Retail Merchandise Specialist
Merchandising & Space Planning SpecialistPosition Summary:Seeking a Merchandising Planogram Specialist to join the Marketing Research team. This position plays a key role in designing effective merchandising layouts, evaluating performance data, and supporting strategic merchandising initiatives that enhance product visibility and drive sales growth across retail locations.Key ResponsibilitiesPlanogram Design & ManagementDevelop, update, and maintain planograms using merchandising platforms such as Spaceman (NIQ).Optimize shelf configurations, product placement, facings, and assortment strategies to improve product visibility and maximize sales potential.Ensure planograms align with category objectives, retailer requirements, and merchandising standards.Data Analysis & Category OptimizationEvaluate sales performance, shopper insights, demographic information, and market trends to support merchandising decisions.Identify opportunities to improve assortment productivity, shelf efficiency, and category performance.Generate data-driven recommendations to increase sales and profitability.Merchandising Strategy SupportUtilize market research findings and business intelligence to support assortment planning and merchandising initiatives.Contribute to the development and execution of merchandising strategies that align with company goals and market demands.Monitor industry trends and competitive activity to identify growth opportunities.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Sales, Key Account Managers, and Sales Leadership to improve merchandising execution and retail performance.Establish and maintain productive relationships with retail buyers and merchandising teams.Provide planogram and merchandising support for customer presentations and business reviews.Retail Store EvaluationConduct regular store visits to assess merchandising compliance and gather marketplace insights.Evaluate shelf conditions, product placement, promotional execution, and reset activities.Identify opportunities to enhance the shopper experience and improve merchandising effectiveness.Merchandising Operations & Project SupportPartner with merchandising administration teams to coordinate merchandising projects from planning through execution and analysis.Assist with reporting, tracking, and measuring merchandising program results.Systems & Process ImprovementUtilize merchandising and retail execution software to monitor performance and compliance.Recommend process improvements and contribute to the development of merchandising best practices.Support continuous enhancements to merchandising tools, reporting, and operational workflows.Required Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDemonstrated experience in planogram creation, category management, and merchandising analysis.Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.Proficiency with merchandising software platforms, including Spaceman; experience with JDA/Blue Yonder is highly desirable.Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Effective communication and relationship-building skills.Collaborative team player with flexibility and adaptability to changing business needs.QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.Minimum of three (3) years of experience in merchandising, including planogram development and assortment planning.Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.