Senior Beauty & Fragrance Merchandiser

Tower Group; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A retail and merchandising company is seeking a Senior Beauty & Fragrance Merchandiser in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The role involves driving commercial performance through strategic range planning, stock and supply chain management, as well as visual merchandising. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in beauty merchandising and a Bachelor's degree in Retail Management or a related field. Strong vendor relationships and a deep understanding of market trends are vital for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in beauty and fragrance merchandising.
• Experience in a retail or distribution environment.
• Proven track record of managing multiple brands and product lines.

Responsibilities

• Drive commercial performance through strategic range planning.
• Lead visual merchandising guidelines across stores and online platforms.
• Monitor stock levels and liaise with supply chain for timely deliveries.
• Build relationships with key suppliers for optimal terms.
• Support and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Analytical expertise

Stock management

Market trend analysis

Visual merchandising

Vendor relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Retail Management or related field

Job description

Role Overview

The Senior Beauty & Fragrance Merchandiser is responsible for driving the commercial performance of the beauty and fragrance category through strategic range planning, effective stock management, and impactful merchandising execution.

This role combines analytical expertise with a deep understanding of market trends, brand positioning, and consumer behaviour within the beauty industry.

Category & Range Management

Develop and implement category strategies to maximize sales, profit, and market share. Manage product lifecycle from launch to discontinuation, ensuring optimal stock levels and sell-through. Collaborate with the buying team to plan and curate seasonal and promotional ranges aligned with brand and customer expectations. Analyse product performance, sales trends, and market data to inform range decisions and forecasting.

Merchandising Execution

Lead visual merchandising guidelines and standards for the Beauty & Fragrance category across stores and online platforms. Work closely with marketing and retail operations to ensure effective product presentation and campaign execution. Ensure planograms and displays reflect current trends, promotions, and brand identities.

Stock & Supply Chain Management

Monitor stock levels, sell-through rates, and replenishment cycles to minimize markdowns and stockouts. Liaise with supply chain and warehouse teams to ensure timely deliveries and efficient inventory flow. Conduct regular stock and sales analyses to identify risks and opportunities.

Brand & Vendor Relationships

Build strong relationships with key suppliers and brand partners to negotiate optimal terms, margins, and promotional support. Collaborate on new product launches and in-store activation strategies. Ensure brand compliance and consistent representation across all channels.

Team Leadership & Development

Support and mentor junior merchandisers or assistants within the category team. Contribute to cross‑functional collaboration with buying, marketing, and operations teams. Champion innovation and continuous improvement within the merchandising process.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Retail Management, Business, Marketing, or related field. Minimum of 5 years' experience in beauty and fragrance merchandising (retail or distribution environment preferred). Proven track record of managing multiple brands, product lines, and vendor relationships.