43 Merchandising jobs in South Africa

Senior Specialist Merchandising
– Value Stores EM

Location:
Cape Town, South Africa

Grade:
P1

Purpose & Overall Relevance

This role is responsible for maximizing the profitability of retail Factory Outlets (FO) across Emerging Markets by driving key merchandising processes and implementing strategic initiatives across all countries of operation. The position ensures in-season activity delivers planned sales, margin, and stock objectives, while also supporting the effective execution of promotions and optimizing product flow.

What we are looking for-

We are looking for a data-driven merchandising professional with 6–8 years of retail or factory outlet experience, strong expertise in merchandise planning, inventory management, and OTB control, and proven hands-on skills in Power BI for dashboard building and reporting. The ideal candidate will bring advanced Excel proficiency, strong financial acumen, and a trading mindset to maximize sales and margins. They will excel at working across multiple countries and functions, demonstrating excellent communication and influencing skills, along with the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the implementation of key merchandising strategies aligned with business priorities.
• Plan, manage, and monitor seasonal FO/Planned Production OTB & Buy to deliver sales and margin targets.
• Maintain monthly sales and stock intake views, including product gap analysis.
• Collaborate with Store Development to allocate optimal product space in new stores.
• Partner with VM & Trade Marketing to standardize in-store communication across Emerging Markets.
• Work with Supply Chain to enhance supply efficiencies.
• Monitor and drive channel KPIs including Net Sales, Sell-through, Standard Margin, Inventory, and IDL.
• Ensure consistent implementation of markdown/promotion processes across markets.
• Develop and maintain key merchandising dashboards and reports in
  Power BI
  to drive actions.
• Review weekly sales and stock performance; define and execute gap plans with local markets.
• Share best practices across Factory Outlet and franchise channels.
• Lead and execute projects aligned with business needs.
• Role model the leadership framework and promote the
  ONE EM mindset
  .

Key Relationships

• Global Merchandising Team
• EM DTC Cluster Teams
• EM Retail Operations
• EM & Cluster SCM
• EM Finance
• EM Demand Planning
• EM Hub BU, CTC & DTC Merchandising Teams

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong capability in
  Power BI dashboard building and reporting
  .
• Strong financial acumen and expertise in retail math & KPIs.
• Excellent influencing and collaboration skills across diverse teams.
• Strong trading mindset with entrepreneurial flair to maximize opportunities.
• Advanced
  Excel
  and MS Office skills.
• Understanding of retail management systems and back-office operations.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Structured, process-oriented, yet approachable and team-focused.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure, diverse environment.
• Fluent in English; excellent communication and presentation skills.

Qualifications & Experience

• University degree in Business, Marketing, Sales, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Mandatory:
  Proven hands-on experience with
  Power BI
  (dashboard building, visualization, and reporting).
• Mandatory:
  Solid experience in
  Merchandise Planning
  (OTB management, assortment planning, sales/margin forecasting).
• Mandatory:
  Strong background in
  Inventory Management
  (stock flow, aging, gap analysis, replenishment strategies).
• 6–8 years of merchandising experience, ideally in retail or factory outlet environments.

Purpose & Overall Relevance For The Organization
This role is responsible for maximizing the profitability of own retail Factory outlets across Emerging market by driving key merchandising processes and implementation of key strategic initiatives across all countries of operation ensuring all in-season activity is focused upon delivering planned sales, margin and terminal stock objectives, as well as the effective execution of promotions.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive the implementation of key strategic priorities in line with the business expectation & merchandising framework.
• Plan, manage, and monitor the seasonal FO/Planned production OTB & Buy to reflect planned sales and margins.
• Build and maintain monthly views of sales and stock intake including product gap overview.
• Work with store development team to ensure all new stores are built in a way to allocate optimum space to each product that we trade in our value stores.
• Work with VM & trade marketing team to standardize the instore communication tools for value stores across Emerging markets.
• Work with supply chain team to enhance supply efficiencies.
• Monitor financial targets for the channel including Net sales, Sell-through, Std. margin, Inventory, IDL & drive required actions to achieve the KPI's.
• Ensure implementation of standard markdown / promotion processes across EM to support topline, bottom-line & inventory ageing targets.
• Develop key merchandising reports using power BI and drive key actions.
• Review weekly sales and stock and define gap plans in collaboration with markets to maximize sales and achieve business goals.
• Sharing of best practice from retail FO into franchise and within franchise across the markets.
• Action & lead relevant projects based on the business needs to achieve business goals.
• Role model the leadership framework and ONE EM mindset.

Key Relationships

• Global Merchandising team.
• EM DTC Cluster teams.
• EM Retail Operations
• EM & cluster SCM
• EM Finance
• EM Demand planning
• EM Hub BU, CTC & DTC merchandising team.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong capability to build power BI reports is must.
• Strong financial acumen and familiarity with retail math and KPIs.
• Excellent direct & indirect influencing skills.
• Strong trading mindset, with an entrepreneurial flair to maximize business opportunities.
• Fluent in English.
• Ability to present complex topics in a simplified and clear way to any audience.
• Excellent attention to detail and analysis skills.
• Advanced MS office skills (Advanced Excel skills is a must).
• Understanding of retail management system and back office system.
• Structured, process oriented at the same time approachable and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work within a diverse team, fast-paced environment and under pressure.

Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications
University degree in business, ideally with marketing and sales focus or equivalent professional experience

Merchandising Experience: 6 - 8 years

ONE EM mindset.

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.

RETAIL & MERCHANDISING MANAGER PREMIUM LIFESTYLE RETAIL (Stellenbosch)

R37000 ctc

A leading lifestyle destination is seeking a dynamic, experienced Retail & Merchandising Manager to establish and grow its retail division. This is a unique opportunity to curate and manage a premium product offering in a setting that celebrates sustainability, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

What Youll Be Doing:

• Develop retail as a standalone business unit across multiple outlets

• Source and create lifestyle product ranges aligned with brand values

• Lead visual merchandising and ensure a compelling in-store experience

• Manage stock levels, replenishment, and phase-out strategies

• Align physical and digital retail offerings in collaboration with e-commerce teams

• Curate and coordinate corporate gifting solutions

• Train staff to deliver knowledgeable, story-driven customer service

• Develop a detailed product catalogue with visuals, descriptions, and pricing

• Execute a merchandising calendar aligned with events and marketing objectives

• Monitor budgets and manage project costs effectively

Who Were Looking For:

• Minimum 5 years experience in retail buying and merchandising within homeware, lifestyle, or hospitality sectors

• Proven strength in product development, range planning, and supplier management

• Experience in boutique or premium retail environments

• Familiarity with sustainability-focused sourcing is an advantage

• Commercially driven with the ability to interpret sales data and make strategic decisions

• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS systems (MICROS advantageous)

• Reliable transport required

• South African citizenship and clear criminal record essential

If youre passionate about creating meaningful customer experiences and working with products that tell a story, this role offers the perfect platform to shine.

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter. Applications close soon.

RETAIL & MERCHANDISING MANAGER PREMIUM LIFESTYLE RETAIL (Stellenbosch)

R37000 ctc

A leading lifestyle destination is seeking a dynamic, experienced Retail & Merchandising Manager to establish and grow its retail division. This is a unique opportunity to curate and manage a premium product offering in a setting that celebrates sustainability, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

What Youll Be Doing:

• Develop retail as a standalone business unit across multiple outlets

• Source and create lifestyle product ranges aligned with brand values

• Lead visual merchandising and ensure a compelling in-store experience

• Manage stock levels, replenishment, and phase-out strategies

• Align physical and digital retail offerings in collaboration with e-commerce teams

• Curate and coordinate corporate gifting solutions

• Train staff to deliver knowledgeable, story-driven customer service

• Develop a detailed product catalogue with visuals, descriptions, and pricing

• Execute a merchandising calendar aligned with events and marketing objectives

• Monitor budgets and manage project costs effectively

Who Were Looking For:

• Minimum 5 years experience in retail buying and merchandising within homeware, lifestyle, or hospitality sectors

• Proven strength in product development, range planning, and supplier management

• Experience in boutique or premium retail environments

• Familiarity with sustainability-focused sourcing is an advantage

• Commercially driven with the ability to interpret sales data and make strategic decisions

• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS systems (MICROS advantageous)

• Reliable transport required

• South African citizenship and clear criminal record essential

If youre passionate about creating meaningful customer experiences and working with products that tell a story, this role offers the perfect platform to shine.

To apply, submit your CV and a cover letter. Applications close soon.

Description

We are searching for a dynamic and experienced Visual Merchandise Manager to lead a team and elevate a high-end brand presence.

• Creating and implementing a visual merchandising strategy for the Company.
• Ensuring the strategy is in line with the Company brand, products, and target market.
• Generating sketches of visual displays that meet visual design requirements.
• Finalizing designs and creating detailed floor plans for display areas.
• Sourcing the props, creative materials, and accessories for displays.
• Changing displays to promote new product launches or to reflect festive or seasonal themes.
• Ensuring uniformity of displays across multiple store locations.
• Liaising with other retail professionals, including buyers, marketing executives, and retail merchandisers, when necessary.
• Monitoring costs and working within budget.
• Researching lifestyle and design trends that will inform the visual merchandising strategy.
• Training of staff in VM standards / Principles of display.
• National Bimonthly and annual audit of stores in JHB / DBN / PE.
• Ensure standards are upheld for store layout / design, Store Revamps
• Manage the annual critical path document for each campaign.
• Help conceptualize product special offers & promotions.
• VM & Head of Graphics to conceptualize campaigns & present to EXCO.
• Manage In-store display for campaigns across all 26 stores & 2 franchise.
• Project management of all props and print production in-house and with suppliers.
• Communication of audit document to store managers & regionals to ensure adequate stock levels of permanent fixtures.
• Conceptualize and execute the décor of media launches, store launches, exhibitions, collaborations, inhouse events.
• Any other function which may be required.

