Head Of Visual Merchandising & Trade Marketing GCC & APAC

Visual Merchandising & Portfolio Manager - GCC & APAC

Our client, one of the Global FMCG (Food) Manufacturing company is looking to hire a Portfolio & Visual Merchandising Manager Middle East & APAC based in Dubai.

Budget – AED 55K to AED 60K + Education + Benefits + Bonus

The Portfolio and Visual Merchandising Manager reports to the General Manager Retail and drives sales growth across emerging and developing retail markets. They manage sub-brand performance, adapt global strategies for local markets, and collaborate cross-functionally to optimize portfolio selection, pricing, forecasting, and promotions. Additionally, they design and execute visual merchandising strategies with external suppliers, perform market visits, and ensure strict compliance with Companies quality and brand standards.

Portfolio Management:

• § Take full ownership of the development and performance of sub brand(s) (driving the brand internally and externally) in order to show continuous and significant growth.
• § Translate international guidelines into a local strategy for priority markets including meeting all Sustainability guidelines and reporting for Non-Financial Reporting.
• § Review and optimize local packaging and options, using data, consumer feedback and if relevant local research, to meet consumer needs and improve sell thru.
• § Work with local Quality Assurance manager to ensure compliance of packaging and declarations on pack/sticker.
• § In collaboration with Retail Operations, establish ordering procedure and forecasting methodology for local, international and Global buying cycles for product and packaging.

§ Develop, implement, monitor and reporting on strong (and smart) A&P plans and create excitement around the brand. Feedback on promotional performance and the success to relevant stakeholders with recommendations for course corrections.

§ Collaborate with Global Retail and other relevant departments.

§ Prepare presentations to key stakeholders on performance, diagnosis and propose marketing initiatives for the Retail portfolio.

New Development

• § Develop new aspects to product lines (branding, communications, packaging, price point, etc.) as well as investigation and launching of new product lines.
• § Manage projects related to the sub brand(s) (international and national initiatives).
• § Conduct market related case studies to better understand consumer needs and behaviour.
• § Align all packaging ordering processes with Retail teams and supply/demand teams.

§ Prepare presentations to key stakeholders on new projects / product lines / marketing initiatives in order to get buy in and commitment (internal and international managers and directors).

§ Collaborate with Global Retail and other relevant departments.

§ Keep abreast with industry and market trends. Constantly monitor and report on retail competitive activities in the market.

Visual Merchandising:

§ Define, design and implement overall business visual merchandising strategy including design of appealing market specific merchandise displays, seasons and branding in order to attract visitors to the store.

§ Design various window displays and signage as well as country specific seasonal and special promotions displays and signage.

§ Development of POS material (Permanent & Temporary), managing it within the budget provided and within each store, maintaining effectiveness, in-store usage, consistency and pre-determined quality standards.

§ Driving SELL OUT initiatives i.e. Focus on key opportunities in store such additional POS placements, driving for excellence in terms of correct layouts/flows.

§ Analyse all merchandising activities and feedback on effectiveness focusing on traffic, ROI, conversion.

§ Support priority markets in developing and executing visual Merchandising campaigns. Work and collaborate with priority markets to procure cost effective suppliers. Test different visual elements and compare results to ascertain the most cost-effective solutions.

• § Conceptualize and implement ad hoc promotional activity to increase sell out for underperforming SKU's/brands.
• § Schedule and perform market visits and training for all priority markets on all global VM principles.
• § Review and evaluate all priority markets execution and communicate all changes to be made.
• § Evaluate and initiate monthly alignment strategy meetings with all stakeholders and priority markets to maintain and sustain the perfect store environment.
• § Keep abreast with industry and market trends. Constantly monitor and report on retail competitive activities in the market.
• § Manage all budgets, expenses and agency fees related to in-store merchandising activities.
• § new projects / product lines / marketing initiatives in order to get buy in and commitment (internal and international managers and directors).
• § Collaborate with Global Retail and other relevant departments.
• § Prepare presentations to key stakeholders on performance, diagnosis and propose marketing initiatives for the Retail portfolio.

Qualification:

• § Minimum of 5 -10years in the field area of Retail, Brand Marketing or Trade Marketing in a MNC.
• § Experience with consumer journey and visual merchandising is a plus
• § Strong influencing and networking skills, working with Global teams and presenting up to Group level
• § Proven record of successful conceptual development and strategic implementation
• § Proven track record with increasing responsibilities and the ability to manage effectively areas of profit/loss with a growth oriented multi-unit organization
• § Creative and innovative problem solving skills