Retail Experience Manager - Indian Motorcycle & Slingshot - Central Canada

At Polaris Inc., we have fun doing what we love by driving change and innovation. We empower employees to take on challenging assignments and roles with an elevated level of responsibility in our agile working environment. Our people make us who we are, and we create incredible products and experiences that empower us to THINK OUTSIDE.

The Retail Experience Manager (REM) is responsible for the in-store execution of the motorcycle division’s go-to-market plans as well as growing both Motorcycle unit sales and parts, garments and accessories (PG&A) business within the assigned territory (Central Canada). Through strategic partnerships with business units, the Dealer Demand team, and dealers, the REM is responsible for Motorcycle unit sales, PG&A revenue and stocking goals; Driving customer satisfaction, dealer and business unit profitability. The REM will also be responsible for in-store retail experience, including merchandising of whole good units, branded accessories and apparel. The REM will execute in-store product and customer experience training, as well as support local and regional events and ensure dealers are compliant with brand standards. This REM will support Central Canada with dealers primarily in Ontario, but also Manitoba, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. For ease of travel, the ideal candidate would be located in the Greater Toronto Area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Retail

• Works with dealerships to identify opportunity gaps using Key Performance Indicators.
• Works with dealer to implement corrective measures to eliminate constraints in the dealer’s sales process.

Parts, Garments, Accessories Performance

• Works with dealerships to meet division stocking and inventory goals of branded parts, garments and accessories inclusive of stocking and minimizing obsolete inventory.
• Ensures proper in-store and online sales processes to maximize dealer PG&A profitability.
• Solicits and maintains compliance of PG&A stocking profiles.
• Optimize the buying experience through robust PG&A merchandising.
• Develop and execute PG&A retail plans.

In Store Retail Experience

• Lead showroom merchandising and accessorizing strategies to improve the overall retail experience.
• Communicates merchandising successes, opportunities, and solutions to sales leadership and PG&A teams to drive results.
• Drives sales and profitability through proper merchandising and overall presentation of motorcycles and PG&A within assigned dealerships.
• Drive PG&A performance and profitability through the implementation of a PG&A sales process.
• Ensure product displays are set timely and correctly based on merchandising fundamentals and designated planograms.
• Work with dealers to maintain proper inventory through the setting of appropriate stocking profiles.
• Direct dealers to proper resources, communicate with internal partners and escalate when appropriate to quickly resolve issues.

Customer Experience

• Lead customer-first mindset across the assigned dealer network.
• Review customer satisfaction measurement tools and KPIs to understand strengths and opportunities.
• Implement corrective and preventative procedures in store to ensure positive customer experience and dealer ratings.

Train

• Deliver training to dealer sales staff in critical areas of sales process and product knowledge.
• Deliver training to improve dealer customer satisfaction in the dealership.
• Ensure dealer staff is current on required training modules.

Audit

• Protect and grow share of store: Manage share of floor, wall and displays for each motorcycle brand.
• Confirm proper point of purchase materials set in store and online.
• Sell-in and monitors division branding requirements.

Event Support

• Supports the motorcycles field sales, events, and marketing teams in the planning and on-site execution of national, regional, and local sales events.
• Enhances customer experience at events by providing a consistent, professional representation of the Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot brands.

Brand Advocate

• Cultivate positive relationships with dealership teams.
• Maintain front-of-mind brand awareness and brand loyalty.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field strongly preferred.
• 2-3 years of business and/or retail experience required; Business to Business sales and Powersports industry experience preferred.
• Strong ability to influence decision-making and ability to construct a business case to accomplish desired business unit goals.
• Working knowledge of dealer systems and processes and merchandising within a retail operation.
• Ability to apply value selling principles and win through influencing.
• Understanding, appreciation, and passion for the motorcycle industry.
• Proficient in all MS Office software suites.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Must appreciate and maintain the highest level of customer service through relationship building and meeting commitments.
• Works semi-independently while taking direction/advice from manager and senior team members.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to reside in the territory, preferred location is in the Greater Toronto Area.
• Road Warrior – Extensive daily travel within a territory of up to 80%.
• Monthly travel could include up to eight overnights or more.
• Will be responsible for monthly travel to dealerships located in Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent bending, twisting, stooping, reaching, and lifting.
• Required to stand on a cement floor for long periods of time.
• Some travel to remote locations and Polaris corporate locations may be required.
• Work from your home office with support from the corporate location.