Assistant Manager, Business Development And Merchandising Strategy

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Manager will provide the merchandising organization and their cross functional partners with support to drive sales and revenue growth. They will serve as a cross-functional advocate for the merchandising team by driving strategy via Governance Project Management, Brand Contracts, Budget Management and Strategic Planning Process for Merchandising.

Smartsheets is a business-critical tool for the Merchandising Strategy team and maintaining Smartsheets databases with contacts and funding data is a core part of this role. Strict attention to detail, project management, critical thinking, and an ability to meet tight deadlines will be critical for this individual’s success.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage Smartsheet brand contract process and reporting, including maintenance of existing brand contract terms.
• In partnership with Finance and Accounting, assist with monthly reporting and financial close duties. This includes reconciling budget and forecast variances to actual results and identifying/tracking accounting reclasses.
• Brand Contract & Funding Governance oversight within Smartsheet.
• Support Quarterly Governance business reviews with merchant leadership.
• Drive Merchandising Governance Strategy & plans via contract management, budget assistance, including leading cross-function partnership & advocacy for Merchandising initiatives in sales & expense needs.
• Assist with growth in Merchandising budget scope.
• Maintain Governance efficiencies to support category merchants (i.e. calendars, brand changes, contact list, etc.).
• Accountable for deep understanding of the strategies, business issues, risks/opportunities for areas of responsibility.
• Assist in tracking all Merchandising smartsheet budgets, including FTE’s, Travel, Department Expenses, Updates, Brand Incubation, Sephora Collection Expenses etc. Accountable for monitoring & reviewing spend to identify trends & issues (including Kohls).

REQUIREMENTS:

• Project Management (Strict attention to detail, critical thinking and an ability to meet tight deadlines)
• Experience using Smartsheet required
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferred Accounting or Finance degree
• Team player who demonstrates strong strategic, analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• 2-3 years of relevant business experience, retail industry experience preferred
• Strong communication skills and senior stakeholder management
• Strong Excel proficiency
• Experience or understanding of forecasting, budgeting, and monthly close activities
• Identifies opportunities and finds solutions to drive efficiency
• Thrives in an environment that is fast-paced, rapidly changing, and customer service-oriented
• Ability to interpret and synthesize data into intelligent business decisions
• Financial budgeting and/or strategic planning & analysis background preferred