Operations Manager - Target

Company Overview

The Bluebird Group is a manufacturer’s representative and consulting firm serving as an invaluable partner to some of the most innovative brands and multinational retailers. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions, focusing on growth, expertise, data, and fostering relationships.

Job Summary

We are seeking an Operations Manager to join our Target team in our office in Minneapolis, MN. This role is ideal for someone who is excited to drive successful business partnerships between Target and our vendor partners while leading a team of Retail Account Managers. If you're looking to grow professionally and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Account Management 60%
  • Build strong relationships with both our vendors’ operations teams and Target’s merchandise planning teams
  • Demand Planning/Forecasting – facilitate and analyze forecasts to optimize the business for both the vendor and Target
  • Drive supply chain initiatives to improve on time/ right quantity delivery to Target
  • Monitor in-stock needs and provide a proactive strategy to solve the stock problem
  • Analyze vendor performance metrics and identify issues and root-causes, ultimately solving vendor performance issues or problems
  • Monitor customer purchase orders
  • Create and maintain new items in Target’s system
  • Provide vendors with at least weekly sell-through analytics and other information to help optimize the business
  • Maintain accurate records regarding program agreements, pricing, product information, order status, planning issues and vendor set-ups
  • Ensure that the internal accounting system is up to date with accurate shipping and invoicing information for cash flow purposes
  • Work closely with other Retail Account Managers in complex problem solving, and best practice creation
  • Educate vendors on Target and the processes used (planograms, advertising, shipping, GSN set up, etc)
• Team Leadership 40%
  • Manage a team of 5–8 direct reports, including onboarding, training, and professional development.
  • Drive continuous improvement in processes, workflows, and team performance.
  • Serve as the go-to resource for team questions, problem-solving, and escalation management.
  • Serve as point of contact for team member time off 
  • Establish performance goals and conduct regular check-ins and evaluations.
  • Partner with HR on recruitment, hiring, and employee engagement initiatives.
  • Lead team meetings, provide guidance, and support daily operations.

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in retail, business, marketing or a related field is required
• 5+ years' experience in account management, client services, or a related field. 
• Experience working with Target on the corporate retail or vendor side is required
• Working knowledge of Target’s internal item and inventory management systems
• Experience with demand planning and forecasting
• Ability to analyze data, identify issues and make recommendations
  
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Parking/Commuting Stipend (for those working in our Minneapolis office)
• Cell Phone Plan or Reimbursement
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• HSA (with employer match)
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) (with employer match)

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The ability to:

• remain seated or standing for extended durations, often more than 50% of the workday. 
  
• constantly operate a computer and other office equipment like printers, calculators, and copiers. 
• use one's hands for tasks like typing, grasping, and using a mouse. 
  
• move items such as boxes of files, office supplies, or other equipment that weigh up to 10-20 pounds. 

Disclaimer: This job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. Responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, might be required.

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