Merchandising Manager (FMCG)

Job description / Role

Our client, a large FMCG company is urgently recruiting for a Merchandising Manager. This position is expected to:

• Manage a team of Merchandisers, Shelf Stacker and Promoters across the company's customer base at Branch Level.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the Merchandising team to support the company's brand strategy.
• Competitor analysis; and return on investment of company's assets [coolers].
• Train, develop and guide the company's Merchandising Team within the Branch, in order to provide acceptable Corporate Trade Standards across the company's customer base at Branch Level.
• Principal Responsibilities: % Time
• Ensure that all company's Merchandising Directives are being adhered to, and to monitor company's planograms, and initiate improvements if required.
• Make available an updated list of all outlets to be visited by his Merchandising Team, the names of the Merchandisers visiting these outlets, their call cycles, and Compliance thereof.
• To monitor the productivity levels of the Merchandising Team by reviewing the Merchandiser Control sheets, as well as Sales and Expiry reports for individual outlets.
• Complete Market Intelligence Reports, daily and weekly, and to ensure that this Information is communicated to the Branch Manager, and the National Merchandising Manager to enable the company to keep abreast of competitor activity.
• Schedule and chair daily meetings with the merchandising team to discuss, merchandising, sales promotion, administration, and people issues.
• Should be aware of all ongoing and forthcoming promotional activities and to plan accordingly to ensure successful implementation, execution, and follow up.
• Maintain a record of all Point of Sale material allocated to the Branch, ensure the correct usage thereof, and replenish when required.
• Ensure compliance with company's Brand initiatives by upholding all vehicle and uniform standards.
• Initiate, arrange and monitor regular tasting and sampling sessions.

Requirements

To be considered for the role, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in the FMCG industry, preferably in the Dairy Industry with at least 2 + years in a similar role.
• Preferred:
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Understanding of Beverage/Juice category dynamics.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Retail knowledge and understanding.

Technical Knowledge:

• Computer skills: Knowledge of M.S. Office [Word, Excel, PowerPoint].
• Equipment: Knowledge of Cooling efficiencies & environment issues [Cold Chain Management].
• Driving License: Sedan Vehicle License Essential

Judgment and Decision-Making:

• In Call Execution; Responsible for the Feedback and reporting of all Non-Conformances within the Department, with the Corrective Action Plans, within a given time frame.
• Strategic; in line with the Companies Overall Business Plan and Strategy to achieve the Maximum Gross Profit and Revenue.
• Proper Implementation of the Companies Marketing and Promotional Plans.
• Stock Shrinkage Control through the Implementation of Effective Management Principles, Administrative Procedures, Action Plans and Check Lists.
• To ensure that Effective Asset Management Principles are followed.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• An ability to demonstrate ownership of categories, and to understand and communicate the marketing data.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and information, determine trends and opportunities, and to develop and implement an action plan to address these trends and opportunities.
• Proven ability to successfully develop, communicate, and assist individuals to enable them to link that to operational requirements.
• The ability to lead teams in achieving or beating challenging goals whilst proposing solutions to problems and removing any barriers which may exist.
• Manage, develop and coach others.
• Influencing and negotiating skills.
• Communication and presentation skills.
• To takes the initiative and act with a strong sense of urgency.
• Open to change and the ability to lead others through change.
• To desire maximum team results.

Language Requirements:

English: Fluency in written and spoken English
Arabic: An advantage

Working Conditions:

Hazardous road travel.
Ability to handle both hot and cold conditions.
Work within a refrigerated environment.

To know more about the different positions we have, please visit our website - www.blackpearlconsult.com

About the Company

Black Pearl is a human resources and recruitment agency that provides a holistic business and talent solution in a progressive, dynamic, and efficient way.

We pride ourselves as a unique black pearl and strive to delight our clients with a personalized partnership that helps them propel towards success.

Whether you need to find top talent, your next great job opportunity, or a consulting solution for managing your business, engaging employees, evolving your work culture, planning your people strategy, or resourcing challenges, we can help.