University Store and Visual Branding Manager

Overview

The Manager of Retail Operations and Visual Branding will provide leadership for the University's on-campus and online retail stores in a customer-service oriented environment. The Manager will efficiently and effectively strive for continuous improvement to attain maximum turnover and profit and ensure minimum inventory shrink rates. The Manager will also manage the school's official licensing program through CORE81, maintaining the integrity of the visual brand through all merchandise. This is a permanent, full-time, exempt position reporting to the Associate Vice President for Strategic Communication

• Oversee the daily operation of local and online retail operations to ensure high quality, cost-effective, efficient and timely delivery of goods and services while reaching sales performance goals.
• Oversee market development; develop a strong and predictable demand for products and services provided by appropriate use of marketing and selling techniques; initiate changes to improve efficiency; create action plans and execute to maximize results.
• Keep abreast of market trends; maintain knowledge of industry standards and innovations regarding collegiate books, general merchandise, store operations, and online sales.
• Monitor vendor performance based on quality of products and services rendered to the internal and external communities and partnership.
• Initiate and oversee special promotions and events.
• Oversee loss prevention programs and issues to minimize inventory loss.
• Create and execute a marketing plan to ensure effective communication of sales, events, and promotions for instore and online.
• Manage the relationship with licensing agency, CORE81, to review and approve or deny new vendors and renewal of current vendors.
• Review all artwork being used to produce merchandise to ensure brand consistency
• Build and maintain relationships to foster a culture of collaboration across campus.
• Proactively recruit new vendors to encourage growth and bring new revenue opportunities.
• Produce and analyze regular sales reports to create sales models for goals and strategic purchasing.
• Proactively work with campus offices (admissions, alumni, etc) to effectively attend local and regional community events (e.g. farmers' markets) to promote events, recruit students, and showcase merchandise.
• Serve as the liaison between the University textbook vendor and faculty to ensure timely adoption of textbooks and class materials.

Qualifications

• Retail operations experience
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent retail management experience
• 5 years of professional experience managing operations and/or a team
• Energetic, creative problem solver with strong interpersonal skills
• Flexible and responsive (adhering to Coker University's core Service Standards)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in graphic design using the Adobe Creative Suite
• Logo and brand artwork management
• Knowledge of Apple for Schools partnerships
• Experience building creative store displays to maximize sales
• Athletic marketing/branding experience

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to https://coker.isolvedhire.com/pages/JobOpportunities Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

University Standard Service and Excellence Expectations

Coker's standards of service and excellence to the campus and community is an institutional priority for the university. We pride ourselves in our customer service, communication, and availability to our stakeholders and employees through efficient response times, detailed information, and professionalism.

Coker University readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.

Coker University, in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, marital status, veterans or military status, or against individuals with disabilities, or other legally protected classifications in the areas of employment, admission, financial aid or access to educational or extracurricular programs, activities or facilities.