Merchandising Specialist - Retail FMCG

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); On-site; USD 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Travel allowance

Training and development

Exposure to FMCG brands

Brand management exposure

Supportive East London team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Merchandising Specialist to drive optimal product placement, shelf layouts, and POS displays for FMCG brands in East London, SA. You will collaborate with sales and retail partners to uphold brand standards and boost in-store purchasing decisions at the shelf edge.

The role requires 3+ years in retail merchandising, knowledge of planograms, and strong organizational skills. You’ll travel to multiple stores, manage stock, and report merchandising results to the team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; marketing/retail qualification advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years in retail merchandising, store operations, or related field in FMCG.
• Knowledge of planograms and visual display techniques.

Responsibilities

• Implement and execute in-store merchandising plans and strategies according to brand guidelines and category objectives.
• Ensure accurate product placement, stock rotation, and shelf management to maximize product availability and appeal.
• Install and maintain POS materials, promotional displays, and signage to drive brand visibility and sales.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess current merchandising conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Build and maintain relationships with store managers and staff to ensure effective collaboration on merchandising initiatives.
• Report on merchandising effectiveness, sales performance, and competitor activities observed in retail environments.
• Provide feedback to sales and marketing teams on in-store execution challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and retail partner agreements regarding product display and promotions.
• Assist in planning and execution of product launches and promotional campaigns from a merchandising perspective.
• Maintain a high standard of product presentation and brand representation in all assigned retail locations.

Skills

In-store merchandising

Planograms

Visual presentation

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Marketing / Retail management qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the FMCG sector, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Merchandising Specialist to enhance product visibility and sales performance in retail environments. This role, based in East London, Eastern Cape, will be responsible for implementing and maintaining optimal product placement, shelf layouts, and point-of-sale displays across various retail accounts. You will work closely with the sales team and retail partners to ensure brand standards are met and to drive consumer purchasing decisions at the point of sale. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of retail operations, merchandising principles, and a keen eye for visual presentation within the FMCG landscape. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and contribute directly to brand success in a key coastal city of South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and execute in-store merchandising plans and strategies according to brand guidelines and category objectives.
• Ensure accurate product placement, stock rotation, and shelf management to maximize product availability and appeal.
• Install and maintain point-of-sale (POS) materials, promotional displays, and signage to drive brand visibility and sales.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess current merchandising conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with store managers and staff to ensure effective collaboration on merchandising initiatives.
• Report on merchandising effectiveness, sales performance, and competitor activities observed in retail environments.
• Provide feedback to the sales and marketing teams on in‑store execution challenges and opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and retail partner agreements regarding product display and promotions.
• Assist in the planning and execution of product launches and promotional campaigns from a merchandising perspective.
• Maintain a high standard of product presentation and brand representation in all assigned retail locations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; a qualification in Marketing, Retail Management, or a related field is advantageous.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail merchandising, store operations, or a field sales role, preferably within the FMCG sector.
• Understanding of merchandising principles, planograms, and visual display techniques.
• Familiarity with the South African retail environment and major grocery chains.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple store visits efficiently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with store personnel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical ability to perform merchandising tasks, including lifting and stocking products, and standing for extended periods.
• Valid driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong commitment to visual standards.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage or salary package.
• Performance incentives based on merchandising effectiveness and sales support.
• Travel allowance for store visits.
• Opportunity to work with a variety of well‑known FMCG brands.
• Training and development opportunities in retail execution and merchandising.
• Exposure to retail operations and brand management principles.
• A supportive team environment in East London.