What began in 1980 as a one-store retail operation in Madison County, VA is today's Plow & Hearth, Inc. a national mail order catalog, Internet, and retail company.
Cultivate your career and come grow with us!
Send resumes and cover letters to:
Plow & Hearth, Inc.
Human Resources
P.O. Box 5000 - Madison, VA 22727
FAX: 540-948-7299
Madison, Virginia
Corporate Offices
Service Center
Retail Stores
Rockville, Maryland Retail Store
Job Objective: The Vice President of Creative will participate as a member of the Leadership Team. The key responsibilities will be establishing and directing the development and implementation of Creative Strategies for a multi-branded organization. Responsible for creative production channels (catalog, internet, and retail) across five (5) titles. Primary driver of brand image with major responsibility for delivering quality materials within the expense budget. Oversees catalog production, paper and print buying. Ensures collaboration and creation of synergies across functional areas such as merchandising, marketing, etc.
Responsibilities:
Develop and Implement Creative Strategies for a multi-brand organization. In conjunction with the Marketing and Merchandising departments, determine criteria and set objectives for a successful creative strategy (logo, copy, photography, design and other graphic elements) that effectively reflects a unique personality and demonstrates appeal to the customers across multiple brands:
Plow & Hearth, Problem Solvers, Wind & Weather, Magic Cabin, Hearth Song,
Insure integrity of individual brands across multi-channels. Works with Art Director, Retail Director and Web publisher to ensure each brand's personality remains consistent across each requisite channel. Channels include but are not limited to: catalog/other direct mail, internet, retail, print/radio, etc.
Participate in the development of the marketing plan. Through interaction with Marketing and Merchandising Departments, plan strategies to determine size, format, page count, colors etc. in planning future strategies for a successful business plan.
Design, develop and support the infrastructure to execute department and business strategies.
Development and training of department and related personnel.
Macintosh hardware and software systems administration.
Photography studio management and administration.
Oversee paper, print and pre-press purchases. Determine paper and print manufacturing needs as they pertain to the brand. Assess market conditions and work with outside vendors to negotiate contracts and pricing. Order services and materials and insure timely delivery.
Responsible for budget development and accountability. Once marketing strategy is set and page counts determined, build an accurate budget for print, paper, photography, pre-press, freelance and other expenses relative to catalog production. Assist other areas, such as marketing in determining costs for other creative efforts. Track expenses as they occur, notify accounting of variances, adjust expenses as needed and re-cast budgets as changes in the marketing plan occur.
Develop and implement production schedules and manage work flow. Determine dates and deadlines for production work flow. Working with Merchandising, Marketing and outside vendors to determine achievable deadlines. Prioritize work assignments and adjust tasks to complete all projects in a timely manner.
Job Specifications
College degree or equivalent work experience
15+ years of progressively responsible experience in creative production with 7 years work experience in leading a creative team for multiple titles
Extensive experience in catalog design and production
Thorough knowledge of Macintosh platform and related software
Knowledge of four-color print process in both web offset and roto gravure
Knowledge of the paper industry and specifications for large scale purchases
Ability to work well under pressure
Team player
Strong organizational skills
Strong negotiation skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish business goals and objectives.
Leads and directs strategic and tactical decision making
Responsibilities:
Develop Budgets, track expenditures
Oversee schedule development, and coordinate the production of all printed material with internal staff and external vendors.
Negotiate printing services and paper purchases to produce all projects. Oversee pre-press services.
Manage paper requirements which includes but is not limited to: estimate paper need, ordering tonnage, managing usage and lot "age"
Travel to vendors to insure optimum communications, insure quality (press checks and annual visits with major vendors either at P&H or vendor site)
Plan overall printing needs for each brand based on information from the Marketing Process Team
Liaison between Creative and Marketing and our printing vendors
Analyze production costs, co-mail opportunities, and other projects as specified by Marketing and Creative, to evaluate costs and time savings.
Insure all projects meet required postal regulations
Estimate postage costs and insure checks are sent to mail service vendors
Oversee catalog production, fine tune existing or develop new processes as the work load dictates
Oversee system administration management - work with IT and outside vendors to insure uninterrupted work, software upgrades and equipment maintenance
Oversee management of our databases and insure the integrity of our data and files
Maintain history
Work with Traffic/Production Coordinator to insure all of the above happens on schedule.
Requirements
Minimum 4-year college degree in print technology or equivalent work experience
In addition to 5+ years working in the field, specifically in catalog print production
Advanced Knowledge of postal regulations and requirements
Advanced Knowledge of paper industry and market changes
Advanced Knowledge of web offset and roto gravure four color printing processes and equipment.
