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Current Openings

Store Planning & Construction Manager

Company Background

Paper Source is a growing retailer of fine stationary, paper and craft products, with stores across the country. Paper Source was founded over 20 years ago in Chicago by Sue Lindstrom. Over the years, the company has added locations in Chicago and expanded to the Bay Area, Boston, DC and LA areas. With a mission of inspiring customers to "Do Something Creative Everyday," Paper Source has built an incredibly passionate and loyal customer following. While there is a target customer who has a strong craft skill set, Paper Source also serves a much broader market of customers (mostly women) who are seeking inspiration for some form of creative expression — whether it is simply a beautiful album, a unique card, or a special gift.

The company also has a vibrant wholesale stationary business and a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer channel (including a commerce website and several catalog mailings per year to over 500,000 customers). Paper Source sells over 12,000 SKUs and manufacturers products that account for over 50% of sales. The company has been growing at double-digit rates, and, in May 2007, secured the backing of a high-quality private equity firm (Brentwood Associates) to expand the company substantially. Plans are to expand to 70-100 locations in the next five years.

Essential Functions

• Leadership responsibility for strategic planning and overall design and construction management of new and remodeled stores including special projects as defined by corporate objectives
• Organizational responsibility for managing the entire new store process from signed LOI to Grand Store support
• Responsible for design, approval, documentation and implementation of all Paper Source’s store projects. Assumes role of store design team leader which may include new stores, remodels, quality assurance checks, retrofits, ADA upgrades, prototype updates and/or new prototype development
• Works closely with the COO, CFO and outside Project Manager to comply with the Capital Expenditures budget, timelines and actions to achieve on time, on budget store projects

Responsibilities

• Oversee and drive successful execution of all phases of construction management process for new and remodeled store program. Ensures objectives of schedule and budget are met or exceeded
• Provide lead role in evaluating and cost estimating potential new and remodeled store projects
• Lead tactical execution for all maintenance and repair functions related to current store portfolio
• Provide key interface with Store Architecture to value engineer and implement new prototype directions and support corporate objectives in an effective, cost efficient manner
• Establish project schedule, outline and refine project scope and strategize project execution to ensure project is completed on time and within budget
• Ensure timely resolution of all design and construction related conflicts during all project phases to ensure successful project completion
• Oversee sourcing and securing of resources required to achieve corporate store program objectives
• Produces installation documents (fixture plans, wall elevations, floor covering plans, fixture details, scope plans, stock room plans / profiles and final Bill of Materials) for new stores and / or remodels in a timely manner
• Coordinates and produces documents for prototype and project specific changes
• Works with buyers, design and visual presentation on fixture and visual requirements in each project and provides supporting installation documents for the projects. Acts as Store Planning liaison and develops strong working relationships with assigned merchandise and / or operations partners
• Coordinates and checks documents for quality prior to distribution to Construction Contractors
• Facilitates the development of the project design, scope and costs with the Construction Contractors, Architectural Firm and Real Estate Team Members
• Presents their individual project scopes at the Prototype meetings to senior management
• Assists in the management of new store, remodel and prototype programs, documents any field modification required
• Updates the existing stores plan file in the data base at the end of construction
• Develops and maintains orderly and complete files for all projects
• Maintains on-site presence to ensure compliance of specifications and delivery of timely and accurate project punch-list towards a satisfactory completion within 30 days
• Adheres to CAD and design standards
• Creates and maintains accurate numerical data on prototype and / or project

Requirement

• Architectural, design and / or construction management degree
• Seven years minimum experience in construction and / or design management positions
• Successful track record of opening double digit stores per year
• Successful track record of remodeling existing stores while managing the new store opening effort
• Successful track record of remodeling stores which meet sales, labor and profitability goals
• Ability to positively influence others and build consensus with large groups; strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work well with others and contribute to a positive environment
• Excellent original creation planning, design development, documentation, project management and presentation skills as related to store planning; ability to make presentations to senior management
• Mid-range fixture design skills; capable of leading major studies which involve fixture design and coaching the development of fixture design solutions; strong understanding of presentation, signing and retail operations
• Highly developed manual drawing skills to develop preliminary solutions to design problems, individually or in a group environment, prior to committing to CAD; highly proficiency in Auto CAD / Revit or equivalent CAD system
• Excellent analytical skills in relation to total store space allocation and planning, strong understanding of company’s strategic direction
• Highly motivated and committed to the development of high-quality work and personal productivity; excellent ability to coordinate multiple projects, develop and implement schedules and prioritize workload, desire to work in fast-paced, challenging and constantly changing environment
• Working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and Project
• Ability to lift 40 pounds
• Ability to travel to project sites for scope information
• Ability to work in an office environment 8+ hours a day, including use of office equipment such as PC, phone, copier machine, fax, etc

To apply, please forward your resume and salary expectation to rdutmer@paper-source.com.

