Merchandise, Area Manager

Job Status/Type: Full time

Position Level: Management

Shift/ Schedule Requirements: Ability to work various shifts and days including nights, weekends and holiday periods to meet business needs.

Responsible for managing the operation of the retail departments, consisting of merchandise and games, to maximize business results, monitor inventory and adapt to consumer buying behavior.  This position supervises the performance of seasonal managers and associates to ensure all retail locations maintain the highest quality presentation, drive sales growth and deliver exceptional guest service with a goal for constant improvement. High levels of self-motivation, leadership and development, initiative, multi-tasking and time management are essential.

Benefits:

• 3 weeks paid vacation (6 sick days, 8 paid holidays)
• Several medical coverage options to fit your needs best
• 401K match
• FREE entry to ALL our parks and water parks!

Perks:

• Complimentary tickets for friends and family
• Discounts on food and park merchandise
• Full-time and part-time employee events and gatherings

• Manages the planning, coordinating and implementing of some or all retail operations of the Park, ensuring compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, regulations and standards of quality and safety. Positively develops all Park associates and promotes division goals on a daily basis. Must be self-motivated, driven and have excellent initiative.
• Supervises seasonal staff, including instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning work of others, maintaining high standards, coordinating activities, hiring and placement, acting on associates problems, recommending and approving associate promotions, transfers, scheduling and discipline and recommending discharge. Encourages a safe, respectful and pleasant work environment.  Focuses on coaching and developing a team for long term to increase overall associate retention.
• Develops, implements and evaluates quality assurance measures. Maintains the highest retail location standards and relocates and/or purchases products as needed to increase profitability.  Creates and teaches visual display techniques following established and frequently trend driven visual presentation guidelines.  Coordinates and oversees locations set-up before Park opening, including counting in received products, moving fixtures and products, visual merchandising and coordinating product programs.  Recognizes and quickly reacts to current retail trends.  Reviews department policies and procedures on a continuous basis, making specific recommendations to improve service and efficiency.
• Achieves financial goals through preparation and adherence to labor and revenue budgets and multiple expense accounts for all retail locations in the Park. Prepares monthly and quarterly financial and inventory reprojections, monitors and adjusts expenditures as needed.  Creates, receives and reviews various records and reports including expenses, revenue, cash variance, labor dollars and hours, hiring levels, purchase orders, sales, schedules and inspection reports.
• Formulates, submits and implements pricing strategies by reviewing sales and revenue performance; determining additional needed sales promotions and closely monitoring inventory levels, product turnover and profit margin.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as immediate supervisor, other Park managers and staff, subordinates, consultants, counterparts etc. Prepares and delivers regular professional quality presentations to review past performance and deliver planned strategy for the future.
• Adheres to and enforces all Carowinds policies and procedures, including safety, appearance, attendance and EEO policies, and demonstrates a commitment to guest service in all aspects of employment.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

• 3 to 5 years related experience in large scale retail operations management.
• Amusement park, or similar operational experience, preferred.
• Ability to pass a mandatory or random drug test, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state or provincial law.
• Ability to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education, and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law.
• Excels in a fast paced changing environment.
• Understanding of federal, state and local labor laws.
• Knowledge of related accounting procedures, profit/loss statements, general ledger, and point of sales systems.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing continuous process improvement with the ability to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including most weekends and often holidays.