Merchandising Manager, Alstons Marketing Company

The Merchandising Manager will be expected to develop and execute the Strategic annual Merchandising plan to achieve Channel, Brand and Business Unit objectives.

Job Description:

• Develop and monitor annual Merchandising plan in line with Channel, Brand and Business Unit objectives.
• Planning and executing merchandising strategies to optimize product assortments and maximize sales and profitability.
• Develop Training & Development plan for Merchandising Supervisors, and Merchandising Team
• Supervise and monitor performance of Merchandising Supervisors, Team and Merchandisers within assigned geographical areas ensuring that all accounts are serviced according to route schedule and targets and standards regarding effective display of Company products are achieved. Initiate corrective action where necessary to ensure that approved targets are met.
• Oversee the recruitment and training of new merchandisers, within approved headcount by divisions.
• Oversee and monitor the execution of promotions in conjunction with the Trade Execution Manager, Key Account Managers/Area Managers, Marketing Team to deliver exceptional ROI.
• Spearhead monthly Merchandising Meetings in coordination with Trade Execution, Marketing and Sales
• Attend and participate in planning and development of promotions/offers at Trade Activities and Sales meetings.
• Attend and participate in new product launch planning.
• Administrative Reports updated for all areas - Payroll - compile and submit for all of merchandising verifying work sheets; Trade Activities Updates; Trade Audits; Vacation coordination with teams.
• Continuously review routes in an effort to maximize resource utilisation.
• Make trade visits to assigned accounts and pay regular visits to the trade to ensure the department is offering efficient and effective service. Approximately 60% of the time should be spent in the trade.
• Provide weekly reports on findings and recommendations to better improve our effectiveness on trade and manage 9P’s (Products, Price, Place, Promotions, People, Plannograms, Physical Evidence, Process)
• POP and signage is properly set according to planograms; Products are displayed in a neat and appealing manner; Stock levels are at required levels; Prices are accurate; Shelf space and product location are optimized; Adequate rotation of shelf and back stock and removal of expired product; Execution of promotions
• Provide feedback on competitive activity to Sales and Marketing teams.
• Work closely with HR department to ensure team are compliant with company guidelines and regulations, making recommendations on developments plans for any breach of compliance.
• Assist in the development of planograms.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management or equivalent
• A master’s degree would be considered an asset.
• Five plus years’ experience in a managerial role in sales/marketing.
• Experience managing large teams
• Experience in merchandising, assorting, and promotional planning is preferred.
• Working experience in a distribution company would be considered an asset.
• Ability to work as a member of cross-functional teams.
• Experience writing routine reports and correspondence.