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Production Associate Detail Receiving

Responsible for the accurate check in of all incoming warehouse orders. He/she will also be responsible for the detail receiving of 3rd party orders including the accurate count and ticket placement. The individual will also be accountable for reporting feedback to help drive efficient processes in the distribution center and assist with facility maintenance and reconfiguration.

• Ensure all product is accurately counted and ticketed.
• All products received in the warehouse must be worked on within 24 hours of being received.
• Assess orders for damages and inform Receiving Lead of any damages or shortages in an order.
• Recognize errors and report them promptly to the Receiving Lead.
• Maintain organized and neat work areas. Assist with housecleaning tasks assigned by manager.
• Work with the Receiving Lead/Receiving Coordination Manager and provide daily feedback to help develop and drive efficient processes.
• To extend professional courtesy to fellow co-workers
• Complies with Distribution Center policies and Inbound procedures.
• Other duties and assignments that may be required or necessitated as a result of change in the job requirements.

Minimum 1 year warehouse experience or related field.
Ability to lift 30 lbs.

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Direct-to-Consumer Manager

Paper Source is a 21-store retailer of fine stationery, paper and craft products with stores across the country. Paper Source was founded over 20 years ago in Chicago by Sue Lindstrom. Over the years, the company has added locations in Chicago and expanded to the Bay Area, Boston, DC and LA areas. With a mission of inspiring customers to "Do Something Creative Everyday," Paper Source has built an incredibly passionate and loyal customer following. While there is a target customer who has a strong craft skill set, Paper Source also serves a much broader market of customers (mostly women) who are seeking inspiration for some form of creative expression — whether it is simply a beautiful album, a unique card, or a special gift.

The company also has a vibrant wholesale stationery business and a rapidly growing direct-to-consumer channel (including an e-commerce website and multiple catalog mailings per year). Paper Source sells over 12,000 SKUs and manufacturers products that account for over 50% of sales. The company has been growing at double-digit rates and, in May 2007, secured the backing of a high-quality consumer-focused private equity firm (Brentwood Associates) to expand the company substantially. Plans are to expand to 70-100 locations over the next five years.

The scope of this role will include direction and integration of the various cross-functional activities necessary for delivering a compelling online customer experience, including:

• Website design — organization of the major product departments and determination of most critical filters for highlighting product and cross sells. Focus areas to improve include envelopes, gift, boxed stationery, custom invitations
• Merchandising and inventory management. Active management of the skus that are selected (from the existing assortment) for the web (including all skus in catalog).
  • Coordinating with Merchandising, Planning & Allocation to ensure appropriate safety stocks and reorder triggers. Also active management and retirement of skus.
  • Detailed analysis of product performance of items in catalog and on web, leading to recommendations.
  • Proactive initiation of sku selection (with merchants) in categories to be developed online (boxed stationery, gift).
  • Coordinate with catalog team on sku lists and ensuring all of these items are available online before catalog hits homes. Proactive management of web offering seasonally, even when there is not a catalog.
• Leadership of online custom invitation initiative (building functionality to facilitate easy online creation of custom invites), working directly with web development team.
• Ownership of web content, ensuring compelling text on standard elements (company direction, accuracy of descriptions, searchable text on landing pages, etc) and a creative voice that invites the customer into the unique Paper Source experience.
• Work directly with web development lead to evaluate spend on search engines.
• Work directly with Customer Service to understand customer feedback on the site and offering, integrating this back into improvements in merchandising, site design or functionality.
• Work directly with circulation consultant to ensure circulation strategies maximize investment in catalog, including analyzing the impact of purchased names.
• Develop clear plan for customer data management working with new IT director and external resources. Goal is to more effectively capture the best customer information and maintain updated shopping profiles, which we are not currently doing.

The DTC Manager will report directly to the CEO. This role will also have critical collaborative relationships with the Design/Creative team (that develops the catalog and does the art direction/photography for the website, the COO (who manages the warehouse and DTC customer service) and the head of Merchandise Planning and Allocation (who manages buy levels and determination of safety stocks).

