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