Director, National Store Operations

SVP Worldwide, doing business through SVP-Singer Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates, is the world’s largest consumer sewing machine company, accounting for approximately one out of every three household sewing machines sold annually across the globe. The company and its three iconic brands - SINGER®, VIKING®, and PFAFF® - have delighted consumers for over 460 years. These premium brands and products are regarded as the choice for serious sewists and novice crafters.

The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Nashville, TN, and supported by regional headquarters/sales offices located in Milan (Italy), and Mexico City (Mexico) that, combined, reach consumers in more than 180 countries. SVP has manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, a software development center in Europe, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions.

SVP Worldwide has a history of innovation and has established a leading offering in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) segment by introducing mySewnet®, the industry’s first cloud-based operating system. Its product portfolio covers entry-level sewing machines all the way up to advanced, internet-connected, leading-edge household sewing machines that retail for $18,999 and all segments in-between. In addition to sewing machines, the product portfolio includes sewing accessories, notions, garment care products as well as software.

The products are sold across a network of sewing machine dealers, mass retailers (e.g., Costco, Walmart, Lidl, MediaMarkt, Carrefour), specialty retailers (e.g., Joann, Michaels), online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Tmall), distributors, and through the company’s 180 internally operated retail stores.

ABOUT THE POSITION: This person will direct a team to facilitate operational efficiencies in our Retail Stores and throughout our corporate system. By performing the following duties, it will ensure maximum effectiveness of the organization’s sales effort, drive engagement of our gallery managers and associates.

Essential functions and key responsibilities are:

• NEW FACILITY LAUNCH AND EXISTING FACILITY REENGINEERING – Helps develop and deploy innovation in operating process, tools and practices. Incorporates “lean operating principles and standards” in all aspects of services delivered by the Retail Operations Team

• SALES – Develop, analyze & distribute various sales reports and/or information for Management and field staff to assist with achieving sales, margin, and EBITDA goals.

• INVENTORY – Coordinate, develop and/or provide forecasting, stock levels, distribution, reports, physical inventory taking, exit strategy, loss prevention etc. for the Retail Division.

• BANKING – Develop and enforce all banking processes for the Retail Division. Work with all of our banks, and internal departments to minimize costs, and risk.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – Develop, test and maintain Point of Sale hardware, software and back-office systems for the Retail Division.

• MARKETING – Assist with development, testing and maintenance of the Customer Relationship Module and Loyalty Program for the Retail Division.

• EDUCATION – Assist with the development, testing and maintenance of the ELearning System for the Retail Division. Create trainings as needed for Retail Staff and Management on such things as operations, systems, procedures, etc.

• ACCOUNTING – Develop, maintain, update and/or distribute reports as requested by the Accounting department as they relate to the Retail Division or for assistance during the auditing process. Facilitate end of month processes with accounting.

• POLICY & PROCEDURES – Create, maintain, review and update and implement as needed, all Policies and Procedures for the Retail Division.

• REPORTING – Develop, maintain, review and distribute reporting for all departments as needed for the entire Retail Division.

• COMMUNICATION – Create clear, concise and accurate communication to Retail Stores and/or Management regarding policies, updates, changes, operations, sales, etc. as needed throughout the Retail Division.

• SUPPORT—Provide first line support to the Retail Stores as needed by being available to answer phones during all retail open hours.

SPECIAL NOTE: The essential requirements listed above are to be taken as a guide. The Dealer and Retail Sales Operations department should have the ability to lead a broad spectrum of skill sets to accomplish the overall goal of retail support to the stores and management. This group would ideally contain one person that is knowledgeable in forecasting, inventory turnover, controls, etc, plus someone with a broad knowledge of banking regulations, licensing requirements both from a taxation stand-point and permitting as well. In addition this group should also contain someone with a solid understanding of data flow, POS systems, report writing, programming, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Experience-

● 10+ years of relevant business experience in supporting retail operations in progressively responsible leadership roles

● 5+ years at a top management consulting firm experience preferred

● Program and / or launch management experience is successful

Skills/personal qualifications-

● Exceptional intellectual and analytical curiosity with proven capability to strategically problem-solve

● Experience participating (preferably leading) cross-functional teams

● Collaborative approach and outstanding listening skills

● Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively – both verbally and in writing

● Executive presence

Education and Certifications-

● Bachelor’s degree in business management (or related field of study) required

● MBA preferred

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in a typical office environment. Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

● Must be able to communicate effectively with employees through multiple forms of technology with telephone and computer. Must be able to receive and convey information.

● The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, copier/printer etc as well as have the ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

● Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

● The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, copier/printer etc.

● Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

● Repetitive motions such as lifting and turning (for example: lifting a sewing machine and placing it in a shopping cart, on a checkout counter, or on a display shelf).

● Communication with customers via telephone and computer. Must be able to receive and convey information.

● Required to retrieve or reposition products like sewing machines weighing up to 50 pounds.

THE INDUSTRY

The sewing machine industry is a global industry that is experiencing renewed growth. In developed markets, growth rates are projected to outpace GDP growth, according to Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the leading industry data source. Growth in these markets is driven by the millennial generation that is increasingly attracted to personalization, crafts, and self-expression. In developing markets, the industry is expected to grow at 4% annually, fueled by the emerging middle class and the “need to sew” segment that uses sewing machines to support the household.

THE FUTURE

In 2021, SVP Worldwide was acquired by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global investment firm with more than $25 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of approximately 50 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity has committed to fully support SVP’s continued growth and to bring additional financial and operational resources to bear to help accelerate the company’s efforts.