Program Director – Mercado Ahorros
Sunbelt Merchant Group is the premier convenience store co-op in the U.S. because we provide owners access to the best pricing, best promotions, and best rebates as well as a dedicated team member to allow them to compete against large national chains.
Our passion for helping store owners is why we have grown from 400 to over 1500 locations in just the last 4 years and the Mercado Ahorros Program Director will play a key role in expanding our presence across the south and east in this unique niche.
We have 4 questions for you…
1. Do you have EXPERIENCE SELLING TO OR MANAGING CONVENIENCE STORES?
2. Are you BILINGUAL IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH?
3. Do you have an INTIMATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE MEXICAN CULTURE?
4. Do you want an OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE YOUR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
If you answered YES to all those questions, apply now because working at Sunbelt Merchant Group could be the perfect career for you! Here’s what’s you’ll get…
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Starting salary of $75,000-$80,000 per year based on skills and experience
- Annual bonuses based on program performance and growth
- Annual salary increases based on COLA
- Positive, family first, low pressure work environment. We have created a unique “lifestyle” type of career that is not commonly found with other companies. The majority of employees stay for 10 years or more because we stay true to our core values of Integrity, Ethical, Trust, Honesty and Education.
- Sunbelt is an industry leader positioned for continued explosive growth across the south and east
- Paid time off including holidays and vacation
- Paid training on our proprietary convenience store co-op program
- Ability to attend local professional sporting and corporate events in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio with the ability to see games in private suites for the Rockets, Texans, Astros, Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers and FC Dynamo
- Company car and credit card for work related expenses
- Company provided tablet and cell phone
- This is a unique opportunity to help us grow and use your skills and creativity to make a big impact
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Hispanic Market Focus: Focus on the Hispanic-driven market, including vendors, store owners, and special programming for a variety of cross category products, enhancing the market beyond a typical convenience store to include meat markets.
2. Lead the Frontline Sales Team: Provide weekly aligned objectives and support to achieve sales targets.
3. Market Expansion: Develop strategies to expand into new markets and increase the membership base.
4. Vendor Negotiations: Negotiate terms and agreements with vendors.
5. Promotional Coordination: Coordinate promotional calendars for members with multiple suppliers.
6. Marketing Event Development: Collaborate with suppliers to create marketing events designed to deliver mutual benefit to retailer and supplier through consumer value.
7. Partnership Development: Secure new product or service partnerships to enhance member offerings.
8. Team Management: Oversee and manage the performance of the team.
9. Data Analysis: Analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.
10. Relationship Building: Develop strong relationships with suppliers and members.
11. Forecasting: Develop and maintain sales forecasts.
12. Customer Feedback: Collect and analyze customer feedback to improve products and services.
13. Cultural Competence: Ensure cultural competence in all marketing and customer service efforts to effectively engage the Hispanic market.
14. Business Economics Knowledge: Basic understanding of margin calculation and general business economics.
15. Budget Management: Develop and manage budgets for various programs and initiatives.
16. Staff Meetings: Conduct weekly staff meetings to review performance and set new objectives.
17. Newsletter Management: Oversee the creation of a monthly newsletter summarizing promotional activities.
18. Advertising Coordination: Work with suppliers to promote new brand launches, marketing events, and current promotions.
19. Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with contracted requirements.
20. Department and Outlet Management: Experience in managing departments and retail outlets.
21. Training and Development: Provide training and development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and performance.
22. Microsoft Platform Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite.
23. Weekly Business Recaps: Provide weekly business objective recaps to the COO during staff meetings.
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY
1. Proven Sales Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading sales teams and achieving sales targets.
2. Market Expansion Experience: Track record of successfully developing and implementing strategies to enter new markets and grow membership bases.
3. Vendor Management Skills: Strong ability to negotiate terms and build relationships with vendors.
4. Promotional and Marketing Coordination: Experience in coordinating promotional calendars and developing marketing events with suppliers.
5. Business Development Expertise: Proven ability to secure new product or service partnerships.
6. Team Management Experience: Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams.
7. Data Analysis Proficiency: Ability to analyze sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions.
8. Customer Relationship Management: Excellent skills in building and maintaining relationships with suppliers and members.
9. Forecasting Ability: Proficiency in developing and maintaining accurate sales forecasts.
10. Retail Experience: Prior experience in convenience or supermarket retail environments.
11. Cultural Competence: Understanding and ability to engage effectively with the Hispanic market.
12. Business Acumen: Basic understanding of margin calculation and general business economics.
13. Budget Management Skills: Experience in developing and managing budgets.
14. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to provide clear and concise business recaps.
15. Technological Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
16. Event Coordination: Experience in overseeing the creation of newsletters and managing advertising priorities.
17. Compliance Management: Knowledge of compliance requirements and ability to ensure adherence to contracted standards.
18. Training and Development: Ability to provide training and development opportunities for team members.
19. Bi-lingual (Spanish) Desirable: Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required.
20. Willingness to Travel: Ability to travel approximately 35% per year.
SCHEDULE, ENVIRONMENT & TRAVEL
- Monday – Friday schedule
- Corporate office in Houston
- Approx. 35% travel required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Sitting at desk or in a car for extended periods of time
- Walking, standing, talking, listening, using a computer and a phone
- Use arms, hands, and fingers to handle, feel, and reach for items
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Sunbelt Merchant Group is an equal opportunity employer. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to reviewing your application. Hiring for this Program Director position is a priority right now so submit your application today.
Sunbelt Merchant Group Management
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
Application Question(s):
- What makes you an excellent candidate for this position?
Experience:
- Marketing Coordination: 3 years (Preferred)
- Team management: 3 years (Required)
- Sales Leadership: 3 years (Required)
- Vendor management: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Houston, TX 77060: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person