Sales Manager

Canoga Park, CA

Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) has been the premier destination for luxury fashion and goods, superior service, and an elevated retail experience for more than a century. Today, 9,000 associates contribute to the success of NMG’s brands: Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow. There are 38 full-line Neiman Marcus stores in cosmopolitan markets across the United States and a sophisticated digital platform that attracts shoppers worldwide. Bergdorf Goodman operates two stores in landmark locations on Fifth Avenue in New York City and BergdorfGoodman.com, catering to loyal luxury customers globally. NMG also owns five Last Call stores and Horchow.com, an e-commerce site that offers premium furniture and home decor.

As an organization, NMG is on a transformational journey to become the preeminent luxury customer platform. NMG continues to deliver the best integrated customer experience and has evolved the business to succeed in the ever-changing retail landscape. NMG is a relationship business. What differentiates the organization from other luxury retailers are its unique assets: a strong store footprint, the most knowledgeable associates, an engaging online experience, solid brand partnerships, innovative digital and in-store experiences, the most loyal luxury customer base, and a strong balance sheet.

Our customers will always be at the center of everything NMG does. The company continues to reinvest in new technologies that enhance the customer experience. NMG meets customers where they are. NMG’s goal is to offer customers a seamless experience across its stores, online, and remote digital selling.

NMG’s priority is to develop a highly engaged and high-performing team where everyone belongs. The business attracts and retains best-in-class talent through unique offerings provided to associates in addition to standard employer benefits. These include an innovative way of working, associate discounts on merchandise, tuition reimbursement, associate hardship fund, and paid time off to volunteer, to name a few.

As part of NMG’s Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) work, the organization is focused on driving its core value of being “All Heart.” NMG is also assessing its current environmental and social impact while developing a three-year plan to lead the luxury industry in its commitment and transparency to environmental and social sustainability. NMG strives to become an employer of choice, driven by a culture of Belonging. A dedicated team focuses on this journey, directly impacting how NMG conducts business throughout the workforce, workplace, and marketplace dimensions.

NMG has incredibly passionate and committed corporate and store associates. NMG offers associates an environment where everyone feels welcomed, nurtured, and empowered. Our associates are the heart of NMG. As an organization, NMG leads with love – love for customers, love for associates, and love for brand partners.

Summary Statement: The Sales Manager is responsible for the sales experience of a Neiman Marcus store department(s), facilitating partnerships across functions, driving team towards goals, and leveraging team skills to build a customer-driven sales experience, all while being a steward of Neiman Marcus.

Responsibilities & Duties

Business Ownership

Drives towards the achievement of maximum sales and growth in line with company vision and values in partnership with other functional leads for department
Oversees all aspects of merchandise and communications with merchant and vendor partners (e.g., presentation, returns, damages)
Manages team execution, anticipating and adjusting for risks and roadblocks to maintain operational excellence within department(s)
Provides input on strategic objectives for the store and sets priorities accordingly by department
Reviews business with applicable Buyers for department and discusses action plans that will yield positive results
Establishes plans and strategies in partnership with Client Development Lead(s)
Develops understanding of and analyzes internal and external customer behaviors, trends, and preferences, adjusting processes and standards accordingly (e.g., focus programs)
Plans and executes departmental budgets and ensures guidelines are being followed to minimize operating expenses and maximize revenue
Supports audit compliance to enforce department and stockroom controls, as applicable

People

Manages people, product and placement, and sales promotion within department
Recruits, hires, trains, and develops sales team, as applicable
Owns Associate performance management, career development, and coaching as needed
Recognizes outstanding Associate performance, addresses opportunities for improvement, and quickly resolves issues
Communicates expectations for Associate behavior and holds Associates accountable
Manages team's daily prioritization of tasks
Sets goals for team in alignment with department objectives and supports Associates in achieving them
Oversees scheduling of department Associates with sensitivity to promotional calendar and business needs

Customer Experience

Exhibits NMG culture and values, and creates a friendly, upbeat atmosphere where customer service is consistent with Neiman Marcus standards
Partners with Client Development, Brand Experience, Restaurants, Merchants, and Brands to deliver an extraordinary customer experience
Maintains a strong presence on the floor and is aware of what is happening throughout the day
Proactively builds positive and productive relationships with vendors, customers, merchants, etc.
Builds a cohesive customer service-driven team, overseeing customer service efforts and escalations
Partners with functional leads for execution of in-store selling events
Seeks to help others by identifying and meeting the needs of the team, customers, partners, and the community

Sales Experience Manager*

In addition to the above requirements, manages Alterations team**, Service Ambassador team, and Customer Service team, as applicable

Personal Stylist Manager*

In addition to the above requirements, manages Alterations team** and Personal Stylist team, as applicable

**Store leadership will place Alterations / Sales Support teams as needed in their specific stores

Qualifications

4-6 years of relevant experience, luxury retail fashion experience preferred
4-year degree preferred
Proven track record achieving business results
History of building, leading, motivating, and coaching teams to achieve objectives
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong attention to detail
"Win together" mentality
Basic proficiency with MS Office Product Suite, advanced proficiency preferred
Certain roles may require standing, bending, climbing stairs, and lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds
Associates must be willing to work a flexible schedule based on business need, which will include evenings, weekends, and holidays

Competencies

Passion for People

Creates and maintains an environment of trust and collaboration by encouraging team members to share feedback and make recommendations for improvement
Resolves conflicts as soon as they arise, finding common ground and settling disputes fairly and with minimal disruption
Structures messages in a clear logical manner using the most appropriate communication medium
Responsible for the performance and career development of direct reports
Actively recruits and hires quality talent to add to team, planning for and creating talent bench
Trains and develops quality talent by supporting team members in identifying career development goals and opportunities for growth and exposure
Evaluates and calibrates performance fairly and provides feedback with consistent follow-up
Assures that rewards are tied to objectives and requirements
Promotes a positive environment of achievement, recognition, and celebration
Serves as a role model by establishing and adhering to high ethical standards
Leads team in appropriately enforcing policies and procedures, ensuring understanding from all Associates
Speaks with truth and candor, modeling how to challenge the status quo appropriately
Empowers and coaches team to take ownership of internal and external customer problems and resolve them quickly
Creates a gracious and welcoming environment for internal and external customers as well as other partners

Passion for Business

Stays informed of business drivers, industry trends, and competitors, applying knowledge to identify and pursue new opportunities
Establishes well-thought-out plans and manages execution of plans, anticipating and adjusting for risks and roadblocks
Tracks progress against departmental strategies to execute properly and successfully
Proactively shares information, best practices, and new ideas with team to improve business and performance
Demonstrates strong decision-making skills (e.g., problem definition, data analysis, hypothesis testing, asking for input)
Uses critical thinking skills to analyze problems and to recommend viable solutions
Personally champions change initiatives, explaining benefits and challenges of change to team and others impacted

Passion for Personal Growth

Continuously builds skills and knowledge through training, coaching, and career experiences
Demonstrates a working knowledge and appreciation of the NMG business and the fashion industry
Conveys energy and enthusiasm for NMG and personal work
Adapts personal approach in response to diverse situations and people
Responds to unexpected changes in work environment with creativity and resilience
Establishes and upholds high personal standards for individual work and environment
Maintains a customer-centric mentality versus a solely store-centric one

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties, responsibilities, or activities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Information

Posting Date: Nov 11, 2022
Overtime Status: Exempt
Job Notice: Neiman Marcus will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history as required by applicable law.