Field Merchandising Manager | KwaZulu Natal at Managed People Solutions

Job Description

• Are you a driven people leader with a passion for FMCG, merchandising and creating winning experiences in trade?
• We’re looking for an energetic and results-driven Field Merchandising Manager to lead, coach and inspire our merchandising team to deliver world-class execution in trade across the Coastal Area.
• This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who knows how to turn strategy into action, build strong customer relationships and unlock the full potential of a high-performing team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead & Inspire

• Lead, motivate, coach and empower the merchandising team to achieve exceptional performance.
• Conduct effective weekly team meetings and maintain open, transparent communication.
• Identify training and development needs and work with the Training Team to implement development plans.
• Build a high-performance culture through coaching, mentorship, skills transfer and informal succession planning.
• Address and resolve team conflicts effectively and maintain a positive, productive working environment.

Drive Performance & Execution

• Ensure merchandisers consistently deliver against client KPIs and standards of excellence.
• Monitor merchandising activity daily and ensure targeted calls are achieved.
• Effectively plan and manage merchandiser call cycles to maximise productivity and coverage.
• Spend sufficient time in trade with merchandisers across the Coastal Area to coach, support and drive execution.
• Ensure promotional opportunities and requirements are executed according to client needs and promotional SOPs.
• Ensure vehicle inspection surveys are completed and that identified issues are reported, escalated and resolved.

Build Strong Customer Relationships

• Manage client and customer communication professionally and effectively.
• Respond promptly to customer complaints, queries, requests and feedback.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with customers and proactively resolve challenges.
• Work closely with Sales Representatives and Key Account Managers to maximise opportunities in trade.

Manage Operations & Budgets

• Ensure operational requirements for the merchandising team are effectively managed within the approved budget.
• Monitor expenditure and prevent unnecessary or unauthorised overspending.
• Ensure accurate call information is submitted by the required monthly deadline for invoicing purposes.

Own Data, Reporting & Systems

• Effectively manage the administrative requirements of Repforce, including adding and removing stores, loading surveys and ensuring accurate data.
• Monitor system data and provide feedback on data accuracy and system requirements.
• Ensure accurate data is collected, analysed and presented to provide meaningful insights.
• Highlight opportunities, challenges, promotional execution and trends to the Client and MD.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Stay up to date with FMCG industry trends, challenges, legislation and market developments.
• Contribute to the review and development of merchandising policies, procedures and SOPs.
• Adhere to all MPS policies, procedures and best-practice approaches.
• Support ad hoc projects and business initiatives when required.
• Continuously develop your own knowledge, skills and professional competence.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Degree in Sales and Marketing Management or a related field (NQF Level 7).
• 3-5 years’ sales and merchandising experience within a related FMCG environment.
• At least 1 year experience in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong FMCG and field merchandising experience.
• Valid Driver’s Licence.
• Own vehicle and willingness to use it for work.

Knowledge

• Consumer Protection Act
• Visual Merchandising
• Spirits
• Liquor legislation
• FMCG industry practices and trends

Key Skills

• Leadership & Coaching
• Conflict Management
• Negotiation
• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Analytical Thinking
• Computer Literacy