Job: Retail Contracts Specialist

Jobing Description

Description:
Papyrus-Recycled Greetings, Inc. (PRG) is seeking a Retail Contracts Specialist to join the Sales team in our office located in the West Loop of Downtown Chicago. The Retail Contracts Specialist is responsible for analysis and operational and financial decisions associated with the timely execution of PRG new independent customer and fixture investment requests. This role is also responsible for review and analysis of retailer vendor requirements ensuring fit within current PRG business models. This individual works with all levels of Sales Management to ensure quality and completeness of request submissions and execution of contract needs with PRG Legal Counsel, PRG Financial Planning and Analysis and American Greetings' Retailer Financial Services and Contract Administration Groups. The Retail Contracts Specialist may also perform Project Management duties as assigned.

Responsibilities include:
* Timely execution of all requests for new independent customer accounts, customer change in terms and retailer fixture investments;
* Analyze and assess independent contract requests for strategic fit, brand appropriateness, reasonableness, sales volume, and fit within terms and contract standards;
* Analyze approximately 400 independent retailer contract requests per year;
* Empowered to make financial decisions to approve standard retail contracts and fixture investments for independent retailers;
* Apply critical thinking and analysis to unusual/non-standard terms requests and determines appropriate course of action working with VP of Financial Planning and Analysis and General Counsel to approve non-standard term contract requests;
* Contribute to the oversight, development, implementation, and maintenance of procedures to ensure that the new account, terms change, and fixture investment approval processes meet SOX compliance guidelines and company requirements;
* Review and evaluate retail contracts for independent retailer accounts for adherence to company policy, update them as appropriate in conjunction with Legal Counsel approval;
* Complete and review retailer vendor requirements for operational fit with current PRG supported business models;
* Identify retailer operational execution red flags and work with multiple departments for resolution including Legal, Retail Financial Services, Fulfillment and other supply chain departments within World Headquarters and PRG Headquarters.
* Apply continuous improvement methods to evaluate and improve current processes for efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility;
* Update the New Account Terms and Fixture Approval Process documentation as needed to reflect changes in process and procedures;
* Train ISO District Managers (DM's) and Customer Development Supervisors (CDS's) on the new account processes, procedures and requirements;
* Provide leadership in group situations.

May also serve as Project Manager for customer onboarding, expansion or test initiatives at the request of corporate Project Manager with the approval of the Customer Onboarding and Governance Manager and Executive VP of Sales

Experience:
The qualified candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in business or related field (or equivalent experience) and the following knowledge/experience:

*Minimum 5 to 7 years previous work experience preferably in a sales operations or contract administration;
* Formal project management and/or Six Sigma training a plus;
* General business acumen;
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* Demonstrated ability implementing and improving control processes;
* Ability to lead and motivate coworkers directly and through influence;
* Superior critical thinking, problem solving, analysis and resolution skills;
* Accuracy and attention to detail;
* Must have the ability to effectively balance multiple strategic priorities simultaneously;
* Willingness to ask questions and ability to interact with all levels of the company;
* Must be flexible and have the ability to work in a demanding environment where teamwork and collaboration is essential.
* Ability to work independently with low level of oversight.

Papyrus-Recycled Greetings Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a drug-free workplace.