Dealer Product Specialist

Gibson Brands Inc. is currently searching for an experienced, passionate, and knowledgeable music industry professional to join our team.  The Dealer Product Specialist will report directly to the Director, In-store Experience & Activation, and will be responsible for activities that drive sell-through of products from Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, Mesa Boogie, Maestro Pedals, and KRK.   The focus will be both in-store and online executing best-in-class shopper and recommender marketing tactics.  A demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally, as part of a team and successful experiences working in a fast-paced retail environment is required

The Dealer Product Specialist is responsible for sell-through activation, instore excellence, Shop Pro training, and developing Gibson Brand Ambassadors. Build and maintain strong personal relationships and trust within the dealer’s organization to elevate dealer support and service levels and activate storytelling and brand excitement. Energize Shop Staff to connect via e-Learning platform and Dealer sales portal. Provide exceptional training experiences for Shop Pros to increase product knowledge and deliver a memorable consumer purchasing experience. (B2B, Online, and D2X) Coordinate with the commercial team (BDMs, DSRs) to optimize the Dealer’s brand commitment to growing annual revenue volumes.

Essential Functions 

• Instore Excellence (Visual Merchandising, Branded Elements, Tuning, Repair, Disinfection of Product, Restock, Dealer Events, Product Trials, Retail Days)
• Online Audits (Landing Pages, Category Page, Product Detail Page, Email, Social Channels), eVECTRA scorecard
• Recommender Marketing (Training, Clinics)
• Experiential Training Events/Certified Shop Pro Program for select qualified shop pros only
• Train dealers and shop pros on the eLearning platform (Myagi), implementation, and active participation
• Train dealers on Sales Portal implementation and usage
• Generate order leads and take orders
• Retail Price Monitoring (B&M and Online)
• Distribution and Competitor benchmarking
• Virtual Guitar Tech support of www.gibson.com 
• Monthly report
• Use of digital tools:   Repsly, Salesforce CRM & Sales Portal
• Support Trade Shows as needed (NAMM)

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Experienced/Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook and Business Tools
• Outstanding product and technology knowhow (guitars, amps, pedals, studio monitors, etc)
• Relevant experience in musical instrument set-up, maintenance, and/or instrument repair (Guitar Technician)
• Excellent Product Training skills
• Skilled in CRM systems as a user 
• Online and digital savvy
• Ecom/Retailing: Growth Levers, KBDs, Retail Math, Merchandising Metrics
• Good Brand & Marketing skills; knowledge of Shopper-, Recommender, and Influencer Marketing (e.g.: Merchandising, Story Telling, Shop Pro Programs, etc)
• Ability to acquire product technology skills quickly
• Fluent communication skills in English 

Required Education and Experience 

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in Retail or Etail Sales and/or Technical Representative role, or similar equivalent professional experience.
• Track record in training and developing sales associates (Shop Pros)
• Proven track record in leading explosive sell-through and consumer experiences within the Guitar and KRK market segment
• Experience in working in a premium branded consumer goods company is preferred
• Demonstrates specific, substantial experience in Retail and eCommerce business in the Music Industry (Key Accounts, Independents).
• Demonstrates an understanding of different organizational departments and functions
• Post-secondary education in Business/Marketing or related area or equivalent experience (Bachelor/Master’s Degree)

Essential Knowledge 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Project management skills combined with the ability to work as part of a team
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations
• Works in a systematic, methodical, and orderly way, and manages time effectively
• Makes presentations with skill and confidence 
• Works well within a team and cross-functional organization 

Personal Qualities  

• Adapts to changing circumstances
• Adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations
• Promotes diversity (equality, inclusiveness, and fairness)
• Works productively in a high-pressure environment
• Handles criticism well and learns from it
• Personable, fun, team-oriented, and ignites a positive work atmosphere
• Passion for music is a plus 

Travel Requirements 

• This position is based remotely
• Greater Dallas, Austin or Houston, Texas based preferred
• Up to 80% travel annually within territory & headquarters