Merchandising Specialist 1

Avolta; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental and vision insurance

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Employee discounts

Employee assistance program

Training and career growth

Referral program

Job summary

Avolta in Chicago O'Hare area is seeking a Merchandising & Brand Specialist to execute category merchandising strategies, maintain brand standards, and support visual presentation across assigned product categories. The role ensures consistent implementation of corporate directives and assists with promotional execution to drive sales.

Responsibilities include daily merchandising tasks, planogram compliance, stock checks, and collaboration with the Category Manager and store leadership.

Qualifications

• 3+ years combined experience in merchandising, category management, or retail operations.
• 2+ years in a specialist role managing category-specific merchandising tasks.
• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of visual merchandising principles, planogram execution, and retail display standards.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Responsibilities

• Implement daily merchandising tasks including product placement and planogram compliance.
• Conduct category inspections for stock levels and pricing; report discrepancies.
• Assist with promotional displays, seasonal transitions, and new product launches.
• Provide product knowledge and assist customers; support sales goals.
• Support receiving activities including price verification and inventory accuracy.
• Maintain inventory management systems and assist with category performance reporting.
• Assist onboarding and training new associates on procedures.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards for product handling.
• Collaborate with Category Manager and store leadership on assessments and promotions.

Skills

Visual merchandising

Planogram compliance

Category management

Retail operations

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Inventory management systems

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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The Merchandising & Brand Specialist at Chicago O'Hare Internation Airport, is responsible for executing category-specific merchandising strategies, maintaining brand standards, and supporting visual presentation across assigned product categories. This role ensures consistent implementation of corporate merchandising directives, assists with promotional execution, and provides category expertise to enhance the customer experience and drive sales performance.

Opportunity, growth, and meaningful rewards! We offer:

• Competitive Salary of: $22.51 - $25.32 an hour
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, flex or sick)
• Holiday pay
• Employee discounts across all company brands
• Employee assistance program
• Training and exciting career growth opportunities
• Referral program – refer a friend and earn a bonus

Key Responsibilities

Implement daily merchandising tasks including product placement, planogram compliance, and visual updates for assigned categories in alignment with brand and corporate standards.

Conduct regular category inspections to ensure proper stock levels,accuratepricing, and adherence to brand guidelines; report discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.

Assistwithsetupof promotional displays, seasonal transitions, and new product launches; ensuretimelyexecution of merchandising directives.

Provide basic product knowledge andassistcustomers with inquiries; support sales goals through active engagement and product demonstrations.

Support category-specific receiving activities including product placement, price verification, and inventory accuracy; process related documentation andcommunicateissues to management.

Maintainproficiencyin inventory management systems; update product information andassistwith category performance reporting as directed by the Category Manager.

Assistin onboarding and training new associates on category-specific procedures, product knowledge, and brand standards.

Ensure compliance with operational and safety standards for product handling, storage, and merchandising execution.

Partner with Category Manager and store leadership to support category assessments, inventory counts, and promotional execution; provide feedback on execution challenges and customer response.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

3+ years combined experience in merchandising, category management, or retail operations with a focus on brand compliance and visual presentation.

2+ years in a specialist role managing category-specific merchandising tasks.

High school diploma or equivalentrequired; Associate degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field preferred (may count toward experience requirement).

Technical Skills

Knowledge of visual merchandising principles, planogram execution, and retail display standards.

Familiarity with inventory management systems and retail reporting tools.

Basicproficiencyin Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Visual Merchandising Certification or related training preferred.

Attention to Detail – Maintains consistent product presentation andidentifiesexecution gaps.

Time Management & Organization – Prioritizes multiple tasks and meets deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.

Customer Service Orientation – Engages customers with product knowledge and supports sales initiatives.

Collaboration & Communication – Works effectively with team members and provides clear feedback to management.

Adaptability – Responds quicklyto changingpriorities, seasonal resets, and promotional requirements.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.

Lift/carry up to 30lbsregularly; frequent bending, reaching, and ladder use.

Retail store and back-of-house environments with varying temperature and noise levels.

Schedule & Reporting

Reports to: Category Manager or designated supervisor.

Classification: Non-Exempt (FLSA).

Schedule: Flexible availabilityrequired, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak sales periods and promotional events.

Avolta, including Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates (“the Company”), is an equal opportunity employer. It is the Company’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment and to comply with anti-discrimination laws and regulations. The Company prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal opportunities to applicants and team members without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, age, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military service and veteran status, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances (referred to as “protected characteristics”)