Visual Merchandiser

Job Title: VISUAL MERCHANDISER
Reporting to: BRAND GENERAL MANAGER
Main Purpose:To take responsibility for the planning and execution of all marketing and sales activities as defined by the Brand General Manager Responsible for shelving strategy : setting quantitative targets (such as share of shelf), qualitative targets (respect of brand guidelines, presence of testers, glorifiers, personalization, etc) Co-responsible for promotional strategy (with brand managers): in charge of selection of promotional offers (PWP, GWP, creation of exclusive offers to retailers…), and of their execution in-store. Co-responsible (with brand managers) of the success of initiatives launches : develops sales brochures for sales reps and sales manager, and runs the tracking on volume and on in-store fundamentals (checking on listing of the initiative, on the way it is shelved and it is displayed in-store; centralization of launch reports Ultimately, this role is in charge of developing the equity of the brands in-store and equips the sales teams with the tools to gain in-store visibility.
Key Results Area:

Brand Merchandising Guidelines

Total responsibility for the merchandising manual
Agree brand specifics with the Brand Managers and National Sales Manager
Quarterly update communication to sales team – generic + Markham + Foschini + Stuttafords (store specific – top 5)
Identify, drive training opportunities for the sales team

Project manage all in store improvement projects

Permanent and temporary fixtures
Liaise and coordinate all project elements with the relevant Brand Manager, National Sales Manager, shopfitter and retailer key contacts directly
Source and train on a project management software
Identify and suggest areas of opportunity per brand per store, to the National Sales Manager for retailer space negotiations
Key projects – Area Manager sell-in book requirement; key account management plan VIP document; lit shelf strips; luxury brand fixtures; layouts

Management of shelving data

Setup and maintain a data base of shelf space by brand by retailer
In store improvement reporting – current shelf, location and required corrective action
Setup and maintain a national visual library of brand locations by store – top 20 mall focus
Identify and suggest areas of opportunity per brand per store, to the National Sales Manager; 3 -6 months prior, in line with retailer layouts schedule
Feedback concerns to National Sales Manager in preparation for layouts reviews

Manage Brand Grids

Setup and maintain grid by brand by retailer database
Review store min/max versus stock optimum (budget allowed)
Provide feedback on brand concerns and equity issues to the National Sales Manager

Oversee the implementation of in store shelf tools

Shelf tools – standardization, communication and implementation of logo strips, light-box transparencies, shelf strips, price labels, tester/counter and floor stands
Liaise with Brand Managers individually
Monitor, order and provide feedback to Brand Managers for budget control purposes
Control communication to all relevant stakeholders Brand Managers, Display coordinator and Sales Team
Provide internal feedback – visual improvement (pics), impact on sales

Coordination of light-box trannies

Coordination of divisional marketing activities by retailer by month

Liaise with Brand Managers individually
Coordinate all planned marketing activities by retailer by month
Coordinate, allocate and communicate brand exposure plans for all shared POS elements
Communicate activity plan per month per retailer to all key stakeholders
Inspect and analyse implementation (e.g. external Grapevine / retailer execution and internal); particular focus on key doors, providing feedback to all relevant internal and external stakeholders

Execution of new lines

Identify and communicate additional shelf space requirements by brand by store for the new sku/launch, for the National Sales Manager space negotiation, 3-6 months prior to execution, in line with retailer layouts
Coordination of marketing plans per retailer per week

Centre Courts

Liaise with relevant Brand Manager and Display coordinator
Monitor and coordinate communication and implementation – quality of execution, including stock, staffing BA awareness/tools and second POS
Provide promotional feedback on all courts
Analyse sales generated versus costs incurred

Coordination of POS material

Execution of windows

Ensure timeous execution of windows by coordinating Brand Manager and Visual department efforts
Information hub for all retailer queries

Stocks and Sales analysis

Coordination and analysis of sell-in and sell-through performance
Assist in sell-in and sell-through target setting by brand by retailer
Top 20 store analysis per Area Manager
Identify and communicate areas of opportunities and weaknesses – weekly, monthly
Monitor timeous execution of retailer promotional plans i.e. plan versus confirmed versus actual units sent

Compilation and communication of key aspects for conference files, supplier visits and strategy meetings

Merchandising guidelines, grids, in store visual improvement plans, min/max, plans and feedback on brand specific POS projects
Standardise and coordinate Brand Manager templates
Setup, coordinate and maintain shared drive
Sell-in and Sell-through analysis
Arrange photography of items

Coordination of competitor information

Coordination of new store openings and revamps

Setup and coordinate new store template
Monitor and coordinate all aspects of new store/revamps openings
Independents offer list and redundant stock clearance
Job Specific Requirements:
Matric or Grade 12
Code 8 driver’s license
Relevant Diploma or Degree
3-4 years retail experience preferably within the cosmetic or fragrance industry
MS Office Word, Excel (advanced) Powerpoint and Outlook

QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

The ability to work logically and systematically, with good time management;
Problem-solving skills and the ability to think laterally whilst offering creative solutions;
The ability to work with people at different levels;
Flexibility and the ability to manage change;
Strong interpersonal skills;
Excellent communication skills;
Negotiation skills;
The ability to work well as part of a team
A positive attitude to continued learning
Good organisational skills and a high degree of accuracy is required
Ability to work independently
Ability to work under pressure
Logical Reasoning Skills
Assertive
Problem solving ability
Attention to detail
Self motivated
Excellence orientation

Desired Skills:

Desired Work Experience:

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