FT Visual Merchandising Coordinator

Reporting to the Program Manager, Visual Merchandising, the Visual Merchandising Coordinator plays a key role in driving the execution of merchandising strategies and enhancing the customer experience journey in Liquor Marts. The coordinator contributes to the success of merchandising initiatives through proactive coordination, effective communication, and the seamless delivery of display standards and merchandising-related activities. They will collaborate closely with the marketing team and play an integral role in providing exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers and contribute to overall positive retail engagement.

• Coordinate and maintain program documentation, project files, and communication logs for all retail merchandising initiatives in Liquor Marts.
• Establish schedules covering design timelines, task tracking, playbook development, asset production, distribution of program materials, and execution requirements to meet desired launch dates.
• Coordinate and administer detailed communication plans, special instructions, and playbooks for Liquor Marts to ensure clarity, alignment, and consistency. Assist with questions or troubleshooting when required. 
• Work closely with the Marketing Coordinator and Marketing Clerk to communicate printing, ordering, and delivery of merchandising material.
• Maintain merchandising philosophies and list of current marketing assets in the Merchandising Standards Playbook and Content Manager by reviewing category listings, validating exceptions with cross-functional partners, and executing updates to guidelines and documentation.
• Participate in set-ups, category/shelf layouts, and pilot testing in Liquor Marts.  
• Participate in merchandising store visits and the scorecard process.
• Provide on-site Liquor Mart support and assist with completion of merchandising scorecard action items with store management teams.
• Collaborate with Retail Operations on signage requirements and product category placement/SKU counts for Liquor Mart renovations.
• Coordinate display, fixture, and wayfinding production; submit Requests for Service (RFS) and Requests for Goods & Services (RGS) when required.
• Poll stores and create distribution lists for deployment of signage, merchandising materials by the Marketing Coordinator.
• Ensure the deployment and implementation of new store fixtures, signage, and equipment is executed.
• Maintain accurate databases related to merchandising assets, programs, retail visitations, and scorecards. 
• Measure merchandising effectiveness by collecting store feedback, compiling sales, category or key performance indicator (KPI) data, organizing, and analyzing results for review. 
• Compile sales reporting and market trends for merchandising strategies, optimizing shelf management, and opportunities for growth. 
• Perform merchandising and shelf management research to innovate and improve according to industry trends and best practices while monitoring budgets. 
• Monitor and maintain a ‘test and learn’ portfolio of opportunities for new merchandising initiatives, innovation, and tactics.
• Track costs and monitor budgets monthly.
• Act as primary business contact for Liquor Marts, suppliers/agents, and internal departments for questions and issues related to merchandising.
• Monitor and maintain the merchandising mailbox to ensure quick customer service.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external groups of interest. 
• Provide updates to management.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Completion of a recognized degree or diploma in business administration, marketing or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience.
• A minimum of three years of demonstrated retail experience with one year of experience in merchandising.
• Solid understanding of retail, operations, design, customer navigation, and the path to purchase.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (both verbal and written).
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, plan multiple tasks and projects concurrently and meet timelines.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to anticipate future retail needs/opportunities and ensure that these are integrated into future merchandising strategies.
• Intermediate skills in Manthan and JD Edwards. 
• Experience and proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook).
• Have and maintain a valid Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License.
• Demonstrated flexibility and effectively works both independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated work experience includes achieving quality results, adaptability/managing change, communication, customer service, decision making and problem solving, integrity and building trust, and valuing diversity.
• The core competencies for this position include achieving quality results, adaptability/managing change, communication, customer service, decision making and problem solving, integrity and building trust, teamwork and cooperation and valuing diversity. Leadership competencies include, building strategic performance, coaching, and developing, influencing and leading. These competencies are deemed important for the success of the position and organization.

• Project management experience is considered an asset.
• Bilingual (French/English) language skills are an asset.
• Proficiency in Adobe programs (InDesign, Acrobat, Photoshop) is considered an asset.