Department: Sales
Reports to: Business Development Manager
- JOB PURPOSE
The Merchandiser Manager oversees a nationwide team of approximately 74+ merchandisers, ensuring consistent execution of merchandising standards. The role focuses on route optimization, visit frequency analysis, and compliance monitoring. Responsibilities include leading capability development through training programs and onboarding new hires to ensure POP excellence. About 75% of the role is field-based, with the remaining time dedicated to planning, training and cross-functional coordination (Trade marketing and Sales). The manager also ensures full utilization and maintenance of the (FieldAssist/WINIT) technology tool.
- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge
• Strong understanding of the merchandiser’s role in Modern Trade and customer requirements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of merchandising terminology and practices (FIFO, Steps of the Call, Planograms).
- Knowledge
- Experience
• Minimum 5+ years in the FMCG industry, within Dubai, UAE.
• Proven experience managing large teams.
• Previous experience as a Merchandiser Manager or in a supervisory/sales role with direct or indirect responsibility for merchandisers.
- Skills
• Confident in conducting training sessions and leading meetings for large groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (daily use) and PowerPoint (for presentations and reviews).
- Abilities
• Excellent command of written and spoken English; proficiency in a second language is an advantage.
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging in senior management and effectively cascading information to large teams.
- COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
• Cross-functional coordination with Trade Marketing and Sales.
• Communication with nationwide merchandiser workforce (74++ members).
• Engagement with senior management for cascading information.
• Collaboration with technology teams for FieldAssist/WINIT utilization and reporting.
- KEY DIMENSIONS AND RELATED JOB RESULTS
- Monitor and optimize merchandiser route plans for efficiency
- Plan holiday coverage and manage headcount replacements promptly
- Collaborate with Sales and Trade Marketing teams to align promotional execution
- Incorporate new store openings into routing schedules with appropriate visit frequency and duration
- Lead planogram implementation and partner with brand owners to define success standards
- Conduct regular in-market audits to ensure compliance with execution standards
- Coach merchandisers during store visits, identifying improvement areas for training programs
- Ensure POP excellence driving Instore execution as per agency guidelines
- Leverage (FieldAssist/WINIT) reports to identify root causes of underperformance, non-compliance, or productivity gaps
- Deliver actionable insights to internal teams and brand partners on in-store execution and compliance, maximizing reporting efficiency through (FieldAssist/WINIT)
- Engage with customers at both the head office and store level to understand specific requirements and gather
- Brand-specific executional standards are met (measured through auditing)
- Coverage targets of merchandisers (as measured through (FieldAssist))
- POP excellence (Availability, Visibility Planogram, POSM utilization, Freshness, Pricing and Special display)
- Full utilization of (FieldAssist) by the total merchandiser workforce including reports
- Revenue Target Achievement
- No. of subordinates: 74++ / Budget Responsibility: No
- OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
- Approximately 75% field-based role across UAE
- Work involves route optimization, visit frequency analysis, compliance monitoring
- Use and oversight of (FieldAssist/WINIT) technology tool
- Nationwide coverage across multiple channels including Modern Trade
- KEY COMPETENCIES
- Customer and Call Planning – Intermediate
- Commercial Awareness – Intermediate
- Selling – Intermediate
- Negotiating – Advanced
- Perfect Outlet Execution – Advanced