Merchandising Team Lead- Food & Grocery – Consumer Division

JOB PURPOSE

To plan, coordinate and monitor merchandising operations for the Food & Grocery Department to ensure that routes are effectively serviced and that  standards and procedures are maintained to project the Company’s image as a preferred supplier in the industry and enhance customer service levels.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

The job is satisfactorily performed when: 

• Merchandising targets are met including proper rotation, minimizing expiries and effective servicing of stores identified 
• There is consistent planogram execution  
• There is accuracy and timeliness of records and reports  
• The level of customer service and complaints are minimized. 
• Frequency and nature of preventable incidents, accidents or breaches of safety and food safety regulations in keeping with targets for days away  from work cases • A satisfactory working relationship is encouraged and developed with all employees as espoused and guided by Group and Company Values.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

FUNCTIONAL: 

1. Manage and supervise the merchandising team within assigned geographical area to ensure that all accounts are serviced according to schedule  and targets and standards regarding effective display of Company products are achieved. 
2. Verify and document, for submission to the Merchandising Manager that the following activities are occurring as planned and directed in a timely  basis: 
   • POP and signage is properly set according to planograms; Products are displayed in a neat and appealing manner; Stock levels are at  required levels; Prices are accurate; Shelf space and product location are optimized; Adequate rotation of shelf and back stock and  removal of expired product; Execution of promotions  
3. Provide feedback on competitive activity to Sales and Marketing teams 
4. Assist in the development of planograms  
5. Prepare and schedule routes for merchandising teams to facilitate the achievement of sales and marketing objectives and ensure that approved  routes and schedules are being covered effectively. Initiate corrective action where necessary to ensure that approved targets are met.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT: 

1. Develop and maintain strong relationships with all customers that are on the route schedules 
2. Ensure the provision of effective levels of theoretical, practical and on the job training for merchandisers so as to create and maintain desired  levels of productivity and ensure that they acquire the necessary skills for excellent job performance.  
3. Manage and direct staff including recruitment, selection and development to achieve Company goals and objectives. 9. Ensure the successful execution of the Company’s Performance Management System for the Merchandisers. 
4. Challenge and motivate staff to consistently achieve extraordinary results 
5. Investigate, follow up and provide solutions to customer complaints or problems arising out of merchandising issues so as to establish and  maintain superior trade relationships. 
6. Conduct monthly merchandising team meetings 
7. Communicate with all Sales and Marketing staff and attend and participate in Sales and Marketing team meetings. 
8. Liaise with Sales Manager to procure feedback on merchandising activities, identify client needs and monitor product trends required to satisfy  customer demands. 
9. Maintain discipline among the merchandising team and live in accordance with the Bpi Company Values 

HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT: 

1. Ensure merchandisers maintain a clean and safe work place and follow HSE guidelines. 
2. Investigate and report on incidents and/or accidents as necessary. 
3. Review accident reports and ensure corrective actions are done. 
4. Ensure the application of and adherence to established HSE measures and procedures to ensure the well-being of all employees and the  Company’s customers. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE & CUSTOMER SERVICE: 

1. Adhere to the Company’s quality & customer service standards and procedures. 
2. Ensure the Company’s quality & customer service standards and procedures are being adhered to & reinforce compliance with direct reports.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

1. Assist with the execution of promotions 
2. Ensure the preparation of merchandiser reports and monitor completed sheets to ensure compliance with established plans, schedules and  procedures. 
3. Ensure trade audits reports are prepared and submitted on a monthly basis. 
4. Conduct Monthly Blitz teams in areas identified as having growth opportunities
5. Compile data from merchandiser work logs for the preparation of merchandising payrolls in accordance with approved procedures.
6. Prepare folders and distribute POP to merchandisers / at merchandising meetings. 
7. Deliver required P.O.P material and equipment to the merchandisers and plan, coordinate and assist in the setting up of new stores and assist in  the installation of racks and seasonal displays in the market. 
8. Assist with the administration of attendance and leave applications, accident/incident forms, distribution of correspondence to merchandisers on  the trade, and other related matters.  
9. Perform other duties that may be required to enhance the operations of the Company

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS 

REPORTS TO: 

Sales Manager/ Division Manager 

SUPERVISES: 

Merchandising Team

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, MATERIALS, ETC.: 

• MS Office
• Safety Gear
• (PPE) for plant/warehouse use…shoes, ear plugs and safety glasses 
• Computer
• Cell Phone
• Email software
• Vehicle

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• At least five O’Levels including Mathematics and English or equivalent accreditation. GCE/A’Levels or Diploma in Business/ related field will  be an asset. 
• At least five (5) years’ experience in a FMCG Sales environment, with at least three (3) years at a supervisory level. Or relevant combination of training and experience