This position will have matrix relationships with many key functions in merchandising, planning, design and operations, but will have direct reports of the web development team (which works remotely) and the web content manager.

• Online and mail-order channel growth
• Customer satisfaction
• Customer experience consistent with brand (aesthetic and functionality combined)
• Integrity of site offer (in-stock levels, basic functionality)
• Management of expense budget
• Management of productive and satisfied team, both direct reports and cross-functional partners.

• Passion for Paper Source brand and its customers. Can create and deliver the brand experience and a unique, compelling assortment value proposition
• E-commerce experience. An understanding of the process and tools for bringing a web offer to life, as well as best practices in the e-commerce landscape.
• Revenue and profit making orientation. Balances brand with rationale view of what makes sense for the bottom line. Particular analytic skills to evaluate performance of products, catalogs, promotions, etc
• Some sense of aesthetic to guide the team (does not need to be graphic artist, but needs to be able to guide towards compelling, brand appropriate results)
• Outstanding leadership skills. Inspiring interpersonal effectiveness to lead team, train talent and effect change. Track record of building talent. Able to work effectively with creative team.
• A "doer and a "builder" - enthusiastic about a smaller company and building the merchandising discipline (inclusive of process, systems, role definitions). Tenacious and process-driven to bring order to the creative process.

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Senior Web Developer

Reporting to the Director, E-Commerce, this position touches upon all technical aspects of the www.paper-source.com retail website and associated administrative applications.

• Daily maintenance of Paper Source websites.
• Design, implement, and test new web applications and services to support the Paper Source online business.
• Work with the Director, E-Commerce and company clients to help define business & product needs, encapsulating functional and non-functional requirements into system design, prototype(s), new product introduction, and support throughout solution lifecycle.
• Using product requirements develop technical specifications and related schedules for deliverables.
• Work closely with other programmers and system administrator(s)
• Investigate and provide assessments (oral and written) of web technologies.
• Ensure web applications are compatible / interoperable with each other, various web framework(s), multiple types of browsers and operating systems.
• Provide technical support and documentation for the applications.
• Work closely with vendors to provide business and technical support for integration projects
• Rapidly prototype websites with dynamic content driven from relational databases
• As time permits, devise new & consolidate older tools and applications

• Bachelor's degree required; 5-plus years of IT experience, including 3-5 years professional web development experience. Industry Standards & Best Practices such as: SDLC, CMMI, RUP, MDSD (MDA), ITIL, etc.., Comprehensive & proven QA and Testing Methodology knowledge.
• Experience with Python, PHP, or Perl as well as an understanding of object-oriented concepts. Relational database experience, MS SQL Server, MySQL or PostgreSQL preferred. CSS, XML, XHTML, Javascript (AJAX, Jquery, etc), (LAMP stack), RSS / ATOM, CMS, and Flash, Knowledge & experience of PC / Mac operating systems; IE, Firefox, Safari, Netscape web browsers; and a variety of web service protocols and interfaces.
• Familiarity with J2EE, .NET, .ASP, Django, and Interchange web frameworks

Please forward your resume and salary history to leigh@paper-source.com.

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Shift Supervisor

The Shift Supervisor supports the Store Management team through performing daily store operations, executing store plans and motivating the store team to achieve sales goals. The Shift Supervisor acts as a role model for the Customer Service Associates and consistently exhibits the standards defined by the Customer Service Initiative. The Shift Supervisor assumes responsibility of all store operations when Store Management personnel are out of the store.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Lead by example and exemplify the Customer Service Initiative (CSI) at all times.
2. Accurately and efficiently process customer transactions and returns.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of our customer registry and its importance to our business.
4. Coach Associates on performance of CSI standards and communicate performance concerns to the Store Manager.
5. Resolve customer complaints; elevate issues to the Assistant Store Manager and Store Manager as needed.

1. Support in-store merchandising needs.
2. Execute approved merchandising plans as directed by Store Management to drive store sales and increase store profitability.
3. Execute Store Manager-approved front window display and in-store signage plans.

1. Execute opening and closing procedures and the receiving of Inventory Shipments.
2. Act as Manager-on-Duty, overseeing the salesfloor, providing direction, defining priorities for Customer Service Associates and maintaining customer interaction.
3. Motivate the store team to achieve sales goals.
4. Coordinate and promote the Workshop Program and register customers for workshops.

1. Arts and crafts background preferred.
2. Retail experience in a specialty store environment preferred.
3. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
4. Positive attitude, creative spirit, and willingness to learn about our great products and services.
5. Availability to work nights, weekends, store openings and closings according to the needs of the business.

