General Merchandise Manager

Potpourri Group Inc., referred to as "PGI", was founded in 1963, publishing a single consumer catalog title. New brands were added through internal development and acquisitions so that today PGI has grown to be one of the most successful multi-brand direct-to-consumer merchants in America, serving millions of customers a year.

At PGI, we look for unique talent and skills, and above all else, passion. Our employees are enthusiastic team members who love what they do, and come to work every day ready to jump in and roll up their sleeves. Employees here take initiative, take pride in their work and accomplishments, and are trusted to work independently while being team players known for sharing ideas, support, and resources.

PGI is a collaborative team-oriented environment with an entrepreneurial spirit. Team members are encouraged to think outside of the box, be creative, and push the envelope. Ideas are welcomed and generated through brainstorming, informal meetings, and even hallway and coffee room conversations. The workload is significant, deadlines run tight, critical projects are always on the table, but everyone pulls together to “get it done” because they care. People are more than just co-workers at PGI and it’s more than just another job here. It’s a calling, it’s a community, and it’s a career.

Position Overview:

Potpourri Group is seeking a General Merchandise Manager, a key position at our corporate office in North Billerica, Massachusetts. In this position the GMM will be responsible for developing the strategic direction for all apparel sold by PGI, including and focusing on the three apparel catalog brands in our current portfolio. Responsible for leading, developing and mentoring a high performing team of Buyers in product sourcing, development, analysis of product performance, merchandising, and negotiation skills in order to meet corporate goals and initiatives as well as responsibility for the Apparel Product Development and Technical Fit group supporting them.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Full responsibility for sales, profitability and continued growth of all managed catalog brands.
• Leads and mentors a team of professional Buyers and establishes succession plans with the Buying Teams. Ensures that the Buying Teams successfully manages, develops and mentors their staff in order to meet the goals of the succession plans.
• Develop strategy effectively with senior management identifying needs and resources for each catalog brand in order to successfully meet established goals.
• Collaborate with the SVP of Merchandising to ensure successful execution of business goals and objectives.
• Provides domestic and foreign product sourcing information to Buyers. Utilizes industry connections to create unique, cost-effective, and exclusive product assortment.
• Lends expertise in product development and knowledge of sources to create PGI exclusives, and applies the technical knowledge gained in the industry to develop products with the Buying team.
• Directs Buyers to assure successful completion of all merchandise processes in preparation for catalog mailings.
• Applies analytical expertise to review results and gives input to Buying Team to adjust plans as needed.
• Manage Apparel Product Development and Technical Fit function to ensure timely and effective support of Buying Teams.
• Participates in all creative functions, planning, merchandise turnover and final review meetings with senior management, Buying and Product Development Team.
• Partner with Marketing, eCommerce and Web team to establish Best in class presentations.
• Required to attend all major and applicable trade shows, domestic and foreign, with or without accompanying Buyers.
• Required to make periodic trips to foreign markets, with or without Buyers and or Director of Product Development, to visit with PGI sources, for product development and research new sources.

Qualification Requirements:

• Prior senior level experience leading in a multi-channel, direct-marketing consumer merchandise retailer. Minimum of 8-10 year’s related experience in Merchandising.
• Progressive experience in Merchandising including prior experience as a Senior Buyer/Merchant.
• Demonstrated prior experience effectively and successfully leading and developing senior level merchandising teams in direct marketing or related retail environment.
• Strong and effective negotiation skills are required from product development to product fulfillment.
• In depth knowledge of major domestic and foreign sources.
• Computer literacy including strong technical skills in spreadsheet software (MS Excel). Prior catalog software experience a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Business or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Benefits/Perks!

• Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision and 401k with Company Match
• Paid Vacation Time, Sick Time, and Holiday Pay
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Employee Discounts, Hays Perks Program, Employee Assistance Program and Good RX

Please contact Susan Horrigan, Senior HR Corporate Recruiter at (978) 215-3793, or you may apply directly through our corporate website: www.PotpourriGroup.com.

Potpourri Group Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer