If you want an exciting job with one of the largest off-price retailers in the nation, join Burlington Stores, Inc. team as a Manager, Sample Management!

Position Summary:

We are seeking an organized and proactive Manager of Sample Management to join our Merchant Import Operations team. This individual will be responsible for hiring and managing a team of Sample Coordinators, creating and refining the sample approval process, implementing basic quality testing protocols, and tracking the ROI of the team’s efforts. The manager will be a key point of contact between buyers, vendors, and the sample coordination team, ensuring smooth communication and timely approvals.

This role will be pivotal in the development and management of a new sample tool that enhances the sample approval process. The Sample Manager will collaborate with IT to create and maintain this web-based tool, which will track approvals, read data from existing systems and include visual documentation.

 The goal is to optimize the sample approval process, minimize inefficiencies, and enable the sample coordinators to handle time-consuming tasks, freeing up buyers to focus on final decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinate Sample Approval and Communication:

• Organize a weekly cadence for helping buyers approve samples, ensuring timely communication between the Sample Coordinators, buyers, and vendors.
• Manage and facilitate communication between sample coordinators, buyers and vendors regarding sample status, feedback, and approval timelines.

Implement & Oversee Basic Quality Testing:

• Establish and oversee basic quality control tests for samples, including color, weight, and pattern checks, ensuring samples meet buyers’ expectations.
• Communicate with vendors to ensure that all incoming samples meet the required process protocol and quality standards before moving forward with the approval process.

Hire and Manage Sample Coordination Team:

• Hire, train, and lead a team of Sample Coordinators responsible for handling day-to-day sample management tasks.
• Establish clear roles and responsibilities for the coordinators to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality results.
• Set performance expectations and track individual and team productivity.

Develop and Refine Sample Approval Process:

• Create a streamlined, efficient sample approval process that places decision-making authority with the buyers while empowering Sample Coordinators to handle time-consuming, routine tasks.
• Continuously identify areas for improvement within the process to eliminate bottlenecks and enhance efficiency.

Collaboration with IT to Develop Sample Tool:

• Work closely with the IT department to create, enhance, and maintain a new sample management tool. This tool will track item details for approvals, the confirmation of pre-production and top of production samples, store pictures, and support multiple report outputs.
• Ensure the tool is user-friendly and capable of streamlining the sample approval process for both buyers and sample coordinators.
  

Track ROI of Sample Management Team:

• Develop metrics to track the ROI of the Sample Coordinators, specifically measuring how much time is saved for buyers through their involvement in the sample approval process.
• Regularly report on team performance and efficiency improvements to the Director of Product Support.

Process Documentation and Reporting:

• Document all sample approval processes, quality control protocols, and key workflows to ensure consistency and transparency.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Director of Product Support on team performance, tool enhancements, and process improvements.

Scope and Impact:

• This role will optimize and oversee the sample approval process.
• The manager will hire, train, and lead a team of Sample Coordinators, ensuring effective sample management and quality control. They will also establish metrics to track the team’s impact, particularly in terms of time saved for buyers. Additionally, the manager will implement basic quality testing for samples and coordinate communication between buyers and vendors to ensure timely sample approvals.
• This position is responsible for developing and managing a new sample tool, collaborating with IT to create a system that tracks approvals, includes visual documentation, and streamlines the workflow for both buyers and sample coordinators.
• The role has a significant impact on process efficiency, cost savings, and quality assurance, while also driving improvements in the sample approval process. The Sample Manager will contribute to smoother operations and more efficient use of buyer time, ultimately enhancing the company’s product development cycle.

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in sample management, product development, buying or related fields, with a strong understanding of the sample approval process.
• Experience in retail or import operations, particularly in managing product samples.
• Experience working with IT teams to develop and implement tools or software solutions is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in managing a team, including hiring, training, and performance tracking.
• Experience in implementing quality control processes for products, including testing for color, weight, and pattern accuracy.
• Proficiency with project management tools, sample management systems, and data analysis tools.

Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and resolve conflicts in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of managing cross-functional relationships with buyers, vendors, and internal support teams.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced office and occasional fieldwork to visit stores and vendor showrooms.
• Lifting of samples up to 25 pounds.
• Work is in person, in office up to 5 days a week.

Come join our team. You’re going to like it here!

You will enjoy a competitive wage, flexible hours, and an associate discount. Burlington’s benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage including life and disability insurance. Full time associates are also eligible for paid time off, paid holidays and a 401(k) plan.

We are a rapidly growing brand, and provide a variety of training and development opportunities so our associates can grow with us. Our teams work hard and have fun together! Burlington associates make a difference in the lives of customers, colleagues, and the communities where we live and work every day. Burlington Stores, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity.

Disclaimer: The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position . As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.