Current Store Openings

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Store Manager

The Store Manager supervises and motivates the store team, inspiring them to perform the highest level of customer service to drive sales and exceed customer expectations. The Store Manager effectively coaches and develops their team by providing honest and effective feedback, and recognizing excellent performance. Store Managers oversee store operations and work in partnership with the Area Manager to establish store priorities and sales goals. Store Managers must promote a fun and positive work environment that fosters open communication, encourages teamwork and inspires creativity.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Lead by example and exemplify the Customer Service Initiative (CSI) at all times.
2. Coach and evaluate Customer Service Associates on performance of CSI standards.
3. Ensure customer transactions are processed in compliance with Paper Source policies.
4. Resolve customer service issues as they arise.

1. Recruit, hire, train and evaluate Associates, Shift Supervisors and Assistant Store Managers.
2. Coach and develop staff to build bench strength to fill future positions.
3. Recognize excellent performance, address interpersonal conflicts and manage performance issues.

1. Work in partnership with the Area Manager and the store team to implement Paper Source’s merchandising philosophy.
2. Execute Paper Source merchandising standards to drive sales and increase profitability.
3. Approve in-store merchandising plans and delegate creative projects to associates.

1. Create short and long-range sales, hiring and scheduling plans for the store.
2. Act as Manager-on-Duty, overseeing the salesfloor, providing direction, defining priorities for Customer Service Associates and maintaining customer interaction.
3. Motivate store team to achieve sales goals.
4. Analyze Monthly Scorecard and Shopper Evaluation results and create action plans to improve store performance.
5. Monitor store maintenance issues, supply needs and inventory levels.
6. Complete weekly Store Manager Reports.

1. Arts and crafts background preferred.
2. Retail management experience in a specialty store environment.
3. BFA/BA/BS or equivalent experience.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in recruiting, training, sales generation, operations and merchandising.
5. Proven leadership skills.
6. Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
7. Proven understanding of retail and business concepts, practices and procedures.
8. Open availability and flexibility to work nights, weekends, store openings and closings according to the needs of the business.

Current Store Openings

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Assistant Store Manager

The Assistant Store Manager supervises and motivates the Shift Supervisors and Customer Service Associates, inspiring them to perform the highest level of customer service to drive sales and exceed customer expectations. The Assistant Store Manager works in partnership with the Store Manager to coach and train the store team and drive store sales. Assistant Store Managers must promote a fun and positive work environment that fosters open communication, encourages teamwork and inspires creativity.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Lead by example and exemplify the Customer Service Initiative (CSI) at all times.
2. Coach and evaluate Customer Service Associates on performance of CSI standards.
3. Ensure customer transactions are processed in compliance with Paper Source policies.
4. Partner with Store Manager to resolve customer service issues as they arise.

1. Recruit Customer Service Associates and conduct first interview for CSA candidates.
2. Lead New Hire Training and establish Create and Build Knowledge Training plans.
3. Evaluate Shift Supervisor and Associate performance and contribute to performance reviews.
4. Communicate performance issues to Store Manager and provide feedback to associates.

1. Support in-store merchandising needs.
2. Develop front window display, in-store signage and merchandising plans and submit to Store Manager for approval.
3. Delegate tasks to associates as necessary to maintain a tidy, clean, organized store.

1. Oversee organization of the register area, including customer and employee holds and cash discrepancies.
2. Monitor back room operations, stock organization, and supply needs.
3. Act as Manager-on-Duty, overseeing the salesfloor, providing direction, defining priorities for Customer Service Associates and maintaining customer interaction.
4. Assist Store Manager in executing plans to improve store performance.
5. Develop initial draft of store schedule

1. Arts and crafts background preferred.
2. Retail management experience in a specialty store environment.
3. BFA/BA/BS or equivalent experience.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in recruiting, training, sales generation, operations and merchandising.
5. Proven leadership skills.
6. Proficient in MS Word and Excel.
7. Proven understanding of retail and business concepts, practices and procedures.
8. Open availability and flexibility to work nights, weekends, store openings and closings according to the needs of the business.

Current Store Openings

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Customer Service Associate

Paper Source seeks Sales Associates who are bright, creative, energetic and friendly with prior retail experience. You should have a passion for fine handmade papers from around the world and DIY crafts. In addition to participating in creative projects and demonstrations, operating the cash register, merchandising products and conducting general store maintenance are required. Weekend hours mandatory.

Current Store Openings

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