Job Description

JOB TITLE:              EDUCATION SPECIALIST – MASS CHANNEL

DEPARTMENT:         DEALER EDUCATION (018420)

REPORTS TO:           NA EDUCATION DIRECTOR

FLSA STATUS:        EXEMPT 

LOCATION:              LAVERGNE OFFICE

ABOUT THE COMPANY: SVP Worldwide, doing business through SVP-Singer Holdings, Inc. and its affiliates, is the world’s largest consumer sewing machine company, accounting for approximately one out of every three household sewing machines sold annually across the globe. The company and its three iconic brands - SINGER®, VIKING®, and PFAFF® - have delighted consumers for over 460 years. These premium brands and products are regarded as the choice for serious sewists and novice crafters.

The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Nashville, TN, and supported by regional headquarters/sales offices located in Milan (Italy), and Mexico City (Mexico) that, combined, reach consumers in more than 180 countries. SVP has manufacturing facilities across Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, a software development center in Europe, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions. 

SVP Worldwide has a history of innovation and has established a leading offering in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) segment by introducing mySewnet®, the industry’s first cloud-based operating system. Its product portfolio covers entry-level sewing machines all the way up to advanced, internet-connected, leading-edge household sewing machines that retail for $18,999 and all segments in-between. In addition to sewing machines, the product portfolio includes sewing accessories, notions, garment care products as well as software. 

The products are sold across a network of sewing machine dealers, mass retailers (e.g., Costco, Walmart, Lidl, MediaMarkt, Carrefour), specialty retailers (e.g., Joann, Michaels), online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Tmall), distributors, and through the company’s 180 internally operated retail stores.     

ABOUT THE POSITION: This education specialist will assist the mass sales channel with education support including but not limited to virtual or in-person machine training, project classes or other events.  This position is expected to create and write projects that will be used to sell machines and sewing and home essential products and produce videos where needed.  The education specialist is expected to work with the NA social media team to produce content for the Singer brand and other brands as deemed necessary. This education specialist will be responsible for working closely with the Education Director, Marketing Director and VP of Mass Sales to produce a clear and cohesive message for the products.

Essential functions and key responsibilities are:

•  Hold virtual or in-person sewing and embroidery machine trainings, classes or events
• Create and write sewing projects focused on sales of machines and S&HE products
• Acquire and understanding of mass channel markets and work with both internal teams and external retail customers
•  Interfaces with sales and marketing to generate programs that support their strategies
• Some travel may be required
• Other duties may be assigned

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS: 

Experience-  

• Minimum three (3) years sewing experience preferred
• Three (3) years sales experience preferred

Skills/personal qualifications-

• Strong presentation and organizational skills
• Experience operating audio-visual equipment
• Basic working knowledge of Google platforms
• Understanding of all social media platforms
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of people
• Be self-motivated with the ability to work on multiple projects with minimal supervision
• Energetic team player, able to build and maintain important relationships both internal and external customers

Education and Certifications-

• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record and maintain auto insurance

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Works in a variety of environments, including but not limited to, dealer and retail stores, convention meeting space, a typical office environment and at home. Noise levels vary based on work location - can be from low to high noise level.  Ability to travel by car and air to include overnight to several days stays.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to communicate effectively with employees through multiple forms of technology with telephone and computer. Must be able to receive and convey information.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk, stand, sit and walk for long periods of time
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

THE INDUSTRY

The sewing machine industry is a global industry that is experiencing renewed growth. In developed markets, growth rates are projected to outpace GDP growth, according to Global Industry Analysts, Inc., the leading industry data source. Growth in these markets is driven by the millennial generation that is increasingly attracted to personalization, crafts, and self-expression. In developing markets, the industry is expected to grow at 4% annually, fueled by the emerging middle class and the “need to sew” segment that uses sewing machines to support the household.  

_THE FUTURE _

In 2018, SVP Worldwide was acquired by Ares Capital Corporation (www.aresmgmt.com), a leading publicly traded business development company. Under Ares ownership, SVP Worldwide has made substantial investments to strengthen the company’s growth for the future. Leveraging its brands, innovative products, motivated employees, global footprint, and the financial strength of the new owner, SVP Worldwide is looking to compete more aggressively in the marketplace, accelerate growth, and attract talented team members.