Channel Play

About the Role:The Program Manager Visual Merchandising will spearhead one of the largest retail merchandising programs in the industry. This role involves managing an extensive field force of 300+ Visual Merchandisers, 25+ Area Operations Managers, two Regional Managers, and a team of trainers and MIS specialists. The Program Manager is accountable for driving operational excellence, ensuring alignment with program deliverables, leveraging data-driven insights, and delivering consistent client satisfaction at scale.This position requires a balance of strategic planning, operational rigor, and strong analytical acumen to ensure effective execution across a distributed retail ecosystem.Key Responsibilities:Team Leadership & Performance Management:- Lead, mentor, and build capability across a diverse workforce of 300+ Visual Merchandisers, 25+ Area Operations Managers, two Regional Managers, trainers, and MIS teams.- Define and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned to the programs Scope of Work (SOW).- Conduct periodic performance reviews, ensuring alignment between field execution and client expectations.- Implement structured training interventions to enhance skills and maintain quality standards across the program.Operational Excellence:- Drive 100% adherence to planograms and standard merchandising guidelines across retail outlets.- Ensure timely campaign rollouts and execution of seasonal projects in line with brand objectives.- Monitor field productivity through real-time dashboards, ensuring visit frequency, outlet coverage, and execution quality.- Deploy continuous improvement initiatives to optimize program delivery and operational efficiency.Data Analytics & Program Intelligence:- Leverage field reporting tools, retail audit platforms, and in-house MIS systems for data-driven decision-making.- Perform advanced analytics using Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros, dashboards) and visualization tools to extract actionable insights.- Partner with MIS teams to deliver accurate and timely performance reports to clients and internal leadership.- Use predictive analytics to forecast field productivity, campaign performance, and ROI.Client Consulting & Business Reviews:- Act as the primary client interface for program-related discussions, aligning program strategy with business goals.- Develop and deliver impactful business review presentations showcasing execution metrics, program efficiency, and innovation opportunities.- Proactively recommend merchandising strategies, operational improvements, and technology adoption to enhance client ROI.Financial & P&L Ownership:- Manage program-level Profit & Loss (P&L), ensuring financial viability and cost optimization.- Monitor expenses, vendor payouts, and program revenues, while identifying opportunities for efficiency and margin improvement.- Implement budgetary controls and financial discipline across program operations.Strategic Planning & Transformation:- Lead strategic decision-making by blending operational insights with data analytics and business intelligence.- Identify emerging retail trends and integrate best practices into the visual merchandising program.- Drive adoption of technology-enabled solutions for field automation, reporting, and performance tracking.- Ensure scalability of the program in alignment with long-term client growth objectives.Required Skills & Graduate/Post-Graduate in Business Administration, Retail Management, Operations, or related disciplines.Experience: 810+ years of experience in managing large-scale field force programs, preferably in Visual Merchandising, Retail Operations, or FMCG.Technical Expertise:- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables, dashboards, macros).- Expertise in PowerPoint for executive presentations.- Familiarity with field reporting tools, retail execution platforms, or business intelligence dashboards (e., Power BI, Tableau, QlikView).- Strong understanding of data-driven program management and operational KPIs.Core Competencies:- Proven leadership and team management skills in large-scale workforce programs.- Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset with data orientation.- High proficiency in client engagement and stakeholder management.- Ability to drive results in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments.- Strategic thinker with a process-driven approach to execution (ref:iimjobs.com)