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)