opportunity with occasional meetings in the corporate office.

Responsibilities

·         Build and maintain relationships with key vendors

·         Attentiveness of vendor strengths in quality, service, and pricing

·         Careful review of sell-through to maintain stock, identify promotional opportunities, future purchase needs, and development of liquidation plans when needed

·         Awareness of trends in the industry, new vendors and new products to have the ability to offer our customers the most current, as well as classic, selections

·         Manage all phases of the ordering process including, but not limited to, understanding production timelines and minimums, turn-around time for initial orders and reorders, pricing structure, return and payment policies, etc.

·         Develop a budget based on assortment, sales, and needs of each school

·         Maintain product listings on school’s Online Bookstore websites including creating UPCs and product descriptions, obtaining images, size charts, etc. to enhance the customer experience

·         Support warehouse operations to facilitate receipt and stocking of inventory

·         Collaborate with Online Bookstore Management teams as needed to determine individual school needs

·         Work with schools to identify opportunities to maximize sales and offer assortment suggestions to best match school needs based on analysis of key factors

·         Produce reports for schools as needed/requested

·         Develop marketing plans when appropriate

·         Partner with other departments within eCampus.com to continuously improve systems and processes

·         Organize, travel to, and execute on-site school events and visits when applicable

·         Perform additional duties as assigned by management

Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor degree required
• Three years’ experience in retail management, sourcing and collegiate/general merchandise within the  bookstore industry and/or university athletic department preferred; experience in customer service, account management, inventory management and/or purchasing a plus
• The ability to succeed in a team environment and demonstrate strong initiative and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail
• Must be flexible and comfortable with change; possess the ability to respond effectively to a fast pace, unexpected issues, demanding timelines and evolving priorities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (including Excel & PowerPoint)
• Ability to engage in travel up to 30% of the year (including overnight and weekend travel)
• An innate customer focus in all aspects of the position

Employee Benefits

eCampus.com offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, Group Life/AD&D, long-term disability, 401(k) plan, sick leave and paid time off.