Head of Retail Merchandising

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
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.