Merchandising Supervisor

Houston, TX, United States

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The Supervisor, Merchandising, supports the growth of MD Anderson Cancer Center's Cause initiative by working with the Manager, Merchandising (Branded Merchandise) to utilize data from both the Gift Shop and Ecommerce point of sale "Counterpoint" systems to monitor and maintain branded merchandise backstock inventory levels for the online ecommerce platform and four gift shops and to predict customer demand. The Supervisor, Merchandising, is expected to price branded products appropriately to meet margins, interface with promotional and branded apparel vendors, and provide exemplary customer service to internal and external branded merchandise customers.

The Merchandise Supervisor should demonstrate a sound knowledge of consumer behavior and proven success in a similar role, and will work frequently with the inventory and fulfillment staff and marketing staff.

This is an onsite position at 8080A El Rio, Houston, TX. Reports to the Manager, Merchandising.

The ideal candidate will have a strong customer-facing retail background and be comfortable directing the movement of inventory, and working with outside vendors to resolve quality control issues. Additionally, experience with pulling data from point of sale systems is also preferred.

Support Branded Merchandise Business

Supervise branded merchandise inventory levels by utilizing both the Gift Shop and Children's Art Project Counterpoint reports to track gift shop and e-commerce inventory. As needed, place re-orders with vendors based on customer demand and inventory turnover ratio.

Enter branded purchase orders in Counterpoint. Submit job requests for price tickets.

Create barcode labels for purchased branded merchandise and send to the vendors for placement on branded merchandise by vendors.

Monitor and maintain sufficient label stock and print consumables (inks and toners) in printers.

Monitor vendor shipping of outstanding purchase orders. Follow up with vendors as needed.

Request pre-production samples from vendors.

Identify branded merchandise quality issues, such as incorrect brand or department placement or defects. Work with vendors to resolve issues.

Supervise the branded product receiving schedule. Submit photo request when needed. Monitor receipt of new branded items being activated on the website.

Assist with IDT (Inter Departmental Transfer) orders during key internal selling periods like the end of the fiscal year, holiday season, and months preceding and immediately following May Employee Appreciation month.

Process IDT orders through the website, as requested.

Assist with identification of new vendors, classifications and items based on analysis and customer requests. Recommend new products based on consumer feedback.

Liaises with vendors on specific order requirements around product pricing, packaging, and damages.

Enter transfers to move branded merchandise to Children's Art Project and Branded Merchandise Boutique location, as needed.

Works with gift shop staff on special brand requests.

Identify trends and recommend new branded merchandise based on market research.

Support Merchandising off-site and on-site events

Work with Associate Director, Merchandising on promotional materials for off-site and on-site events.

Supervise the set up and tear down of off-site and on-site branded sale events.

Have a full understanding of the two merchandising Counterpoint POS (point of sale) systems and be prepared to troubleshoot technical issues.

Supervise and schedule volunteers and staff to insure coverage during special retail events.

Supervise the opening and closing of the POS system for on- and off-site branded merchandise events.

Supervise the opening and closing of the POS system for off-site Children's Art Project events, such as The Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market and Paige Fertitta's Holiday Event.

Transfer merchandise for special retail events.

Submit fulfillment job requests for delivery and pick up of merchandise and fixtures prior to and after special retail events.

Charge and test all equipment prior to events and troubleshoot issues with appropriate parties, as needed.

Must become certified to drive departmental vehicles, as needed.

During absences and lunchtime, serve as telephone backup at El Rio or special retail event backup.

Capable of providing photos of special retail events or pre-arranging photography or videography through a Creative Communications request.

Customer service

Respond promptly to internal and external customer inquiries regarding the purchase and/or customization of branded merchandise. Without exception, follow institutional brand guidelines regarding approved placement and presentation of the primary brand. Professionally handle incoming requests and ensure that any order issues are resolved promptly and thoroughly before submitting the order to the vendor

Thoroughly and efficiently gather customer information, access, and fulfill customer needs, educate the customer where applicable to prevent the need for future contacts and document interactions through contact tracking.

Provide quality service and support in various areas including billing, placing custom apparel orders, and system troubleshooting. Compile order details and provide accurate pricing quotes based on vendor response.

Verify, contact information, date required, delivery/shipping address, etc. Set up new customer accounts.

Organize workflow to meet customer time limitations.

Handle complaints and provide appropriate solutions and alternatives within the time limits and follow up to ensure resolution.

Maintain a balance between company policy and customer benefit in decision-making. Handle issues in the best interest of both the customer and our branded merchandise business.

Manage customers' accounts. Keep records of customer interactions and transactions. Record details of inquiries, comments, complaints, and actions taken. Responsible for compiling and generating reports as they relate to customer service surveys. Maintain customer databases.

A prompt, friendly and professional approach to customer service is required.

Education

Required : Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience

Required : Five years of experience in retail sales, marketing, product development, event planning or supply chain.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information

Requisition ID: 165823

Employment Status: Full-Time

Employee Status: Regular

Work Week: Days

Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 58,000

Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 72,500

Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 87,000

FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

Fund Type: Soft

Work Location: Onsite

Pivotal Position: No

Referral Bonus Available?: No

Relocation Assistance Available?: No

Science Jobs: No

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