Regional Sales Director

Ashley Furniture Industries

About The Position

At Ashley, we’re more than a business…we’re family. As the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we know what it takes to build incredible furniture and future leaders. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses. And never settle for status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to delivering an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry. Ready to grow? You’ve come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a “Growth Mindset”, and once you join our team, you’ll learn from the best in the business. Apply today and find your home at Ashley! The Regional Sales Director is responsible for driving sales growth, quality and profitability of Ashley Stores through their store managers within a defined region. This position executes business plans, involving retail platform standards and performance measures to instill brand consistency and operational excellence. The Regional Director conducts ongoing business reviews to identify areas of opportunity and monitors store performance using financial, operations, customer service and other statistical data. This position provides inspirational leadership by instilling the highest standards, delivering superior results and achieving key performance objectives. The Regional Sales Director is accountable for leading, coaching and guiding retail store managers for meeting and exceeding strategic growth objectives, business metrics and profitability. This is done through meeting and exceeding store customer satisfaction and sales targets, which includes sales per guest (SPG), gross margin (GM), Net Promoter Score (NPS) and other key performance metrics.

Requirements

7 years of retail and sales management experience in a multi-store, high volume organization, preferably with experience in furniture retail and fulfillment based operations, Required
Bachelor degree in Business Administration or related field or equivalent work experience, Required
Knowledge of commission-based sales environment
Strong knowledge of retail and sales operations processes
Strong knowledge of home furnishings products and styles
Strong business knowledge with demonstrated knowledge of finance, management, marketing and merchandising
Strong attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
Strong skills in agility, along with the ability to pivot easily when directions and priorities changes on short notice
Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries
Frequent Domestic Travel
Flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary

Responsibilities

Work directly with the operational leadership and team members to set monthly, quarterly and annual goals for market and regional sales, gross margin, operating expenses and other key performance metrics.
Lead store management teams in meeting and exceeding sales goals, SPG, NPS and other key performance metrics; optimize guest conversion and sales tickets by ensuring the proper implementation and execution of the Ashley Sales Approach.
Conduct ongoing business reviews and store audits to identify and support the regional stores in acting on areas of opportunity and improvement in marketing, merchandising, product assortment, selling and sales floor productivity. Support the increase of store efficiencies by assisting store management teams in using staffing to traffic and other methodologies to properly manage the store
Monitor regional stores’ financial performance. Analyze operational and financial reports to determine the store’s results and performance trends; take prompt corrective action to remedy significant variance.
Maintain a presence in the stores, personally greeting and interacting with customers to observe the associate/customer experience as well as shopping behaviors.
Assist with the execution of store openings, store relocations, remodels and if necessary, store closures, to reinforce and support enterprise profitability.
Participate in market operational strategy meetings to devise best practices or performance improvement plans to address regional store needs or correct identified issues.
Lead the regional store communication process, including business strategy meetings and reporting protocols. Maintain strong relationships with store management and teams; resolve escalated store-related issues and concerns.
Participate in regular velocity walks to assess and respond to category sales performance.
Monitor controllable expenses such as, margin, credit, shrinkage, cash overage or shortage, and store-level maintenance.
Make employment decisions and/or recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, pay adjustments, etc.
Coordinate and manage the work of employees by directing members of the team to meet the area’s goals. Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being adhered to.
Manage employee performance and assist employees in making improvements to their performance through coaching, mentoring and administering performance reviews. Recommend, plan and/or implement employee training and skill development activities.
Audit, maintain and ensure employee time-keeping and absentee records are accurate.
Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities.
Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods and materials.
Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.
Perform competitive shopping to stay abreast of the local competitive environment.
Maintain reliable attendance.
Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
Complete other assignments and special projects as requested