Job Description

TITLE: Merchandising and Promotions Liaison DEPARTMENT: Marketing

STATUS: Full-time, At-Will, Hourly REPORTS TO: Merchandising & Promotions Manager

To ensure the highest level of service possible to Outpost’s internal and external customers. As a business partner with the retail management team, ensure marketing, merchandising, promotional areas, educational materials, and brand image are cultivated and maintained on the retail floors for assigned store locations. Acts as a liaison between Central Office Merchandising and retail locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Business office environment with moderate noise including but not limited to computers, printers, paging, telephones, and human voices. Fast paced retail floor and kitchen environments. Occasional work near moving mechanical parts (i.e. baler, blender, food processor, etc.). Job related travel within the metro-Milwaukee area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:
1. Customer Service
a. Treat customers, coworkers, and vendors fairly, consistently, and with respect.
b. Ensure efficient, informative, and friendly service according to established customer service vision and standards.

2. Primary Responsibilities
Leadership
a. Model supportive and participatory leadership qualities, promote team building, and motivate staff to achieve their stated objectives.
b. Treat staff and managers with consistency and fairness, in a style appropriate to a cooperative work environment.
c. Ensure that communications are clear, direct, and respectful.
d. Ensure the integrity of Outpost’s stated values in decision-making and interactions with others.
e. Use the interest-based problem-solving method to resolve issues.

Merchandising & Promotions
a. Merchandise according to the standards and guidelines for brand compliance.
b. Collaborate with department managers and staff to maintain monthly endcap and promotional area displays, to ensure they are built according to hot sheet with appropriate signage and props.
c. Conduct resets and ensure correct placement of new products in existing product sets. D.
d. Resolve merchandising issues in their departments, as assigned by Merchandising and Promotions Manager.
e. Coordinate the timely display and removal of seasonal decorations.
f. Cross-merchandise product where appropriate.
g. Coordinate the display and upkeep of store signage systems (regional/local, info signs, etc.) ensuring they are produced and displayed.
h. Ensure sign formats and templates are being produced and displayed in all departments
i. Monitor stock of logo branded products at the store level.
j. Maintain inventory and storage of merchandising props and equipment at store location
k. Conduct merchandising trainings for staff as assigned by merchandising and promotions manager.
l. Attend and participate in monthly promotional meetings, taking notes as assigned and following up with attendees to ensure promotional plans are carried out.
m. Work at store promotions and events as assigned.

Product Procurement: General Merchandise Category
a. Research new products and vendors under the guidelines of Outpost’s Product Policy.
b. Procure deals and promotions from current and new sources; select items and set pricing in accordance with criteria established by Purchasing and Category Manager.
c. Communicate promotion details to stores, pricing, and merchandising/purchasing team.
d. Create, update and maintain monthly listing of promotions available for manager specials for designated departments.
e. Attend trade shows to assist in the review of potential new products and vendors.
f. Provide product performance reports.

Vendor Relationships
a. Work with the promotions team and PWC managers to coordinate monthly promotional displays.
b. Coordinate flyer ads as assigned, including set up and communication of pricing and promotion details for associated product.
c. Process ad paperwork and follow-up on outstanding invoices.
d. Research new and potential vendors.

Local Product Research
a. Coordinate and/or conduct periodic surveys of local shops/local makers.
b. Provide results of findings to Merchandising and Promotions Manager and/or Purchasing Manager.

3. Marketing Team Participation
a. Attend weekly marketing team meetings as a timely and active participant.
b. Review meeting agenda and prepare any materials needed for discussion related specifically to your primary responsibilities, in advance of weekly meetings.
c. Participate on marketing project teams as assigned.
d. Participate in store meetings as needed to foster communication, and compliance with standards.
e. Contribute regular and timely social media updates about events, products and promotions specific to assigned store locations.

4. Education, Demos and Events
a. Audit monthly and ongoing educational materials to ensure they are well stocked and placed appropriately.
b. Audit marketing materials (ownership, general info brochures, etc.) to ensure adequate stock levels.
c. Work with Food Ambassadors to ensure food samplings are in compliance with set themes.
d. Provide assistance with in-store samplings as needed.
e. Facilitate and attend in store and outside events and workshops as assigned.