Description :
Job Title: Field Marketing Manager
Job Category: Sales
Product: (Not Product Specific)
Date Posted: 09/24/2008
Job Code: 243949
Location: (Non-location specific)
Travel Required:
The retail channel is vital to Microsoft's growth not only for the direct revenue it generates, but also due to the retail channel's unique ability to help build brand equity and engagement due to its outreach to consumer and small business customers worldwide. Microsoft has a long history of working with partners to reach end customers and this certainly applies to our retail go-to-market approach. Microsoft has developed tremendous relationships with retailers and distributors worldwide making our retail success possible. Windows has become one of the most engaging and recognizable consumer brands in the world today. Yet even with this fantastic consumer presence, the opportunity for growth in both our traditional PC business, as well as our new online services business with Windows Live has never been greater.
The Guru District Manager will have direct accountability for managing the Gurus assigned to their team. In direct partnership with the Gurus they will be creating a transformed approach to managing MS consumer presence at retail that emphasizes the unique benefits of our model vs. our competitors. The focus will be on creating MS brand visibility, differentiation, & excitement, ultimately driving & improving the purchase experience at retail by innovating, educating, and inspiring. District Managers will develop strategies to improve customer service, drive store sales, and increase profitability. They will ensure customer needs are met, complaints are resolved, and service is quick and efficient. District Managers will forecast staffing needs and develop a recruiting strategy to provide optimal staffing in all areas.
The qualified candidate will possess superior organizational, team-building and management skills. Candidate will also have to be able to effectively communicate, motivate and lead a team of retail-based personnel and be able to travel when managing remote markets.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
Management
Manage a team of up to 12 In-Store or Area Gurus
Provide Support &Training for Gurus
Review Guru reports - engage in trend analysis
Serve as an escalation point responding to Retailer/Customer inquires
Presenting
Assist in fine tuning demo scripts and training Gurus
Participating in store events
Performing customer workshops
Together with Gurus, train (formal and informal) RSPs on how to do demos
Relationship Building
Build strong working relationship with Retail Management Staff (local and district)
Attend/conduct meetings re: goals, program overview, and process
Building trust/rapport
Communicate regularly/effectively with management
Communicate regularly/effectively with store staff
Facilitate Sales Environment
Adding accessories/products to sale
Building rapport/customer store/brand loyalty
Establishing credibility of Gurus with customers and retailers
Finding ideal product/services to fit customer needs (PC solution)
Operations
Accommodating store needs
Attaching tech services/warranties
Knowing inventory
Knowing promotions
Escalation point for RSP questions
Escalation point for technical questions
Assisting store needs (what they want to push, etc)
Key Interfaces/Relationships:
Gurus
MS Retail Services Team
MS Sales and Marketing Team
In-Store Customer
RSP
Field Merchandising Team
Store Management
Key Competencies/Knowledge:
Passion for technology and MS products with overall strong technical aptitude and the ability to learn multiple software programs
Ability to convert technical speak to a level that a non-technical customer can understand
Excellent verbal and presentation skills
Great attitude and a passion for driving results
Strong problem solving and negotiation skills
Ability to deal with ambiguity and dissatisfied customers
Friendly, Professional demeanor
Ability to work in a fast paced team environment, available to work flexible hours, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and to work/travel to multiple locations within a district
Proven ability to recruit, train, and motivate in-store retail personnel and a virtual team
Proven ability for improving the customer in-store retail experience
College degree preferred or 5-7 years experience managing a team, including virtual members in the technical and/or retail industry (retail experience strongly preferred)
Available for travel when required