Lead Retail Merchandising Specialist

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 522,000 - 638,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual salary R580,000

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Employee discounts

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Lead Retail Merchandising Specialist to drive visual strategies, lead a team of merchandisers, and ensure brand consistency across store layouts. You will plan displays, collaborate with buying and marketing, analyze sales data, and mentor staff while delivering compelling in-store experiences that boost engagement and sales.

The role requires strong leadership, deep trend knowledge, and proficiency with design tools; travel within Polokwane area

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of experience in visual merchandising, retail design, or related field.
• 2+ years in lead or supervisory role.
• Strong understanding of retail sales principles and consumer psychology.
• Proficiency with design software (Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute visual merchandising strategies that align with brand guidelines and campaigns.
• Lead and mentor a team of visual merchandisers and provide training on best practices.
• Plan and oversee store layout, product placement, and display design to optimize sales and customer flow.
• Collaborate with buying, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure effective product presentation.
• Create compelling visual displays highlighting new arrivals, promotions, and key product categories.
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure merchandising standards are met and provide feedback to store teams.
• Analyze sales data and customer feedback to refine merchandising strategies and improve visibility.
• Stay updated on industry trends in visual merchandising, retail design, and consumer behavior.
• Manage the budget for visual merchandising materials and store fixtures.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication

Retail merchandising knowledge

Creative thinking

Education

Relevant degree or diploma in Design/Marketing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retailer, is seeking a creative and strategically minded Lead Retail Merchandising Specialist for their operations in Polokwane, Limpopo. This role is pivotal in ensuring our client's products are presented attractively and effectively to maximize sales and customer engagement. You will be responsible for developing and implementing visual merchandising strategies, leading a team of visual merchandisers, and ensuring brand consistency across all store layouts. The ideal candidate possesses a strong visual sense, a deep understanding of retail trends, and excellent leadership abilities. Join our client and play a key role in shaping the in-store customer experience in Polokwane.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute visual merchandising strategies that align with brand guidelines and marketing campaigns.
• Lead and mentor a team of visual merchandisers, providing training and guidance on best practices.
• Plan and oversee store layout, product placement, and display design to optimize sales and customer flow.
• Collaborate with buying, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure effective product presentation.
• Create compelling visual displays that highlight new arrivals, promotions, and key product categories.
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure merchandising standards are met and provide feedback to store teams.
• Analyze sales data and customer feedback to refine merchandising strategies and improve product visibility.
• Stay updated on industry trends in visual merchandising, retail design, and consumer behavior.
• Manage the budget for visual merchandising materials and store fixture procurement.
• Ensure brand consistency and visual appeal across all retail outlets in Limpopo.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in visual merchandising, retail design, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective visual merchandising strategies.
• Strong understanding of retail sales principles and consumer psychology.
• Proficiency with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
• Excellent spatial reasoning and creative design skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience working within the South Africa retail market.
• A relevant degree or diploma in Design, Marketing, or a related field is preferred.
• Willingness to travel within the Polokwane area and Limpopo province as needed for store visits.

Benefits

• An annual salary of R580,000.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement planning benefits.
• Generous employee discounts on merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional development and creative growth.
• A hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility between office and remote work.
• The chance to significantly influence the visual presentation of a major retail brand in Polokwane.