Managed People solutions is seeking to appoint a highly driven and experienced Field Merchandising Manager on behalf of a leading liquor company based in Gauteng. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing a team of merchandisers across various outlets, ensuring that all in-store execution aligns with the brand strategy and merchandising standards.

REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12.
• Diploma / Degree relating to Sales and Marketing management is beneficial.
• 2-3 years sales and merchandising experience in a related FMCG environment in a management role.
• PC proficient (MS office suite: word, excel, PowerPoint & outlook).
• Driver’s License.
• Liquor legislation.
• Competition act.
• Consumer protection act.
  Should you not receive feedback within three weeks after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful

• Effectively and efficiently manage the call cycle planning of each merchandiser in order to reach the targeted number of calls per merchandiser per month.
• Ensure that all client trade visits are managed effectively and are aligned with standards of excellence.
• Manage the merchandising team effectively and ensure that meetings take place on a weekly basis.
• Effectively manage the administrational requirements of rep force in terms of making sure that new stores are added and removed, that surveys are loaded to collect the correct data, that data is pulling accurately etc. by providing feedback to the MD.
• Ensure that an adequate amount of time is spent in trade with each merchandiser in each region.
• Ensure that each merchandiser is executing effectively in trade according to the KPI’s laid out by the client.
• Daily monitoring of merchandisers activity to ensure that all merchandisers are achieving the targeted number of calls per merchandiser.
• Ensure that merchandisers are completing their vehicle inspection surveys and that any issues identified are reported, escalated and sorted out.
• Deliver customer satisfaction by managing customer communication. This includes, recording and promptly acting upon customers complaints, queries and requests and feedback accordingly as per communication SOP and contact grid.
• Actively build relationships with customers by engaging in active communication, resolving issues where required etc.
• Ensure that promotional grid is obtained from meetings with sales reps and KAM.
• Assist the merchandising team to execute promotional opportunities /requirements as per the Client’s needs and promotional SOP, to deliver customer satisfaction.
• Active identification of training needs for merchandising team and execute this in accordance with Training team and calendar.
• Ensure that all escalated queries and challenges are effectively dealt with and resolved.
• Ensure that your knowledge pertaining to industry trends, challenges, changes etc. is continuously kept up to date.
• Enhance business acumen by continuously coaching merchandisers on strategic negotiation with customers and professional communication.
• Provide some insights into the strategic initiatives each year that is developed for the division you are in.
• Assist with ad hoc projects as requested.
• Ensure that the accurate number of calls completed by all the merchandisers is provided to the Business Unit Manager – Remuneration by the 20th of the month for invoice purposes.
• Ensure that accurate data is collected, collated and presented in a format that provides useful insights to the Client as well as to the MD. These reports need to provide insights into opportunities, challenges, any promotional execution etc.
• Follow through to ensure that personal quality and productivity standards are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Plan and prioritize, demonstrating abilities to manage competing demands.
• Demonstrate abilities to anticipate and manage change.
• Demonstrate flexibility in balancing achievement of own objectives with abilities to understand and respond to organizational needs.
• Take full responsibility for performance management of all direct reports, managing their performance in relation to quality standards and agreed benchmarks and objectives, focusing on Productivity benchmarks are met (Team is motivated with high morale).
• Effective management of development and career path plans (where applicable).
• Adherence to relevant policies and procedures.