The Head of Retail Merchandising will shape product assortments and optimize category performance for a prominent retailer with a focus on innovation and customer-centric solutions.
Duties:
Develop and manage a stationery and related product assortment aligned with retail vision, customer trends, and profitability goals
Drive innovation and differentiation in product selection to enhance brand relevance and appeal
Integrate sustainable and ethically sourced products into the category strategy
Build strong partnerships with Category Managers for competitive pricing, trading terms, and marketing support
Own the category P&L, including sales, margins, and stock turn targets
Implement pricing strategies and promotional plans to maximize profitability
Monitor performance against financial targets; adjust strategies accordingly
Keep abreast of competitor activity, global trends, and customer insights to guide buying decisions
Introduce new products and seasonal ranges to excite customers and strengthen brand identity
Utilize BI tools, AI market data, and trend forecasting to anticipate customer demand
Collaborate with planning teams to ensure optimal stock levels and reduce aged inventory
Manage replenishment cycles and proactively resolve supply chain challenges
Partner with marketing and visual merchandising teams for compelling campaigns and in-store experiences
Contribute to brand storytelling through product selection and presentation
Collaborate with visual merchandising teams to ensure consistent brand execution across branches
Requirements:
5 to 8 years of merchandising and category management experience
Proven ability to develop and execute category strategies
Strong relationship management and negotiation skills
Proficiency in retail tools and data analysis
Experience in buying, FMCG, or retail environments
Leadership and team collaboration capabilities
Suitable to commercially minded Retail Merchandiser who is well versed in pricing strategy and promotional planning, and who seeks to understand the customer base in multiple regions.
This role will be based at the Germiston head office.
