The Merchandiser Manager is responsible for leading and managing the merchandising team to ensure optimal product visibility, availability, and brand representation across all retail channels. The role focuses on delivering strong in-store execution, building strong relationships with retailers, ensuring planogram compliance, driving sales growth, and improving operational excellence to enhance brand presence and customer experience.
Tactical
- Develop merchandising strategies to strengthen brand positioning and visibility across key retail outlets.
- Plan seasonal, promotional, and new product display execution in alignment with sales and marketing plans.
- Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and merchandising opportunities to enhance in-store performance.
- Support strategic planning for route optimization, manpower allocation, and territory coverage.
Operational (Core)
- Ensure full implementation of planograms, display standards, and brand guidelines across all stores.
- Conduct regular market visits to monitor team performance, stock availability, and store execution.
- Coordinate with sales teams to ensure product availability and timely replenishments.
- Track, report, and improve merchandising KPIs (OSA, share of shelf, visibility score, promotional execution).
- Ensure timely execution of promotions, price changes, and visibility agreements.
- Oversee POS materials delivery, installation, and maintenance.
Operational (General)
- Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports for management review.
- Monitor operational expenses and ensure resource utilization within budget.
- Maintain accurate records of store audits, fixture needs, and operational issues.
- Support cross-functional initiatives in Sales, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
People Management
- Lead, train, and mentor the merchandising team to ensure high performance and field effectiveness.
- Conduct regular team performance reviews and set measurable KPIs.
- Plan schedules, routes, and store coverage for the team to maximize productivity.
- Promote discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement culture within the team.
- Identify development needs and plan skill-building training for merchandisers.
Skills
Education and Certification
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field.
- Certification in Merchandising, Sales Operations, or Trade Marketing is an advantage.
Minimum Experience
- 5-7 years of experience in merchandising management within FMCG.
- Strong experience in modern trade and general trade markets in the UAE.
- Proven track record of leading field teams and driving in-store execution excellence.