Retail Merchandise Manager

Are you a retail professional who enjoys execution, people management, and building strong retailer partnerships?

Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, analytical, and efficient?

Do you have experience working in a fast-paced, highly pressurized environment?

Our client, a Cape Town-based company specialising in a range of premium imported Italian and Spanish food products and beverages, is seeking an experienced Retail Merchandise Manager to drive in-store execution across major national retailers, including Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar, and Makro.

This is a hands-on, field-based role suited to someone who understands that retail never sleeps and thrives on being on the ground, not behind a desk.

The company has a national distribution network that services the retail and hospitality sector across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

ESSENTIAL: Matric / Grade 12 qualification

ESSENTIAL: 3-5 years’ experience in retail/retail merchandising in FMCG with retailers such as PnP, Checkers, Spar, and Makro.

ESSENTIAL:Strong understanding of food & beverage retail

ESSENTIAL:Proven ability to manage people and service providers

ESSENTIAL:Own vehicle and valid driver’s license

ESSENTIAL: Willingness to travel (nationally)

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Drive national in-store execution across FMCG food & beverage categories
• Build and maintain strong relationships with retailers and store management
• Manage staff and external merchandising companies at both operational and executive levels
• Conduct regular store visits to ensure planograms, promotions, and display standards
• Resolve in-store challenges, including stock availability and execution gaps
• Coordinate national travel in support of retail performance
• Deliver accurate reporting and admin using Excel and Word
• Act as the link between the head office strategy and in-store delivery

Key Requirements:

• In-store merchandising compliance and execution standards
• Store coverage and visit effectiveness
• Availability and visibility of core and promotional ranges
• Quality of retailer relationships and feedback
• Timely, detailed and accurate reporting and administration
• Relationship-driven with strong communication skills
• Good working knowledge of Excel and Word