Summary

Under the direction of the General Manager, the Assistant General Manager of Merchandising (AGMM) is responsible for increasing sales by focusing on driving the selling process through developing and managing effective selling teams, creating a service and selling culture that delivers results and ensuring the alignment of the merchandise to local needs and opportunities. The Assistant General Manager of Merchandising is responsible for developing a high performance selling organization; ensuring that all selling associates have clear selling strategies as well as broad product knowledge, and effectively coaching selling managers and associates to achieve selling goals, while ensuring that the customer service experience as delivered by the store team consistently exceeds customer expectations The Assistant General Manager of Merchandising understands that the success of the organization is tied to the quality and performance of the team, and is responsible for developing, motivating and retaining talent in order to drive sales results and maximize store volume. The AGMM role is a final step along the career path to becoming an SFA store Vice-President/General Manager and may include multiple store assignments, therefore complete mobility within the United States is required.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Saks Fifth Avenue clienteling culture through coaching and mentoring of the Client Development team.
• Directly oversees all Selling Managers except within the Fifth Avenue Club.
• Be responsible for developing top talent Selling Managers to promotability.
• In partnership with the VP/GM and RSM, act as the Chief Merchant for the store to ensure the alignment of merchandise to local needs and opportunities.
• Execute the VP/GM’s strategic vision.
• Drive towards the achievement of maximum sales and growth in line with company vision and values in partnership with other functional leads for all sales departments.
• Analyze and develop understanding of internal / external customer behavior, trends, and preferences, adjusting processes and standards accordingly (e.g. focus programs).
• Facilitate cross-functional communication across store departments to optimize collaborative efforts.
• Fulfill store senior leadership responsibilities, including attending daily, weekly, and monthly meetings
• Actively participate in, and in the absence of the VP / GM, facilitate Store Senior Leadership team meetings.
• Partner with Merchant and Planning Organization Leaders and Regional team to determine appropriate strategies and action plans for the store to yield positive results.
• Ad hoc responsibilities as needed
• Serve as coach to the Management team to enhance the effectiveness of their leadership style and increase the engagement of their teams.
• Collaborate with the Centralized Recruiting team, as appropriate, ensure jobs are filled in order to drive business.
• Oversee people, product and placement, and sales promotion
• Oversee Client Development team performance and objectives through management of SGMs
• Recognizes outstanding Associate performance, addresses opportunities for improvement, and quickly resolves issues
• Tailor leadership style to appropriately set expectations and coach for growth for different levels of direct reports
• Set goals for Associates in alignment with department objectives and supports in Associates in achieving them
• Develop, motivate, and train the management team in all aspects of the store.
• Provide consistent and frequent communication so all team members are aware of the store vision, goals, and expectations.
• Champion SFA culture and values, and manage team to create a friendly, upbeat atmosphere where customer service is consistent with SFA.
• Partner with Client Development, Brand Ambassador, Merchants, Vendors and Regional teams to fulfill strategic efforts.
• Oversee the floor to monitor and ensure coverage and presence.
• Build a Customer Service-driven team, overseeing Customer Service efforts and escalations.
• Partner with functional leads for execution of in-store selling events
• Seek to help others by identifying and meeting the needs of the team, customers, partners, and communities

Requirements

• 5+ years of management experience with luxury retailers or comparable experience.
• Willingness and ability to relocate anywhere within the United States
• Knowledge of technology, including MS Office, G Suite and clienteling tools.
• Willing and able to relocate anywhere in North America, as required
• College degree, or equivalent experience.
• Flexible in scheduling as the business needs including evenings, weekends and holiday schedules.