Overnight Performance Optimization Jobs in Chicago, IL

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Regional Manager role is responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the overall merchandising function and execution for the region typically comprised of 3-4 districts with the potential of approximately 600-1,000 stores.  This role will drive sales and profitability by monitoring performance and implementing innovative merchandising plans that align with Excell's brand vision, values, growth needs and customer needs. Travel is required (travel expenses will be covered) to all states within that region and two to three overnight stays each week will be required. This region will be in the Upper Midwest Region and will include: North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Indianna and Ohio and is subject to change depending on business needs.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 3+ year of previous retail management experience at a high level such as a district or regional manager required
• Extensive knowledge of retail merchandising required
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Must be available to travel as needed (travel expenses will be covered)
• College education and/or merchandising experience helpful
• Proficient with computers including tablets and laptops and using MS Office products. 
• Experience with data and trend analysis is required

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT EXCELL

• Competitive pay: Will be a salaried position for base pay between $110,000-$125,000 annual salary (based upon experience and interview). There will also be commissions and potential for bonus as well.
• Company car provided – maintenance and insurance coverage included.
• Paid travel time / expenses
• Paid Time Off / Sick Pay
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance packages available
• 20% Employee Discount on products (limitations and restrictions apply)
• 401(k) with company match
• Profit-sharing programs
• Exciting work environment

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

• Merchandising strategy
  • Develop, implement and monitor regional and district merchandising strategies that align with business objectives.
  • Manage your region’s business, which includes the region's "book of business" - all stores, reps, third party merchandising usage and any unique strategies or processes specific to the region.
  • Provide Excell leadership and cross functional teams with strategic ideas on growth and sales opportunities
  • Stay informed on market, merchandising and regional trends and regularly communicate updates and insights to leadership team
  • Identify and implement innovative merchandising strategies to drive sales, improve store partnership, improve customer experience and reduce risk
  • Analyze sales data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and optimization.
  • Balance and continuingly analyze regional assignments to ensure optimal coverage and appropriate span of control for team members.
• Project leadership and Captainships:
  • Lead and/or drive cross-functional team initiatives or projects representing the total field.
  • Share knowledge, problems and solution ideas with peers in service of improving the total field.  
  • Captain large-scale problem-solving initiatives- ie: reducing shrink, reducing refusals, scaling store partnerships.
• Field Process Execution:
  • Ensure effective execution of merchandising initiatives across the field, including product placement, signage, and set displays.
  • Follow standardized methods of merchandising Excell product and effectively share challenges or recommendations for improvement
• Partner / Client Relations:
  • Build and maintain relationships with stores leadership to ensure sales/stores are profitable
  • Communicate partnership outcomes with Excell executive team.
• Team Leadership: Lead a team of merchandising professionals, providing guidance, training, and support.
  • Hire, recruit and retain team members.
  • Develop and implement communication and recognition models based on Excell's standards and create potential custom strategies based on individual's needs
  • Track, analyze and monitor key business and employee performance metrics related to merchandising, ie: visits, sales, commissions/ bonuses, expenses, hours and client/ customer satisfaction.
  • Perform regular and routine visits throughout the region for one-on-one time, build connections, train and perform coaching as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven track record of success in senior merchandising leadership roles within the retail industry.
• Deep understanding of merchandising principles, including product placement and zoning strategies.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to drive decision-making.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to build and motivate high-performing teams.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or related field or relevant merchandising experience at the senior level.