POSITION SUMMARY: The Associate Director is a critical partner at the center of Miller Zell's point-of-sale (POS) business operations. This role is responsible for advancing the administrative and technological focus of the POS division-including data analytics reporting, inventory management, billing, production flow, and operational improvements-while serving as a trusted strategic partner to both the Bentonville leadership team and assigned client contacts.

Central to this role is a deep, collaborative partnership with WPS. The associate director is responsible for cultivating and maintaining this relationship, identifying opportunities to streamline shared workflows and positioning WPS as a key enabler in the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective POS solutions. A particular emphasis is placed on leading new automation efforts for reprints, inventory management and other administratively intensive functions - reducing manual effort, improving accuracy and creating scalable efficiencies across the run-the-business arm of the POS operation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Own and nurture the strategic partnership with WPS, maintaining strong day-to-day communication and continuously identifying opportunities to improve joint processes and outcomes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client relationships, ensuring responsiveness, trust and alignment throughout every engagement.
• Participate actively in client meetings and billing reviews, representing Miller Zell's commitment to quality, transparency and accountability.
• Effectively communicate client needs and expectations to the project team; prepare and maintain status reports for all ongoing activities.
• Lead the run-the-business function within the POS division, owning operational rhythm, reporting and day-to-day execution.
• Assist the Bentonville leadership team with forecasting, strategic planning and long-range thinking to ensure the team is well-positioned for growth and continued efficiency.
• Observe Bentonville functions holistically, identifying gaps and recommending better ways of working - with particular attention to strengthening alignment and collaboration with the Miller Zell Atlanta team.
• Champion process improvements across the division, with a strong focus on automating reprints and reducing the administrative burden of high-volume, recurring tasks.
• Lead a cross-functional initiative to make reprints and inventory management less manual and more automated, partnering with WPS, internal operations, vendors, and technology stakeholders to define future-state workflows, improve inventory visibility, reduce duplicate entry, and establish scalable controls for recurring POS needs.
• Monitor existing workflows for inefficiencies and drive solutions that create lasting operational gains, especially for reprints, canned orders, and internal projects.
• Negotiate and obtain competitive vendor quotes, prepare detailed cost estimates, and issue purchase orders in accordance with approved Miller Zell practices and standards.
• Establish, maintain, and grow effective working relationships with print vendors, positioning Miller Zell as a preferred and trusted client.
• Attend and assist with press checks as needed to ensure print quality meets client expectations and Miller Zell standards.
• Own program planning, scheduling, and deliverable management for various print production projects, managing the full process from intake through delivery.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders, bills of materials, work orders, and change orders.
• Ensure consistency and quality control throughout the print production process, keeping all delivered orders within budget and on schedule.
• Administer Noosh to maintain accurate project records and support efficient workflow management.
• Monitor costs continuously and drive cost reduction strategies that improve profit margins without compromising quality or production standards.
• Assist in the coordination of logistics, packaging, and shipping of products and projects at vendor locations and Miller Zell warehouses.
• Some travel may be required depending on client scope and project needs.

MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS:

• As observed by the manager and others.
• Review of documentation.
• Responsibilities are performed in a professional, safe, competent, and efficient manner as determined by project outcomes and other internal and external processes.
• Conduct and interpersonal relationships contribute positively to the delivery of quality results and services, and to orderly operation of the department and the organization.
• Skills are maintained and enhanced through continuous learning, willingness to be flexible and change, work with team members, participation in planning activities, and attendance at in-service and continuing education programs.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous experience in managing multimillion-dollar projects for Fortune 500 companies
• The ability to develop and continue trusted relationships with the client
• 10 or more years of demonstrated experience in project management and client relations
• Must have experience in the retail or retail design industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Presentation skills to audiences of various sizes and levels of authority
• Proven ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and collaborate across multiple business units

Special Skills/Qualifications: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical information and procedures. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to effectively present information, train others, and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and employees.

MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The incumbent must manage stress appropriately; make decisions under pressure; handle multiple priorities; work alone; work in areas that are confined and/or crowded.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The incumbent may be exposed to toxins, chemicals, and extreme temperatures (30degrees F - 115 degrees F), dust, fumes, moving mechanical parts, high-pitched noises, or gases. The incumbent will spend approximately 90% of their time indoors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: SEDENTARY WORK: Lifting 40 lbs. maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying articles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus

CONTACTS / INTERACTS WITH: Employees and Clients