Job Description: Program Director (In office position)
The Program Director is the point person that coordinates the development and execution of our product programs with our national and regional retail customers. This position will collaborate with our national retailers, the Gerson key account sales team, the Gerson product development and our international suppliers. This position will identify and support requested opportunities, collaborate to develop options and deliver incremental, profitable programs. This position reports directly to the Creative Director.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (critical / primary work accountabilities)
Lead and manage cross-functionally across The Gerson Company to develop and deliver incremental programs with flawless execution. Responsible for linking with internal product development, sales team - and external partners (large retailers, international suppliers) - to ensure the program is clearly defined, prioritized and completed in timely manner. This includes, but not limited to:
Identifying bestsellers by category and create appropriate retail merchandising solutions to expand opportunity to additional company market channels in support of sales team.
Identifying new revenue opportunities - create bid packages, assist in sourcing items, negotiate pricing, produce customer presentations
Leading / coordinating the bi-annual promotional programs to deliver incremental, profitable revenue growth (e.g., Gerson Green & Gold programs)
Manage custom product and program development for National Accounts in support of Sales
Liaison with Gerson product development to develop and communicate new product introductions and model line updates
Collaborate with Gerson Hong Kong office / suppliers to concept, source and negotiate
Work with Gerson Key Account Managers by communicating new company offerings sourced by our product development team. Includes producing customer presentations
Collaborate and partner with Gerson Package Design to develop innovative retail package solutions
Manage day-to-day programs for specific regional and national retailers (e.g., Costco) in support of sales
o Deepens partnerships with retail customers - seen as and relied on for excellent customer service
o Frequently interfaces with and influences retailer's category managers / buyers
o Create custom selling tools (PPTs, Word Docs, Spreadsheets) as needed
Create and maintain purchasing 'item master files' for priority customers
Includes relevant travel to retailers, market visits, trade shows
Special Projects such as responsibilities (partial) of company key items, other duties, as assigned.
Understand and follow Gerson Companies Core Values.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (required for consideration): • Bachelor's degree in business or related field and/or equivalent experience • 3+ years of experience grounded in business mgmt., product dev. and/or category mgmt. • Proven ability to lead multiple projects, set priorities and meet aggressive timelines • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, coupled with strong organizational planning and exceptional interpersonal skills • Strong proficiency in MS Office applications - specific to power point, excel, word • Demonstrated ability to think and deliver holistic solutions (across product, price, promotion, customer needs) to drive growth
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (optimal): • Strong commercial and merchant intuition; analytical ability; create and understand program profitability • Previous retail partner / customer facing experience and/or consumer packaged goods experience • Strong problem solving with ability to address key opportunities, draw conclusions, make recommendations, articulate a strong point of view • Strategic agility - ability to continuously adjust and adapt direction due to changing circumstances • Significant experience in a fast paced, dynamic environment • Strong team player who is also self-directed, ability to work independently and not afraid to seek direction when needed