Weaver Street Market Brand Development Manager

Description

Job Summary 

Weaver Street Market’s Brand Development Manager leads a collaborative marketing and merchandising(purchasing) team in developing cohesive, sustainable strategies for product development and procurement, messaging and storytelling, and community relationships, that are all informed by the Weaver Street Market Brand. The Brand is a "living" commitment that requires investment, nurturing, socialization, accountability, innovation, and results. 

This role oversees departmental operations, cultivates team performance, and strengthens relationships with employees, vendors, and stakeholders within the food system. 

Primary Duties  

1. Lead the Co-op Marketing and Merchandising team 

   1. Emphasize the critical role of each member of the team. Identify primary duties, priorities, changes, etc. for each team member.  

   2. Assure that the collective effort of the team drives profitability and meets the needs of the units and co-op owners.  

   3. Develop and lead the team to execute annual marketing plans and campaigns.  

   4. Utilize an effective and vibrant planning calendar for promotions & events that emphasizes Weaver Streets values, drives an awareness of the added value of membership, and cultivates a positive price perception. 

   5. Implement attractive and inclusive product mix and display. 

   6. Meet with other leaders, and particularly with Unit Managers, to build product and display strategies and to fine tune marketing strategies for key product lines 

   7. Identify areas to expand or contract according to market trends, product availability, and customer defined needs.  

   8. Work with the General Manager and Finance Manager to create and maintain the department budget within the cooperative’s budget guidelines. 

2. Enhance Weaver Street Market’s relevance to shoppers 

   1. Work with merchandisers and other members of the team to create the most attractive product mix that is priced for owners and potential owners from across the economic spectrum. 

   2. Offer products that support our community role as a “third place”, where customers feel welcome, are happy to linger, and create inclusive community space. 

   3. Refine the connection between product selection, price, etc. and the evolving needs of shopper groups. Break down barriers to more economically inclusive product selection.  

   4. Host events that educate and excite the community by introducing brands, educating the public about important issues, and joyously gather to celebrate the cooperative.  

3. Communicate the Cooperative’s Leadership in Local Food and Cooperative Business Sectors  

   1. Ensure that the Cooperative has excellent public relations, social media presence, and prepares proactive communication on topics of importance.  

   2. Advocate for Weaver Street Market, as a cooperative and worker-owned business and the regional food system. 

4. Provide Personal Engagement and Relevancy to Owners and Potential Owners  

   1. Implement strategies to understand the needs of owners, potential owners, and shoppers, engage with them through products and experiences. Consistently increase store sales and increase the cooperative’s market share in our service areas.  

   2. Enhance “customer to prospective owner to owner” pathways so that we continue to grow our owner share count faster than our sales increase.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Behaviors: 

Leadership Skills: 

Analyze Needs and Think Strategically: Identify and understand business issues and client needs, problems and opportunities; be knowledgeable of industry trends; compare data from different sources and choose outcomes with a business perspective; take action that is consistent with available facts and constraints. Project and plan for future needs of the department and the cooperative. 

Achieve Results. Take initiative to identify what needs to be done and do it, learn it or seek out assistance. Develop challenging but realistic goals and implement effective plans to achieve them. Overcome obstacles to achieving goals. 

Build the Team: Provide a workplace climate that motivates and develops employees, fosters teamwork and promotes cooperative management. Develop and use a network of collaborative internal and external contacts to facilitate the accomplishment of business results and meet goals. 

Core Organization Skills: 

Customer Service Orientation: Put the interests of customers first and demonstrate them in work activities. Respond to customers promptly and courteously in all situations. Anticipate customer needs and meet them. 

Judgment: Make sound decisions that benefit the customer, other workers and the business in all situations, including rush periods and unusual situations. 

Teamwork: Work cooperatively with other team members, both within unit and other units and departments, to achieve the best possible results. Be flexible and willing to assist others and give extra effort to meet department and company needs. 

Reliability/Dependability: Arrive at work on time and able to work each day. Perform duties as assigned and seek help when appropriate. Work effectively in a variety of environments. Be dependable in the absence of immediate management. Take on extra responsibilities when needed. 

Attention to Detail: Complete all aspects of task, even when pressured by time or conflicting demands. Manage multiple priorities, adjusting priorities to meet organization needs. Follow or establish procedures to ensure consistent results. 

Communication: Be positive and professional in all interactions with others, both internal and external. Present written and verbal information so that it is clear and compelling, adjusting style to audience. Develop communication strategies to inform and build support. Exhibit good listening skills, be able to negotiate outcomes, mediate and resolve conflicts. 

Qualifications:(required and preferred, as applicable): 

Required Qualifications: 

College degree in related field – or- equivalent experience. 

Ability to project an outgoing, friendly personality. 

Ability to work with customers and co-workers from various cultural backgrounds 

Regular, predictable attendance 

Self-motivation / direction. 

Progressive sales, marketing and/or merchandising experience. 

Familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms, such as social media, email marketing, and analytics software 

Demonstrated ability to lead staff, build sales and manage budgets and shrink. 

Demonstrated ability to negotiate, resolve conflicts, and work effectively with a wide variety of people and circumstances 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Prior work history in a Co-op is a plus 

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel applications. 

Experience in brand management 

Experience in areas of grocery store operations is a plus 

Strong understanding of the industry in which WSM operates, including knowledge of organic and local products and vendors 

Three years or more experience in professional/management capacity in restaurant or food retail establishment 

Strong research skills to help understand target audiences, market trends, and competitor activities 

Experience in finance and cost accounting (margins, sales per labor hour, etc.) sales and market, and management 

Bilingual/Multilingual is a plus 

Functional qualifications include the following abilities: 

Work regularly indoors in the office and other WSM Units 

Periodic work in outdoor environments (Co-op fairs, wine sales, etc.) 

Perform lifting, bending, twisting, standing, walking, and stair climbing 

Large amounts of typing, writing, and screen time 

Driving skills necessary for travel to the office and other WSM Units 

Occasional availability on evenings and weekends 

Fluent English is required for this customer-focused position  
 

People with a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds are encouraged to apply!