Merchandise Program Manager

Position Objectives:

To oversee Merchandise Department staff and manage PETA's merchandise program through program development, sales and inventory management, and merchandise marketing tactics

Term of Employment:

Full-time

Reports to:

Special Programs Manager

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Set PETA Catalog sales goals and targets by month, quarter, and year; develop an inventory and assortment and promotion plan to meet those goals; and continuously monitor the plan—and adjust it, as needed—to meet or exceed set goals
• Demonstrate program growth and health through regular, consistent profit increases
• Manage merchandise promotion through publicity, PETA's Web sites, the online catalog, e-mail marketing efforts, product selection, and the content of the merchandise Web catalog
• Manage merchandise inventory, oversee the purchasing agent for all merchandise products purchased for catalog order fulfillment, and approve buys on an as-needed basis, avoiding back orders and overstock
• Supervise five team members for all department functions, including the department manager
• Monitor merchandise order fulfillment by the offsite fulfillment warehouse, ensure that service agreements are being met, and perform periodic checks, as needed
• Oversee customer-service representatives to ensure 100 percent customer satisfaction, and perform periodic customer-service checks, as needed
• Work with organizational stakeholders in marketing and development to create an annual merchandise marketing e-mail and online marketing schedule, with clearly defined goals
• Work with the Finance Department to create an accurate projection of program expenses and income for annual budgeting purposes
• Work with Production Department representatives to create new designs for PETA Catalog merchandise that further PETA's mission, understand all printing specs, and act as the primary liaison between the Production Department and merchandise vendors to ensure quality and consistency of product and brand
• Understand PETA's marketing efforts and create merchandise and promotions to support those efforts, and take an active role in organizational branding efforts to ensure that all opportunities are met and maximized
• Develop and pursue appropriate, successful branding opportunities beyond the e-catalog—both within and beyond existing organizational efforts—to spur growth for overall PETA brand awareness
• Perform continued analysis of efficacy of merchandising and marketing efforts, and make recommendations for improvement
• Perform other department tasks, as needed

Qualifications:

• Two to five-plus years of experience as a retail buyer, assistant buyer, or e-commerce merchandiser, with a proven track record in merchandise assortment planning, buying, and inventory management
• Familiarity and experience with inventory receiving and fulfillment processes and experience with online product-catalog management or maintenance preferred
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team
• Ability to mentor and train on both strategic and tactical issues
• Minimum of two years of online merchandise marketing experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with animal rights issues and a willingness to advance the goals of the organization
• Ability to deal with the public effectively
• Ability to work independently and research the best merchandise practices
• Supportive position vis-à-vis PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues
• Must be 21 years of age, with three years' clean driving record

To apply now, please click here. If you are unable to complete the online application, please mail your résumé and cover letter to:

Human Resources Department
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510