Merchandise & Brand Executive - Retail

Express Employment Professionals Fourways; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a qualified Brand / Merchandise Executive Management professional in Gauteng, South Africa. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in retail brand management, strong analytical skills, and be adept at team leadership. Key responsibilities include managing supplier relationships and developing innovative brand strategies. Proficiency in ERP and Advanced Excel is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in brand management or buying in a retail environment.
• Excellent computer literacy and sound knowledge of procurement policies.
• Proven experience in product development and lifecycle management.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop key supplier relationships.
• Execute regional assortment direction with the Brand Team.
• Implement innovative strategies to enhance brand equity.

Skills

Retail knowledge

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Creative direction

Education

Degree in procurement, marketing, or brand management

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Job description

Introduction

We are seeking to employ a suitably qualified, experienced individual with strong Brand / Merchandise Executive Management skills. This role combines creative direction, operational excellence, and commercial strategy—bringing our brands to life through physical environments across various retail formats and markets.

Duties & Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Management and development of key supplier relationships.
• Specialize in the development and growth of merchandise categories.
• Innovate through effective brand‑building initiatives.
• Develop commercial merchandise strategies and plans for each unique brand and/or outlet.
• Set and manage KPI's for team members.
• Execute regional assortment direction with the Brand Team.
• Understand our market competitive landscape and customer profile.
• Manage the procurement and replenishment budget with the Planning Team.
• Direct in‑store commercial initiatives to meet the agreed strategies.
• Develop and direct the marketing and communication initiatives with the Head of Marketing and Communication.
• Actively manage key relationships with landlords through merchandise, CSI and promotional activities.
• Implement innovative strategies to grow and develop both site and brand equity.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Have sound retail knowledge and experience with procurement, replenishment and inventory management.
• Have an in‑depth understanding of product development and product lifecycle management.
• Show exceptional analytical skills.
• Excellent computer literacy, ERP and Advanced Excel is a pre‑requisite.
• Have the ability to lead and inspire a team of experienced, creative Brand Managers.
• Creativity is at your core, be it local craft, store design, product development or promotional initiatives.

Desired Experience & Qualification

10+ years' experience within executive level of brand management or buying in a retail environment. Excellent computer literacy, ERP and Advanced Excel is a pre‑requisite. Sound knowledge of procurement policies and processes. A degree in procurement, marketing and/or brand management would be advantage.