Merchandising & Brand Specialist

Job Title: Merchandising & Brand Specialist 

Purpose: The Merchandising & Brand Specialist executes category/concept or brand-specific operational tasks and maintains brand standards for assigned product categories/concepts/brands within retail operations. This role ensures consistent implementation of merchandising directives, supports category presentation standards, and assists with day-to-day category execution under management guidance.  

Essential Functions: 

• Performs daily category maintenance tasks including product placement, visual merchandising updates, and inventory organization according to corporate planograms and brand standards for assigned categories 

• Conducts and oversees regular category inspections to ensure proper stock levels, product presentation, and compliance with merchandising specifications, working with retail associates and/or booksellers to maintain standards; reports discrepancies and execution issues to immediate supervisor 

• Implements and coordinates promotional displays, seasonal transitions, and new product launches within assigned categories, working with retail associates and/or booksellers and logistics teams; follows corporate directives and merchandising guidelines to ensure consistent execution 

• Supports operational management in maintaining customer service standards specific to brand requirements; provides coaching support, brand expertise, and product knowledge to enhance customer experiences while educating customers on product features and benefits to support sales goals through active engagement and product demonstration 

• Assists with and coordinates category-specific ordering, receiving, return and markdown activities including product placement, price verification, and inventory accuracy, working with retail associates and/or booksellers and logistics teams; processes category-related documentation and communicates issues to management 

• Maintains proficiency in inventory management systems and manages category reporting; updates product information and tracks category performance metrics; conducts category assessments, inventory counts, and promotional setup while providing feedback on execution challenges and customer response to category initiatives to immediate supervisor or corporate merchandising team 

• Assists in delivering training to new associates on category-specific procedures, product knowledge, and brand standards following established training protocols; provides hands-on support and guidance during category-related tasks 

• Monitors category compliance with safety and operational standards; ensures proper handling, storage, and presentation of category products according to established procedures 

Reporting Relationship & Role Information: 

• The Merchandising & Brand Specialist position as described falls under the Fair Labor Standards Act as a Non-Exempt position 

• In locations with a Merchandising & Brand Manager, this role operates under their guidance; in smaller revenue locations, this role functions independently under the Director of Operations 

• The Merchandising & Brand Specialist position requires flexible scheduling across various operational periods including peak sales times, inventory periods, and promotional events to provide category expertise and support 

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment: 

• Education and Experience: The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 3 years: 

•  In a specialist role: Requires 2 years of experience in product merchandising, category management, or specialty retail with focus on specific product categories 

•  In a technical role: Requires 3-4 years of experience in retail operations, visual merchandising, or product management with demonstrated category expertise  

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field can count for 1 of the 3-year requirement 

• Specialized Training: 

• Knowledge of category management principles, visual merchandising techniques, and retail analytics 

• Understanding of brand standards, product positioning, and inventory management systems 

• Experience managing the type of category/concept/brand to which the role is assigned 

Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits: 

• Strong attention to detail with ability to follow merchandising directives and maintain consistent product presentation standards while identifying and reporting execution issues 

• Good organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize category tasks and coordinate with team members to ensure operational efficiency 

• Effective communication skills with ability to assist customers, work collaboratively with associates, and provide clear feedback to management on category-related matters 

• Demonstrated reliability in executing routine tasks with proven ability to learn product knowledge and maintain category standards consistently 

• Basic understanding of visual merchandising principles with capability to implement merchandising updates and maintain appealing product displays according to corporate guidelines 

Disclaimer: 

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis. 

Dufry, Hudson, HMSHost are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.