Project Manager III

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Company: Staples
Location: Orange City, IA 51041

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Description


Job Summary:
Partners with Business Development and Sales teams to earn and retain business. Manages teams tasked with developing strategic RFP responses across multiple LOB’s, bid content, proposals, presentations, value propositions, RFP Market Basket Pricing, new business and retention margin analysis, and physical sample procurement. Overarching goal of teams assigned to Project Manager III is to present Staples in the most competitive and compelling light during client driven activities, proactive new business or retention bids. Responsible for driving strategy across cross-functional teams for the overall content development, curation and execution of RFx, proposal documents, and competitive pricing exercises.

In addition to core requirements, the Project Manager III supports “added value” projects on a regular basis. Such projects include sales collateral development, account retention strategy, key initiative project management (National Sales Meetings, executive projects), and pilot programs (Experiential & Agency Partnerships). Added value projects will utilize a combination of inputs from Project Manager III and the assigned teams and will manage the overall team workflow.

Position must understand all Core Values and competencies of the business and set strategic vision for how SPP must be positioned to “win” against competitors. Exceptional communication, both verbal and written and analytical skills are essential to success in this role


Responsibilities:


Impact on Business

Provides supervision over the team tasked with new business acquisitions and retention projects. This includes hiring, coaching, development and performance management of assigned staff.
  • Oversees the execution 400+ projects annually.
  • Analyzes the RFP to breakout the needs/requirements for each party involved.
  • Ensures resource allocation to any given project is in line with potential impact on overall business and profitability.
  • Partners with sales to determine overall strategy for RFx and acquisition.
  • Manage team project timelines and expectations to ensure critical deliverables are met.
  • Conduct client research and brand immersion to determine if correct creative approach is being applied across the scope of projects.
  • Ensure all RFP and Presentation content is updated and managed as company positions change, or as content expires or becomes outdated. This includes but is not limited to response database housed in Qvidian, PowerPoint slide libraries, case study libraries, C2 Marketing Updates, C2 SharePoint site, Capabilities presentations and BD content.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Innovation and Change

Responsible for adherence to accepted team processes and procedures, as well as oversees changes management and improvement within these processes. Agile approach to development of new processes and techniques.
Position will be responsible for the cross-pollination of the Acquisition & Retention team with the Procurement Specialist team while being a sounding board for key members of the senior management team.


Internal & External Customers / Suppliers as well as Third Parties

In addition to responding to competitive pricing and analytical exercises, the sourcing specialists will work regularly with SPP procurement to understand and maximize the competitive advantages native to our supply chain. This includes:
  • Regular meetings with key procurement personnel and sourcing team, facilitating the communication of changes to our Diamond, Platinum etc. vendors and the associated discounts available through these groups.
  • Evaluate and keep current special market basket discounts available through key vendor partners

In addition to responding to competitive Rfx, presentation and proposal exercises, Marketing Managers will work regularly with SPP sales management to understand current competitive advantages of our overall service offering. This includes:
  • Participation in key Sales and Account Management initiatives.
  • Evaluation of existing participation and evolving processes as company initiatives transform.

People Leadership

Manages team tasked with developing Staples new business and retention strategies and Rfx responses. This includes Sr. Marketing Project Managers, Marketing Project Managers, Senior Pricing Analysts and Sourcing Specialists. This position exerts influence outside of direct reports including:
  • Collaborate with Sales and Business Development team to set RFx response, sourcing, and pricing direction at the time of strategy meeting.
  • Manage Procurement Specialists tasked with ordering samples for new business acquisitions and retention projects.
  • Manage workflow and sourcing demands through team, balancing demands associated with multiple active RFP and margin analysis projects.
  • Work with C2 Brand Team Strategic Merchandiser to ensure deliverables are met and workflow is managed appropriately.
  • Work with C2 Brand Team Supervising Art Director to ensure deliverables are met and workflow is managed appropriately.
  • Support C2 as an entity leading cross-agency initiatives, resource support, and assigned projects from Creative Strategist, Director of Marketing and Creative Services, and Sr. Leadership.
Business Strategy

Will help define and execute key strategies-both short and long term


Qualifications


Education/Experience Equivalent

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field (MBA preferred)
  • Minimum of 10 years related experience
  • Experience using technology – including Microsoft Office applications, all social media platforms and knowledge of SF.com. Qvidian highly desirable

Professional Knowledge/Experience

  • Broad understanding of promotional products industry and/or company
  • Experience with collaboration and communication at the executive level of an organization.
  • Strong verbal, presentation and written communications skills are essential in order to communicate with peers, customers and management
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Must be dependable, detail-oriented and possess the ability to multi-task and handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong attention to detail and process

Other Skills
  • Ability to attend to detail and coordinate various activities simultaneously.
  • Ability to communicate with all levels of associates in the professional and courteous manner.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Comfortable making recommendations based on at times ambiguous or incomplete data
  • Ability to execute and complete projects accurately, under extreme pressure and aggressive deadlines.
  • Advanced computer skills to include Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to gather pertinent data/information by asking probing and proactive questions.
  • Ability to analyze data and interpret to peers and clients in a clear and understandable manner
  • Microsoft SharePoint skills, preferred.
  • Qvidian skills, preferred.
Staples is The Worklife Fulfillment Company, helping businesses of all sizes be more productive, connected and inspired. With dedicated account teams, category professionals, innovative brands and a curated product assortment for business, Staples provides customized solutions to help organizations achieve their goals. Interested in joining the team? Check out our perks and benefits!
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.