Role Overview
This role is critical in ensuring consistent product availability, excellent in-store execution, freshness, and strong sales performance across all assigned outlets. The Merchandiser plays a key role in driving store-level performance by influencing orders, maintaining high display standards, and building strong relationships with store teams.
Key Responsibilities
Instore Execution & Merchandising
- Maintain high-quality, visually appealing displays of fresh produce at all times.
- Ensure all products are correctly placed, priced, and labelled across fridges and display areas.
- Execute planograms and merchandising standards in line with the company guidelines.
- Ensure the correct product assortment is available and well-presented in all display areas.
- Set up and manage promotional displays ensuring timely implementation and removal.
- Maximize shelf space, visibility, and display quality to drive customer engagement and sales.
Freshness, Quality & Food Safety
- Enforce First-Expiry-First-Out (FEFO) principles.
- Ensure zero expired, damaged, or poor-quality products are on display.
- Maintain strict hygiene, food safety, and cold chain standards.
- Conduct regular quality checks and immediately remove non-compliant stock.
- Minimize waste through proper rotation, handling, and monitoring of stock.
Stock & Inventory Management
- Monitor daily stock levels and ensure timely replenishment.
- Track product movement (fast vs slow movers) and adjust displays accordingly.
- Proactively recommend reorders to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
- Ensure all listed SKUs are consistently available and visible in-store.
- Coordinate with store teams to ensure accurate stock handling and ordering.
Market Intelligence, Pricing & Reporting
- Monitor competitor activity including pricing, promotions, product range, and display quality.
- Ensure pricing data is accurate and reflects real-time in-store conditions.
- Highlight pricing gaps, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with Heads of Section, Store Managers, and retail teams.
- Act as the primary point of contact for store-level operations and issues.
- Respond promptly to store needs and resolve issues efficiently.
- Influence store teams to improve ordering patterns, product positioning, and support for company products.
Weekly Performance Reviews & Meetings
- Actively participate in the weekly commercial/operations meetings.
- Prepare and present reports for assigned stores covering sales performance vs targets, order performance (Target vs Actual), and key expansion opportunities.
- Provide clear actionable recommendations to improve performance and follow up on agreed action points.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Achievement of minimum order targets per store.
- On-shelf availability ≥ 95%.
- Planogram compliance ≥ 95%.
- Display quality score ≥ 90%.
- Zero expired or spoilt products on display.
- 100% on-time submission of daily and weekly reports.
Profile Requirements
- Diploma/Degree in Sales, Marketing, Agriculture, or a related field.
- Minimum 2+ years’ experience in merchandising, preferably in fresh produce or FMCG.
- Strong understanding of Kenyan supermarket operations (e.g., Carrefour, Naivas & Quickmart).
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple stores effectively.
- Willingness to travel across assigned outlets.