• Matric and / or relevant diploma or degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Spatial Design, Interior Design, Retail Management, or a related field.
• / - 8 years proven experience as a Visual Merchandise Manager in retail stores.
• Comprehensive portfolio of relevant visual design work.
• Working knowledge of current visual merchandising trends and best practices

• Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills.
• Proficient in developing and executing visual merchandising strategies.
• In-depth knowledge of design trends, retail best practices, and customer behaviour.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills

Next Generation is a dynamic and innovative retail brand seeking a talented VM manager. The perfect candidate is creative and passionate about retail.

1. Must be willing to travel across South Africa often (VM manager is out of Johannesburg every second week)
2. Must be creative
3. Must have a strong understanding of visual merchandising principles and techniques
4. Must have strong communication skills
5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
6. Must be proficient in Adobe Suite
7. Must have experience in a VM role

Responsibilities 

• Investigating industry best practice initiatives in relation to new ideas and trends


• Identifying and making use of all opportunities to improve the overall visual appeal of stores, thereby maximizing trade


• Ensure that the merchandise is displayed effectively


• Creating effective merchandise strategies to get a return on trading space


• Create and update merchandising tools, merchandise guide, merchandise key controls, and Store Manager's merchandise checklist


• Liaise closely with buyer/director to ensure product type is in line with the location and demographics


• Developing strategies with new store opening promotional products to introduce customers to the brand and optimise the chances of them repurchasing


• Ensuring the combination of great product skills and being analytical to increase sales


• Ensuring that the stock holding is aligned with the sales target


• Supervising the execution of all signage, graphics and visual elements


• Create floor plan and layout to dictate the flow of customer traffic and shopping habits


• Departments are located correctly to maximize sales


• Responsible for the execution within all stores


• Conducts regular store visits and spot checks to ensure compliance around markdowns and price changes


• Maximizing company sales and reducing further markdowns by implementing correct location, merchandising and timeous implementation throughout all stores


• Management of Visual Merchandising Assistant and instore VM champions and responsible for their overall development and performance


• Trains best practices on customer service skills, store standards and selling points


• Conducting regular store visits ensuring all staff are fully trained


• Analyse products in stores to formulate a turnaround strategy


• Works closely with Buyer/Planner to maximize profitability with core/seasonal product


• Develops an effective network of communication to ensure shared knowledge and understanding of business activity


• Effectively manages the performance and development of Visual Merchandise assistant to drive Visual Merchandise standards


• Identify and implement training interventions to achieve exceptional stock service levels across all stores

Requirements

• A Diploma/Degree in Interior Décor or Design / Retail / Fashion / Design.


• Min 4 years' work experience in the retail apparel industry, as a Visual Merchandising Manager.


• Excellent technical knowledge of design software Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator and End user.


• Valid driver's license with own reliable transport. Travel on a national basis.


• The ability to interpret briefs and demonstrate creativity in generating creative concepts, as well as communicating directives to in-store VM champions and VM Assistant to ensure correct rollout.

• Strong creative problem-solving skills and proven ability to show initiative. The position requires great attention to detail and conceptual and creative ability.


• Good knowledge of company and merchandising policies and procedures in the retail environment.


• Excellent Eye for detail with a strong creative hand with ability to communicate key ideas to drive visual standards.


• Fluent in English, other languages are an advantageous.


• Strong administrative skills, excellent product knowledge, and passion for the company's products.


• Self-starter and team player.

Our client, a dynamic, established and family-owned business in the Seychelles is an importer and distributor of fresh and frozen perishables in the Seychelles and represents a portfolio of leading and well-known FMCG products. They distribute not only to the HORECA industry but to the retail trade too, and are currently looking for a dynamic and visionary Merchandising Manager to lead the charge in transforming their merchandise planning, display, and inventory management within the retail sector in Seychelles. This role requires a keen eye for market trends, a strong understanding of customer preferences, and the ability to analyse sales data to enhance product offerings and maximize profitability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Strategy Development: Craft and implement merchandising strategies that align with company goals and market trends.
2. Inventory Management: Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability and minimize overstock situations.
3. Display and Presentation: Oversee the visual presentation of products in-store and online, ensuring displays are attractive, organized, and consistent with brand standards.
4. Sales Analysis: Regularly analyze sales data and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
5. Supplier Negotiations: Work with suppliers to negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules.
6. Team Leadership: Lead and manage a team of merchandisers, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluation.
7. Collaboration: Collaborate with marketing, sales, and product development teams to ensure cohesive strategies and messaging.
8. Customer Experience Enhancement: Continuously seek ways to improve the customer shopping experience through innovative merchandising techniques.

We are looking for someone who exudes the following characteristics:

• Creative and innovative
• Quick and organised
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Excellent time management skills
• Multitasker and leader
• Excellent relationship building skills
• Enjoys challenges and quick to spot opportunity
• Positive mindset

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or a related field
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities
• Proficient in using merchandising software and data analysis tools
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills
• Experience in managing a team with different cultures
• Experience in living and working outside of their home country

The position will pay a market-related salary dependent on experience. The company will also provide a car and a cell phone contract for the incumbent. Accommodation is the responsibility of the incumbent; however, the first month’s rental will be covered by the company. One annual return airplane ticket to the original country or residence is also included in the package.