Advanced skills in use of spread sheets, word processing
Keen negotiation skills
Excellent communication skills
Prompt and timely reaction to schedules
Responsibilities:
Create and edit copy for all Brands across all channels: Catalog, Internet, Retail, and for all other public relations and internal Company needs.
Manage staff and contract writers, evaluate performance, and assign appropriate tasks and duties to ensure on-time delivery of projects.
Adhere to all copy standards and all production schedules.
Work closely across departments to develop brand-oriented, specialized copy and Brand themes while maintaining consistency of messaging.
Conduct TM searches and act as a liaison with legal department to acquire trademarks on product names.
Maintain a current database of all catalog copy.
Assist artists and designers with catalog production when necessary.
Lead special projects to explore new ways of marketing and growing our business.
Job Specifications
Minimum five (5) years multi-channel marketing writing experience. Catalog experience highly desirable.
Proven experience managing a team of direct reports.
Proficient in Quark Xpress, InDesign, File Maker Pro, and Microsoft Word, Office and Excel.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and with all levels of management.
Ability to work well under pressure with capacity to prioritize and meet deadlines.
Strong organization, time management, interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
Responsibilities:
Write, proof, and edit copy for all catalog titles, internet, advertisements, and specialty jobs
Write, proof, and edit letters, instructions, product information insert cards and other
writing needs of the company as assigned
Work closely with Merchandising and Marketing departments to develop brand-oriented, specialized copy
Research product attributes and trademark registration
Maintain a current database of all catalog copy
Utilize and maintain the catalog Copy/Image Library
Adhere to all copy standards
Assist artists and designers with simple production when necessary
Job Specifications
Minimum five (5) years multi-channel marketing writing experience. Catalog experience highly desirable.
Strong background in literature and writing
Experience as a copywriter and in retail sales
Proficient in Quark Xpress, InDesign, File Maker Pro, and Microsoft Word, Office, and
Excel
Ability to handle multiple tasks
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize and meet deadlines
Accuracy and attention to detail important
Excellent interpersonal skills
Team player
Duties:
Customer Service Representatives are required to arrive for work on time every day.
Customer Service Representatives are positioned at a defined location within the service center. They are expected to keep their area clean and organized for proper workflow throughout the day.
Customer Service Representatives have daily interaction with Sales and Service Managers, Quality Assurance, Mentors, and other service center personnel.
Customer Service Representatives process sales orders and resolve customer product or service issues.
Customer Service Representatives clearly communicate information regarding customer specifications for quantities, order numbers, descriptions, destinations and delivery dates/times.
Customer Service Representatives will resolve customer issues in other queues as designated by central operations.
Job Specifications
Knowledge of the minimal requirements by passing the initial hiring tests for typing speed and accuracy, verbal communication, problem solving acumen, computers, and other tests as required.
Knowledge of basic computer skills and keys on keyboard.
Ability to pass the Inbound and Customer Service tests taken during new hire training.
Ability to provide customer service via telephone and computer.
Ability to work their weekly schedule.
Ability to work critical days as designated by management.
Ability to take customer calls and place orders on computer.
Must have high school diploma or GED, or still be in high school or in study for GED.
College coursework preferred but not required.
Duties
Assist Retail Store Manager in all day to day functions:
– Keep appraised of all daily customer interactions
– Ensure all associates are spending time productively
– Daily follow-ups on customer service issues (i.e. special orders, phone calls)
– Store opening and closing procedures
Focus on World Class Customer Service and handle all customer service related issues.
Take initiative to learn all products and procedures
Maintain the Plow & Hearth brand in the display and layout of merchandise.
Other duties as assigned
Job Specifications
Prior retail experience required
Excellent oral and written skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Able to manage multiple tasks in a fast paced environment
Highly motivated and able to work under pressure
Strong basic computer skills
Team player
Weekend and evening hours required
Possess strong leadership ability
Professional and positive attitude
Ability to lift 50lbs
Duties
Assist with all day-to-day functions of retail operation.
Serve as sales associate, providing World Class Customer Service.
Recognize customer is number one priority.
Assist Manager with layout, display, and merchandise maintenance.
Assist with product assembly as needed.
Responsible for restocking and facing merchandise.
Other duties as assigned.
Job Specifications
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Able to manage multiple tasks and work independently
Professional and Positive attitude
Team player
Weekend and evening hours required
Must be able to lift approximately 50. lbs.
Retail/selling skills desired
Neat and clean appearance
Strong basic computer skills
Flower Delivery
Gourmet Cookies
Gourmet Popcorn
Chocolate Gifts
Gourmet Chocolate
Doll Play
Children's Toys
California Wine
Unique Gifts
Household Gifts
Gourmet Food
Gift Baskets
Party Ideas
Outdoor Living
