Industry:
Location: Midtown
Salary: $22.5/hr (DOE)
Visa Sponsor: No
Language: English: Business Level, Japanese: Business Level
Detail: Japanese book retail store is seeking an Anime Merchandising & Promotion Coordinator.
■Position: Anime Related Merchandising Division
■Work Hours: Mon-Fri 5 days/week X 7.5 working hours/day 9:30-6:00(1hr unpaid lunch time) *5days at office
■Language: Japanese language skills are preferred
■Other Requirements: At least 1 year of experience in office setting business
■Salary: $22.5/hour (DOE)
■Benefits:
Healthcare: Medical/Dental/Vision insurances (up to family level currently)
401K
Paid Vacation/Paid Holiday/Earned Sick Hour
Employee Life and AD & D insurance
Employee Discount Program
Company Position Title:
Anime Merchandising & Promotion Coordinator
Department: Anime Related Merchandising Division
Job Location: NY Office
Reports to: Division Head
(NY Store Manager when Division Head is not available.)
FLSA Status: Full-time / Non-Exempt
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General Position Summary
This position supports all Company stores in anime-related operations, including merchandising and promotions. All tasks are performed under the direction of the Division Head, or the NY Store Manager in the absence of the Division Head.
30% of the duties include discussions with publisher representatives, gathering information on new, bestselling, and limited-edition titles suitable for Company stores, placing orders and assisting with store(s) promotional activities. Effective negotiation with publishers to secure favorable terms and conditions is crucial, as is the ability to collaborate with store managers and floor staff to ensure the success of anime related promotions.
40% of the duties involve announcing and consolidating information on new, limited, and promotional products internally, placing external orders, and preparing and analyzing sales and inventory data. This includes sharing information with stores and internal departments, preparing promotional materials, generating reports, and collaborating with the Company’s Marketing & PR team for event promotions and publicizing, etc.
20% of the duties involve supporting and attending to the displays in the Anime/Manga/Comic Sections of the store (primarily the NY Store), with the goal of achieving favorable outcomes for store sales and inventory control, including processing returns as necessary.
10% of the duties involve attending and supporting anime-related events and conventions, both in-store and externally, as needed.
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Essential Job Functions
ANIME (related) MERCHANDISING / STOCK MANAGEMENT
▪ Assist the division head in formulating the merchandising strategy for the company, with a focus on increasing both sales volume and profit margins by identifying current market trends and customer demand, while seeking new sales opportunities
▪ Improve the company’s selection of anime-related books and items by making purchases based on identified market trends and customer demand; Convey anime merchandising strategies to store managers and floor staff as needed for successful implementation; Assist store floor staff with merchandising, in-store shelving, window displays, and section maintenance; Provide training to store floor staff upon request from the store manager
▪ Regularly analyze the sales and stock of the company’s anime-related merchandise. Based on objective data, propose and implement changes to title selection, while communicating with stores regarding improved shelf allocations and display arrangements as needed
▪ Assist the division head in initiating pricing strategies, including new title discounts and promotional rates
▪ Share information with store managers and their anime-related merchandisers as needed
▪ Monitor the freshness of each stock item and determine which items should be returned. Communicate with store managers to process returns promptly and with the necessary documentation. Track the status of returns and ensure receipt of credit memos
▪ For non-returnable items, plan strategies to maximize sales, and if there is remaining stock, take measures such as discounts or write-offs to efficiently clear inventory and avoid holding inactive stock. With the approval of the Division Head, various strategies will be planned and executed
▪ Support logistics by obtaining invoices or credit memos from suppliers and contacting them as needed
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PROMOTION / EVENT COORDINATION
▪ Assist the division head in formulating promotion and event strategies for the company, with a focus on increasing both sales and the company’s reputation
▪ Plan, design, produce and manage promotions and events in a timely manner to align with market trends. Market research and information gathering to identify promotional and event opportunities and generate interest are crucial
▪ Arrange promotional events such as author appearances, including negotiating and confirming with publishers and authors. Cooperation with other sales clerks is also crucial
▪ Analyze the outcomes of promotions and events to identify areas for improvement in event quality and other aspects
▪ Prepare and submit timely reports on promotions and events to the division head
▪ Collaborate with the Company’s Marketing and PR departments to promote and publicize company-wide events
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PUBLISHER RELATIONS
▪ Facilitate communication and involvement with publisher representatives
▪ Collect information on new, bestselling, and limited titles that are appropriate for the Company
▪ Negotiate improved trade terms and discount rates
▪ Negotiate better return conditions
▪ Develop co-op opportunities
▪ Maintain an effective balance between direct orders and orders through distributors
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OTHER & MISCELLANEOUS
▪ Maintain a clean and safe working area
▪ Comply with all company policies and procedures
▪ Assist management as requested
▪ Occasionally work outside of office as needed
▪ Input and process data for purchases, expenses, and invoices
▪ Input MTR information, including receiving and sending activities, into Excel
▪ Develop daily sales records as needed
▪ Assist with accounting-related tasks, including filing and organizing of documents
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Job Dimensions
Essential Job Dimensions
Accuracy, Attendance & Punctuality, Attention to Detail, Clerical Skills, Communication: Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and Japanese at a business level (including the ability to recognize assigned merchandise and display it correctly on designated shelves), Customer Service, Computer Usage, Diplomacy, Dependability/Reliability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Initiative/Follow-Through, Inventory Control, Listening & Understanding, Basic Math Skills, Multi-tasking, Office Equipment Usage, Order Processing, Planning & Organizing, Problem Solving, Product Knowledge, Relationship Building, Research, Team Participation, Time Management, Typing Skills, Vendor Relations.
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Qualifications
Education & Work Experience
▪ Minimum of two years of previous experience in a similar role
▪ Familiarity with illustrated and general interest trade books and items, including children’s titles
▪ Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with working knowledge of Back Office System, Publine, ipage, BookLiner and K-note
▪ High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or an equivalent combination of education and experience
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Tools & Equipment
▪ A dedicated workspace with a desktop PC will be provided
▪ An email address specific to the position will be assigned
▪ Access to essential sales data will be granted
▪ Available equipment includes a Fixed Phone, Fax Machine, Printer, Calculator, barcode scanner, barcode creation machine, Shrink-wrap machine, label printing machine, dolly, and more
▪ Software includes the Windows operating system and Back Office (stock management system) among others
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Certificates / Licenses
None
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Supervisory Responsibilities
None
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Work Environment & Physical Demands
Work Environment
The described work environment characteristics reflect those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This role operates within a retail sales environment, ranging from a moderately quiet office setting to the busier and noisier conditions of a retail floor. Occasional travel is required, primarily by car or air, depending on the nature of the business trip. Overnight travel may also be required in certain cases.
Physical Demands
The physical demands outlined here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
While performing the duties of this role,
