Program Manager - Visual Merchandiser

Role Overview

As Program Manager Visual Merchandising at Apnamart, you will be responsible for defining, implementing and managing the visual presentation strategy across all store formats. Your work will ensure product displays, in-store signage, category resets, new store launches and ongoing store refreshes reinforce the brand's value proposition, enhance shopper experience and drive sales. You will coordinate cross-functionally with store operations, marketing, category & procurement teams and external vendors to deliver consistent, compelling in-store presentation across our hyperlocal stores.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop the visual merchandising program: layouts, display standards, planograms, signage guidelines for all store formats and categories.
• Partner with store operations and category teams to ensure merchandise-placement logic aligns with business goals (footfall, conversion, average basket size).
• Lead VM activities for new store openings (NSO) and existing store refreshes: from concept to execution, coordinating timelines, materials, vendor installation and quality checks.
• Manage the rollout of promotional displays, seasonal campaigns, thematic signage and store-front visuals to enhance visibility and shopper engagement.
• Monitor store compliance: conduct regular store audits of visual standards, displays, signage, shelf presentation, lighting, category adjacencies; report gaps and ensure corrective action.
• Work with vendors to source VM materials (fixtures, props, banners, signage), negotiate with vendors, and track costs and quality
• Maintain dashboard / MIS of VM program performance: display execution compliance, cost vs plan, store-by-store visual score, impact on sales or category performance.
• Train and guide store / operations staff on VM standards, best practices, and visual presentation guidelines to ensure consistency across locations.
• Stay updated on retail visual trends, competitor store-looks, shopper behaviour, and bring fresh ideas for store presentation improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement: refine VM processes, standard operating procedures, vendor workflows and ensure scalability across store network.

Key Metrics / KPIs

• % of stores compliant with VM standards in scheduled audit cycle
• Time-to-launch for new store visuals (from store ready to complete VM installation)
• Cost per store for VM rollout vs budget
• Uplift in sales / category conversion post-display refresh or promotional display (where trackable)
• Vendor turnaround time (materials ordered ? installed)
• Store staff training completion % for VM guidelines

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelors/Master's degree in Marketing, Retail Management, Visual Merchandising, Design or a related discipline
• At least 1-2 years experience in retail merchandising, visual presentation, store operations environment (Retail experience preferred)
• Strong aesthetic sensibility combined with commercial mindset (understanding how visual cues drive shopper behaviour)
• Hands-on project management skills: timelines, vendor coordination, rollout tracking.
• Basic competence with data/analytics: tracking compliance, dashboards, interpretation of store performance.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination skills; ability to work with operations, store teams, marketing & vendors.
• Willingness to travel to stores, new launches and conduct on-ground audits.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with visual tools (e.g., simple design tools, layout sketching) is a plus.

Open to travel across locations