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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Field Merchandiser

💰 $38,000 - $55,000

RetailSalesMerchandisingField OperationsBrand Management

🎯 Role Definition

The Field Merchandiser is the brand's ambassador at the store level, responsible for executing our merchandising vision to perfection. This hands-on role involves traveling to various retail locations to ensure our products are impeccably stocked, beautifully displayed according to planograms, and effectively promoted. You will be the critical link between our sales strategy and the end consumer, directly influencing brand perception and purchase decisions. Success in this role requires a keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong partnerships with retail management and staff.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Retail Sales Associate
  • Stock Team Member
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Visual Merchandiser Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Lead Field Merchandiser / Territory Manager
  • Field Sales Representative
  • District or Regional Merchandising Manager
  • Key Account Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Corporate Merchandising Planner
  • Brand Marketing Coordinator
  • Sales Operations Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Travel to a designated portfolio of retail stores within an assigned territory to execute merchandising tasks and build brand presence.
  • Expertly implement and maintain planograms, ensuring all products are correctly positioned, priced, and adhere to company standards for visual excellence.
  • Build and nurture strong, collaborative relationships with store managers, department leads, and other key retail personnel to facilitate optimal product placement and support.
  • Strategically set up, maintain, and break down promotional displays, point-of-sale signage, and other marketing materials to coincide with sales events and product launches.
  • Meticulously manage on-shelf inventory by ensuring products are fully stocked, front-facing, and rotated according to freshness and "First-In, First-Out" (FIFO) principles.
  • Proactively identify and resolve out-of-stock issues by communicating with store personnel and internal teams to facilitate reorders and maintain product availability.
  • Conduct regular store audits to assess brand presentation, competitor activity, and overall market conditions, providing valuable field intelligence back to management.
  • Utilize company-provided mobile applications and software to meticulously document store visits, upload photos of displays, and submit detailed activity reports in a timely manner.
  • Negotiate for optimal shelf space, incremental display opportunities, and prime product positioning outside of established planograms to maximize visibility and sales.
  • Ensure all product sections are clean, organized, and free of dust or damage, presenting the brand in the best possible light to consumers.
  • Educate and train retail staff on product features, benefits, and current promotions to empower them as an extension of our sales force.
  • Place replenishment orders on behalf of the store when necessary to prevent stockouts and capitalize on sales opportunities.
  • Execute product resets and revisions, which may involve reorganizing entire sections or categories according to new corporate directives.
  • Manage a route schedule efficiently to maximize time in-store and ensure all locations are visited with the required frequency.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any in-store issues related to product, pricing, or placement, acting as the primary point of contact for our brand.

Secondary Functions

  • Assemble and install fixtures, shelving, and other structural components required for new displays or store resets.
  • Gather and report on consumer feedback and purchasing trends observed during store visits.
  • Participate in team conference calls and training sessions to stay updated on new products, merchandising strategies, and company policies.
  • Assist in the execution of special projects and market tests as directed by the regional or national management team.
  • Manage and maintain a small inventory of merchandising tools, supplies, and marketing materials in your possession.
  • Provide support during new store openings or large-scale remodels to ensure brand standards are met from day one.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Planogram Interpretation & Execution: Proven ability to read, understand, and accurately implement detailed planograms and merchandising schematics.
  • Visual Merchandising: A strong eye for aesthetics and the ability to create visually appealing product displays that attract customers.
  • Inventory Management: Knowledge of stock rotation (FIFO), back-stock management, and order placement processes.
  • Mobile Reporting Software: Proficiency in using smartphones and tablets to complete digital reports, upload photos, and track time.
  • Basic Hand Tool Usage: Competence in using basic tools (e.g., box cutters, screwdrivers, mallets) for assembling displays and fixtures.
  • Valid Driver's License: A valid license, a reliable personal vehicle, and a clean driving record are essential for territory travel.

Soft Skills

  • Relationship Building: The ability to establish rapport and trust with retail partners at all levels.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting and effective in-store negotiation.
  • Time Management & Organization: Superb organizational skills to manage a multi-store territory, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.
  • Autonomy & Self-Motivation: The drive to work independently with minimal supervision while consistently achieving goals.
  • Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness to identify challenges in the field and implement effective solutions on the spot.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all aspects of merchandising, from pricing accuracy to display cleanliness.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to handle changing priorities, last-minute requests, and a dynamic retail environment.
  • Influence & Negotiation: Confidence to persuasively communicate the value of preferred product placement and promotions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Marketing
  • Business Administration
  • Retail Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in a retail, merchandising, or customer-facing role.

Preferred: Direct experience as a merchandiser in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG), electronics, or apparel industry is highly desirable. Candidates with a proven track record of successfully managing a territory and improving in-store sales metrics will be given strong consideration.