Vice President, Strategic Initiatives - Guitar Center

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Vice President of Strategic Initiatives will be a key leader in the Guitar Center organization partnering directly with the CEO and executive team. They will be responsible for helping develop company strategy, developing and executing OKRs, and tackling important ad hoc projects and initiatives. This is a high-profile position, with the expectation this leader eventually transitions to run a function or business line.

Core responsibilities include the following but are not limited to:

Support Development and Execution of Company Strategy

* Lay the groundwork and participate in the development of company strategy with the Executive team.

* Partner with executive team to translate long-term company strategy into annual OKRs.

* Drive the quarterly OKR process to operationalize our strategy and annual OKRs.

* Run the bi-weekly OKR rhythm, driving accountability, escalating, and resolving roadblocks.

* Attend and participate in weekly executive team meetings. Capture commitments and hold team accountable to follow through.

Perform Deep Dives into Problems and Opportunity Areas:

* Example current key opportunity projects (but not limited to):

* Execute deep dive into underperforming business lines, uncover core barriers to top- and bottom-line growth, and help develop a strategic roadmap and operational plan for execution.

* Evaluate opportunities for retail labor optimization across brands.

* Dive into specific business lines and get it back to a growth trajectory.

* Evaluate and negotiate strategic partnerships.

* Provide ad hoc data-driven business analyses and recommendations to optimize performance and improve execution.

* Requires strong strategic thinking, outstanding analytical skills, and excellent collaboration skills. Optimize business operations strategies and practices.

Project Ownership / Cross-Functional Leadership:

* Take ownership of and lead strategic projects where there is no clear organizational ownership or where there are talent gaps.

* Example current key projects (but not limited to):

* Merchandising process redesign and implementation.

* Process re-engineering and efficiency drive across the company.

* Build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams to execute on strategic projects.

Work with CEO and CFO to Own Development of Board of Director Decks.

Change Management:

* Lead organizational change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and adoption of new strategies or processes.

* Develop and execute change management plans that minimize disruption and maximize engagement across the organization.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & Requirements:

* 10 years of experience in strategic roles such as corporate strategy, business operations, management consulting.

* Ideally 3-5 years of post-MBA experience at a top tier strategy consulting firm like McKinsey, BCG, etc.

* Bachelor’s degree with strong understanding of Business, Finance, etc. MBA or advanced degree preferred.

* Retail industry experience preferred.

* Experience managing cross-functional initiatives, teams and large-scale projects.

* Proven track record of driving strategic initiatives from concept to completion, preferably in a fast-paced or growth-oriented environment.

* Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand and align projects with broader business goals.

* Project/Program Management: Strong organizational and project management skills, with experience leading multiple, complex initiatives.

* Cross-Functional Leadership: Proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct reporting lines.

* Data-Driven Decision Making: Highly analytical with the ability to interpret and act on data to drive decision-making and project outcomes.

* Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, develop creative solutions, and execute in a timely manner.

* Communication & Influence: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.

Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:

For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.

Pay Rate: $200,000 - $250,000/yr depending on background and experience.

This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance.

The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

About Guitar Center

Guitar Center embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to craft lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.

Why join us?

With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.

Love this gig and want to apply?

Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!

Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.

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