Manager, Artisan Confections Retail Stores

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading snack food company and the largest North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products. With revenues of over $4 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company markets such well-known brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Kit Kat, Almond Joy, Mounds, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, Ice Breakers, and Mauna Loa, as well as innovative new products such as Take 5 candy bar and Hershey's Cookies. In addition to its traditional confectionery products, Hershey offers a range of products specifically developed to address the nutritional interests of today's health-conscious consumer. These products include sugar-free Hershey's, Reese's and York candies, and PayDay Pro energy bar.A lot more goes into the making of Hershey's success than just great ingredients. Behind our global reputation lies a history of innovation, a constant commitment to quality and leadership, and leading edge processes. Plus something even more special...the expertise and collaboration of our people. This position is responsible for effectively managing the merchandise, operational and marketing functions of existing and future Scharffen Berger and Schmidt retail stores. This position will assist in the development of new stores in targeted markets. The primary functions for this position is to present the Scharffen Berger and Schmidt stores and its' products, and personnel in a manner that is consistent with The Artisan Confections/Hershey Company high standards, while maintaining profitable business results. This position is accountable for collaborating on optimal site selection, hiring and training a merchandise staff to ensure maximum efficiency and superior customer satisfaction. In addition, the incumbent will develop and nurture all external relationships that best serve the stores in their respective markets. In order to create a positive customer experience, this position will act as a liaison with Hershey Retail Group to maintain the proper merchandise mixes, exceptional retail displays and a positive Scharffen Berger and Schmidt image. The incumbent will coordinate all retail marketing programs including seasonal promotions, marketing initiatives, and new product launches. The result of this manager's efforts will be an enhanced public image of the Scharffen Berger and Schmidt brands, creative store environments, increased brand exposure, and profitable business operations. Merchandise Management: • Works with HCW to plan, conceptualize, and execute a merchandise and inventory control strategy that maximizes sales, profit margin, and inventory turnover for the Scharffen Berger and Schmidt stores. • Develops and monitors financial plans by department and class. • Analyzes weekly item movement and rates of sale to determine item placement and store inventory levels. • Monitors actual to plan performance for all merchandise and ensures maximum gross profit dollars per item. • Assists Merchandise Planner to coordinate sales promotions. • Coordinates and communicates operational, retail, and merchandise functions to employees. • Works with merchandise buyer, warehouse personnel, cash accounting and systems department concerning merchandise movement, displays, merchandise replenishment, and cash register functionality. • Analyzes and monitors sales and attendance figures for stores. • Responsible for the purchase of all package materials associated with retail sales. Personnel Management: • Administers the employee relations' function of the stores. • Administers various Human Resource programs to support the business goals of the store. • Develops a written policy regarding the standards of operation of a first class confectionery store incorporating the standards of cleanliness and quality, employee appearance, employee conduct standards and customer service standards. • Develops employment strategy and tactics necessary to fulfill employment needs and minimize turnover, including employment advertising, and creative recruitment. • Hires and trains a management staff to execute the business plan and maintain the Artisan Confections/Hershey standards. • Develops, implements, and facilitates comprehensive part-time employee training programs. • Maintains a focus within the store personnel that emphasizes superior customer service and upholds the positive Scharffen Berger and Schmidt (Hershey) image. Develops employee communications, and employee morale-building programs. • Ensures the administration of HR policies in the areas of wage administration, EEO, Affirmative Action, Workers Compensation, ADA and Harassment. Marketing Management: The manager is responsible for: • The generation of sales and attendance at the stores by effectively directing the Marketing and Publicity functions. • Constantly challenging the overall product to ensure visitor expectations are exceeded. • Working with Hershey Retail Group and Artisan Confections marketing to maximize advertising dollars in effective marketing strategies to increase sales and attendance. • Managing the publicity function by coordinating and monitoring media coverage, working with the Hershey Retail and Public Relations to provide media coverage of seasonal events, and working with Artisan Confections marketing on special media events throughout the year.   Facilities Management: This position directs: • All operational aspects for the stores. • Determines the operating hours, manages special events and directs overall store operations to ensure excellent customer service and superior facility appearance. This includes repairing safety hazards, maintaining cleanliness of the building, and taking the appropriate corrective action when necessary. Manages the security and safety of the entire store. • Monitors exterior/interior building safety issues (sided walks, lighting, etc.) and makes repairs immediately to insure the security of the store customers and employees. • Manages the entire signage campaign including outside operating hours and inside directional and retail signs. • Safeguards the assets that are owned by The Hershey Company that are in the store. • Maintains controls to minimize cash shortages and inventory shrink.   Store Development: This position is responsible for: • Assisting in site selection by collaborating with Hershey Retail group and external resources (Realty Firms). • Managing/Coordinating concept, design and construction with Hershey Retail Group and outside agencies/architects/Project Managers • Implement Merchandising strategy to maximize Brand Awareness and profitability • Manage relationships with THE Marketing Team to represent and enhance corporate brand equities • Develop pro-forma/P&L's for existing and future Retail Attractions Computer Literacy Conceptual and Strategic Abilities Creative and Visual Leadership skills Managerial skills Coaching skills Decision making skills Communication skills (verbal and written) Ability to handle multiple priorities Ability to react quickly to special situations Customer Service skills Special work hours (weekends, holidays, evenings, - works a varied schedule) Planning and organizing skills Knowledge of financial concepts Knowledge of retail environment including merchandise and cash handling procedures   Education: Bachelor's degree in business or related field or equivalent related experiences. Experience: Minimum 5-7 years management experience in customer service, operations management, merchandise and retail or equivalent experience.     This position is located in San Francisco, CA. Relocation assistance for this position is not available. If interested, please apply online at http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=516384-3-723 Interested? Please apply via our website at www.hersheys.com/careers. All applicants must submit a questionnaire and resume online to be considered. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.