Retail and Merchandising Manager

Bright Placements; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A hospitality management firm seeks a Retail and Merchandising Manager to oversee operations of luxury lodge retail outlets in Rustenburg, South Africa. The role focuses on curating product selections, driving revenue through effective merchandising, and enhancing guest experiences. Candidates must have a diploma in a related field and 3–5 years of relevant management experience, preferably in luxury settings. Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and a passion for African culture are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in retail or merchandising management.
• Preferably in a luxury hotel or boutique retail setting.
• Experience with high-end or artisan products is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of lodge retail outlets.
• Ensure luxury retail standards and high guest service.
• Curate product ranges and coordinate visual merchandising strategies.

Skills

Customer service

Luxury sales experience

Visual merchandising

Stock management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma or Degree in Retail Management, Hospitality Management, or related field

Tools

POS systems

Retail software

MS Office (especially Excel)

Job description

Job Summary :

The Retail and Merchandising Manager oversees the operations of the lodge’s retail outlets, including curio shops, boutique stores, and lifestyle merchandising within the lodge. This role ensures a premium guest shopping experience by maintaining high retail standards, curating local and luxury product selections, and driving retail revenue through strategic merchandising, stock control, and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities :

Retail Store Operations :

• Manage the day-to-day operations of all lodge retail outlets.
• Ensure high levels of guest service, product knowledge, and visual presentation.
• Implement and enforce luxury retail standards aligned with the 5-star lodge brand.
• Maintain accurate POS operations, stock records, and daily cash-ups.
• Ensure store cleanliness, display integrity, and ambiance reflect a luxury shopping experience.

Merchandising and Product Selection :

Curate product ranges that align with the lodge’s ethos (e.g. locally made crafts, safari wear, African art, premium skincare, and lifestyle items).

Coordinate visual merchandising strategies to showcase seasonal and high-margin products.

Collaborate with local suppliers, artisans, and fair-trade vendors for product sourcing.

Ensure attractive, on-brand product displays and themed collections.

Sales and Guest Experience :

Promote upselling and cross-selling of retail products during guest check-in / out and safari briefings.

Collaborate with the front office and guest services to highlight promotions or featured items.

Train staff in luxury sales techniques and product storytelling.

Stock Control and Inventory Management :

Conduct regular stock takes and cycle counts.

Monitor stock levels, place timely orders, and manage reordering systems.

Reduce losses through tight control, theft prevention, and product care.

Manage pricing, barcoding, and stock presentation standards.

Reporting and Revenue Management :

Prepare and analyze weekly / monthly sales and stock reports.

Monitor profitability, sales trends, and guest preferences.

Work with the finance and operations teams to develop retail revenue targets.

Qualifications and Experience :

Education :

Diploma or Degree in Retail Management, Hospitality Management, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience :

Minimum 3–5 years in retail or merchandising management, preferably in a luxury hotel, game lodge, or boutique retail setting.

Experience working with high-end, artisan, or tourist-focused products is advantageous.

Familiarity with POS systems and stock control software.

Skills and Attributes :

Strong customer service and luxury sales experience.

Excellent visual merchandising and product display skills.

Strong organizational and stock management capabilities.

Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel) and retail software systems.

High attention to detail and a passion for design and aesthetics.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to manage a team and work independently.

Personal Traits :

Passion for African design, culture, and conservation.

Professional, well-groomed, and approachable.

Creative, proactive, and solution-oriented.

Commitment to sustainability and supporting local communities.