About the Company
Ann Taylor's rich heritage dates to 1954, when founder Robert Liebeskind, the son of a dressmaker, opened his first shop. Back then, Ann Taylor represented a best-selling dress style that had been gifted to the storeowner by his father. The Ann Taylor design embodied the well-dressed woman, and the Ann Taylor legacy was born. By 1983, Ann Taylor had grown from a regional, primarily East Coast brand, to a national brand with 47 stores across the United States. Today, the Ann Taylor brand is represented by three divisions: Ann Taylor Stores, Ann Taylor LOFT, and Ann Taylor Factory. At the end of Fiscal 2007, Ann Taylor operated 869 stores throughout the United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and generated more than $2.3 billion in sales.
Our mission at Ann Taylor is to provide women with updated classics that are feminine, stylish, versatile and polished and that wardrobe her across all aspects of her evolving lifestyle. Ann Taylor offers sophisticated and refined style for the woman who always wants to look appropriate in classic, updated fashion. From a young professional wanting to start on the right foot as she enters the workforce to the mother of three wanting to look best for her family function, Ann Taylor clients place a premium on how they are perceived. We strive to serve as a trusted advisor to help women with all of their wardrobe needs.
Job Description
Position Overview:
To lead and direct all activities required to achieve all store goals, including sales objectives, client service, human
resources management, payroll and operating expenses, loss prevention, and merchandising presentation while driving
both associate and client engagement.
Primary Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
Directs client service efforts that are consistent with Ann Taylor standards; coaches associates on client interactions
to increase transactions and capture client opportunities
Develops team to accomplish store’s business objectives through recruitment, selection, coaching, investment,
retention, and motivation
Ensures attainment of sales, payroll, and inventory shortage goals
Directs merchandise presentation, restocking, and recovery to maximize productivity
Understands the Ann Taylor culture, and ensures compliance with all Ann Taylor Values & Practices, and store
operational standards
Additional responsibilities as assigned by District Manager, Regional Vice President, or Home Office
Revenue Generation:
Develops business strategy and maximizes opportunities to generate additional store volume
Achieves quantifiable performances (e.g. Net Sales, ROV, Conversion, UPT, DPT, payroll, inventory shortage,
Operational Assessments, and credit cards)
Creates staffing matrix and controls payroll expenses; is able to articulate Ann Taylor's staffing process
Analyzes business reports regularly to identify inventory problems and/or areas of opportunity
People Management:
Fosters a client-focused team environment as a floor coach, driving volume and anticipating clients’ needs
Achieves excellent client service by role modeling the Ann Taylor service standards
Creates a learning environment for associates through use of Ann Taylor tools
Adheres to Human Resource standards by following the general practices outlined in reference manuals
Recruits, selects, hires and develops diverse talent
Assesses associates consistently; reviews and communicates associate performance and deliverables
Proactively provides timely feedback to associates, rewarding and recognizing to drive retention
Holds self and associates accountable for achievement of financial results and statistical standards
Manages conflict and coaches by applying Ann Taylor’s recommended processes, standards and guidelines
Empowers and involves associates in decision-making processes
Receives feedback and fosters dialogue around solutions
Develops associates through an individualized approach by matching talent with tasks and delegating challenging
assignments to stretch capabilities and grow associates
Fosters team commitment through support, relationship building, and recognizing individual contributions
Shares information and communicates clearly to all levels
Leads by managing through change and adversity
Store Operations:
Controls workflow through successful planning (i.e., daily, monthly, quarterly, etc.) and delegation
Leads execution of task directives within designated timeframes (Price Changes, MOS, Special Orders,
merchandising needs, payroll adjustments, processing of shipment, transfers, and proper claims process)
Schedules and staffs store appropriately
Ensures compliance with Loss Prevention practices and completes operational assessments to protect company
assets
Maintains the store’s organization, appearance, and cleanliness
Conducts store walk-throughs with team, communicating successes/opportunities in key store areas
Ensures compliance of all Ann Taylor practices and procedures and Federal Rules (e.g. OSHA)
Communicates effectively with District Manager, Regional Vice President, Human Resources Manager, Regional
Recruiter, Regional Loss Prevention Representative, Regional Visual Director/Manager
Recommends ideas to improve standards and processes
Product / Brand Management:
Leads execution of visual merchandising updates and product placement within corporate guidelines, and maintains
visual standards as defined by the Visual Merchandising Guide
Uses product knowledge tools to execute directives and interpret Store Sets
Brings to life company brand initiatives to the physical store layout
Initiates continuous product movement based on company directives, client profile, and