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