Design & Merchandising Operations Manager - Kerrville, TX

Job Summary

The Design and Merchandising Operations Manager leads, coordinates, and schedules the Design and Merchandising Teams' activities. Works in close collaboration with the VP of Design and Merchandising.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Leads, coordinates, and schedules the Design and Merchandising Teams' activities considering process efficiency, event status, and individual workload, productivity, and skillset. Clearly communicates specific project requirements on a regular basis. Owns prep for meetings and presentations, including building and maintaining virtual walls.
• Assists with the development of strategic initiatives as related to Merchandising and Design.
• Responsible for the overall leadership, direction and evaluation of employees.
• Manages the efficient and strategic exchange of prototypes and samples with remote designers in accordance with project and meeting requirements.
• Leads all prototype and sample making activity-planning, and deck and board making work, to ensure on-time delivery.
• Participates in line-planning meetings, DRP meetings, Procurement and PD meetings and works on solutions to problems.
• Partners with PD to lead ever-better process review and improvement meetings.
• Manages Licensing and Brand Partnership strategy. Coordinates all functions that are part of this process and manages all the product approvals, comments, and communication.
• Manages Key Initiative and special project work.
• Generates and reviews data for department performance metrics. Identifies areas for potential process improvement and makes recommendations to VP of Design.
• Develops draft budget and submits to VP for approval. Monitors expenses, shares discrepancies, and makes recommendations.
• Provides regular updates to VP of Design and Merchandising and brings forward any accountability issues.

WHAT IS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Design, Merchandising, Project Management or related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• 5 years' experience in design, merchandising, project management or similar work.
• Supervisory, managerial or leadership experience.
• Experience analyzing data and trends to make informed decisions and influence strategic decision making.
• Understanding of design and/or merchandising best practices, trends and techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with teams, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to plan, manage and execute projects effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and adapt to business needs.
• Ability to travel to various work locations as business need requires.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and experience in Jewelry design and development.
• Merchandising experience.