Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Merchandising is responsible for overseeing key distribution partnerships, managing direct product categories, and coordinating merchandise operations to ensure all go-to-market programs are delivered accurately and on time across the store network.

This role also supports a growing merchandising services team, providing data analysis and insights that help category managers understand key drivers in distribution, product performance, and merchandise operations. The position plays a critical part in enhancing category strategies through strong analytics.

The team additionally handles POS administration, data analysis, merchandising administration support (supplier income, rebates), planograms, floor plans, and the identification of new or innovative products from international markets for inclusion in go-to-market programs.

The primary objective is to deliver timely, accurate information that supports sales, profitability, and net income while working collaboratively with Retail, Marketing, and Operations teams.

Key Performance Areas

Performance Measurement

• Evaluate the effectiveness of promotional and product development programs.

• Provide financial performance insights, including revenue, profit, net income, and operational cost.

• Analyze inventory productivity, unit sales, net income, category conversion, and customer behavior trends.

• Calculate sales and profit per square meter for category layouts.

Pricing Management & Data Analysis

• Coordinate the execution of national price changes.

• Ensure distributors provide accurate, timely pricing information.

• Track and measure category pricing strategies to identify improvements in profit and revenue performance.

Operational Excellence, Training & Development

• Ensure stores and merchandising teams understand ordering portals and operational guidelines.

• Coordinate training materials and communications for merchandising standards.

• Partner with category managers to develop category strategies and supplier negotiation tactics.

• Monitor retail audit action items and ensure timely resolution.

New Store & Retrofit Development

• Manage supplier-related activities for store openings and retrofits.

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams on stock orders, allocations, timelines, and budget adherence.

• Participate in project meetings to ensure alignment on store development milestones.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure adherence to HSSE policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Support safe food handling and related compliance standards.

• Provide input and support for critical incident responses when required.

Qualifications & Experience

Ideal Candidate Background

• 5-10+ years experience in retail, convenience, or QSR environments franchise experience at national scale preferred.

• Proven success in category management, merchandising, and customer experience transformation within a fast-paced retail environment.

• Strong experience in retail or QSR operations, merchandising, promotional planning, supplier relationships, and food/category management.

• Ability to work effectively in agile, high-growth, and entrepreneurial environments with strong accountability.

• Solid financial and commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost-effective operations.

• Understanding of supply chain, product distribution, and C-Store or retail merchandise operations.

• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Key Selection Criteria

• Minimum 5+ years in category, merchandising, or related retail leadership roles.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing or a Retail-related discipline (preferred).

• Strong understanding of consumer marketing, retail trends, and category management systems.

• Experience creating learning and development materials is an advantage.

• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results.