VP, Merchandise

At SeaWorld, we’re passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we’ve already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We’re seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

This role is a significant contributor to overall park performance and is responsible for the Merchandise and Merchandise Ancillary Revenue departments. This position will consistently engage with park and corporate leadership on strategic and tactical initiatives that drive revenue, EBITDA, and guest satisfaction.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Consistently engage with corporate leadership on revenue performance analysis, strategic and tactical changes to products, processes, and people.
• Maximize retail revenues through utilization of premium inventory, creative concepts, and quality services
• Direct staffing, training, development, corrective action and sales motivation. Oversee scheduling and placement of direct reports
• Develop and implement operational procedures, policies, processes and SOPs that support the Company’s long-term business objectives for continued revenue growth
• Direct oversight of department P&L. Implement department revenue accountability and programs to exceed budget targets. Develop and control the operating and labor expense budget
• Oversee consumer event planning in coordination with park and corporate leadership
• Provide daily, weekly, and monthly reporting and forecasts to senior leadership for budgeting and planning purposes
• Keep abreast of industry trends and latest technologies to provide ideas for new revenue opportunities
• Ensure product strategy is supported, and milestones are obtained
• Develop and execute creative operational initiatives that impact the business short- and long-term
• Partner with Product Activation Manager and Merchandise Director to leverage trends and product strategies across all stores

Responsibility for Others:

• Maintain a safe work environment and adhere to safety requirements.
• Lead a multi-disciplined staff of salaried leaders and hourly team members

Qualifications:

• Ten or more years of retail experience
• At least 5 years of leadership experience in retail.
• Five or more years of senior management/leadership experience
• Extensive operations background in tourism, theme park operations and/or other related high-volume business.
• Proven track record of exceptional project management and execution
• Demonstrates a high-level business acumen working knowledge of and industry developments
• Ability to effectively interface with Marketing, Finance and Information Technology departments
• Solid experience in logistics management and managing high volume guest environments
• Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to read, write and speak English
• Proven experience with managing multi-million-dollar budgets
• Superior leadership and motivational skills
• Successful experience with diverse and multi-generational workforce
• Effective senior management representation to varied stakeholders – customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
• Valid state driver’s license and be able to obtain a company driver’s license

Competencies:

• Ability to handle multiple demands with a sense of urgency, drive, and energy. Work well under stress with the ability to deliver on time
• Thorough knowledge of Cost of Sales / inventory methodology and controls in a Retail environment
• Creating a positive culture, which includes motivating, educating, and positively recognizing team members
• Ability to forge strong relationships Retail team as well as senior leadership peer group
• Demonstrated success in leading large groups of people and developing leaders
• Willingness to comply with all grooming standards and SEA standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Regular use of hands and fingers; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed.
• Stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
• Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors and cold/heat temperature extremes
• Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals
• Must be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities

Availability:

• Available to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours, i.e. be able to work opening and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and Holidays.

Work Conditions:

• Work indoors and in outside weather conditions (i.e., direct sunlight, wet and/or humid)
• Able to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work in an environment with moderate noise levels.
• Must be able to manage time wisely and set priorities effectively.
• Able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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