Single Copy & TMC Zone Manager

Job Description

Revenue, expenses, sales, customer service, logistics, operations, analytics, and advertiser satisfaction. Manage, plan, and implement programs that meet the needs of the advertiser and customer through direct communication with department managers resulting in proper continuity of delivery, collection and sales while working with independent contractors through contract management and orientation to reach their maximum potential and achievement of circulation penetration and revenue growth objectives of the Houston Chronicle. Manage TMC operations and work with independent distributor to achieve Houston Chronicle and advertiser goals of zone integrity, customer service and route delivery penetration in an ever-changing landscape.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor and determine the activities to ensure independent contractors are meeting their contractual responsibilities for the distribution, sale and collection of the Houston Chronicle and client publications.
• Resolve problems and address customer concerns.
• Maximize the sale potential of the Houston Chronicle through proper distribution, sales opportunities, and collections.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, superiors, and both internal and external customers.
• Work closely with the TMC distributor to ensure delivery and zone integrity goals are met.
• Ability to make critical decisions based on market knowledge and analytical analysis of market conditions.
• Provide and support a system of analysis that continuously improves circulation operations.
• Analyze the distribution budget on a periodic basis and recommend direction to comply with accepted guidelines and company goals.
• Understand and maintain the Independent Contractor relationship.
• Attend and contribute to regular departmental meetings to provide direction and information to maintain a cohesive, well-informed unit.
• Assist other departments including Home Delivery as may be necessary.
• Communicate regularly with the Executive Director of Distribution informing of problems and progress within the distribution system.
• Prepare all routine reports, records, and forms in a timely and accurate manner in addition to those that may be requested.
• Ability to manage a diverse work group, dedicated to gender equity and fairness.
• Understand and utilize the applicable computer systems.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
• Problem solve operational issues that occur in the field.
• Considering the nature of a 7-day publication, be available seven days a week to address any issues or concerns that arise, day side and night side.
• Manage returns and sellouts to company goals. Recommend adjusted goals to maximize sales potential.
• Create sales campaigns to stimulate new business and retain existing business.
• Analyze distributor profitability and recommend adjustments with expense budgets considered.
• Field audit TMC routes to ensure contractors obligations are being met.
• Monitor third party programs, such as (but not limited to) Archlogix, Syncronex and RouteSmart to ensure independent contractors meeting their contractual obligations and to look for any potential issues or anomalies.
• Constantly monitor, analyze, and optimize routes to make operations more efficient and cost effective.
• Seek out cost saving opportunities and implement strategies.
• Review distributor statistics to identify areas that can be improved.
• Build effective business relationships with distributors and retail outlets to achieve company objectives.

Qualifications

What it takes to be successful:

• College Degree preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Experience with third party programs such as Syncronex, RouteSmart and Archlogix
• 5 years of management experience preferred
• Circulation experience