Skills & Competencies for Merchandising Manager

Merchandising Manager job profile

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JOB SUMMARY for Merchandising Manager

Manages merchandising operations and develops and executes merchandising plans to deliver volume and profit goals.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES for Merchandising Manager

Develops effective merchandising plans for categories and locations, utilizing data representing customer insights, consumer trends, buying patterns, sales and inventory metrics, forecasting, and competitive landscape. Collaborate with marketing, finance, and buying to Identify new suppliers and products that reflect consumer preferences and drive sales. Coaches and mentors merchandising staff to produce product assortments that reflect branding, buying trends and support seasonal customer demand.

Merchandising Manager SALARY RANGE

BASE 50%
$120,317
TOTAL 50%
$131,907
Job Level
M02
Job Code
SM15000349
Education/Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Reports To
Director

Merchandising Manager Skills and Competencies List

Proficiency Levels and Behavioural Indicators
Salary.com identifies five increasing levels of proficiency for each skill/competency. Some jobs require only a relatively low level of proficiency in each skill/competency, while other jobs will require a more advanced level of proficiency in the same skill/competency. These levels rate the degree of proficiency (skill level, expertise) we expect the incumbent to perform in the given skill/competency for the given job. Note that we intentionally do not associate timeframes or years of experience in performing the skill/competency because that can be misleading. Proficiency levels identify what the incumbent knows and can do rather than how long they have been doing it. Also, note that the proficiency levels are cumulative, e.g., a level 4 proficiency implies the ability to perform all the behaviors at the lower levels.
Check each Merchandising Manager skill and competencie below to view definitions.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES JOB FAMILY COMPETENCIES CORE COMPETENCIES
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7 hard skills or competencies (industry competencies) for Merchandising Manager

1 Industry Competency – Retail Industry
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Applying comprehensive knowledge of retail principles, inventory management, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior to effectively manage and operate retail businesses.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Defines the importance of effective merchandising strategies in boosting retail sales and profit margins.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists customers with product inquiries by providing information about features, pricing, and availability.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Addresses intricate complaints and concerns effectively to ensure customer satisfaction and retention.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Contributes to the development of retail pricing strategies to maximize profitability and competitiveness.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions the adoption of predictive analytics to optimize pricing, inventory management, and marketing strategies.
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2 Industry Competency – Merchandising
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Strategically planning, executing, and managing product merchandising, pricing, and promotions to increase customer engagement and maximize revenue.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites examples of common merchandising techniques for ensuring consistent brand presentation.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Aids in compiling market research to identify trends and ensure the effectiveness of merchandising strategies.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyzes customers' feedback to improve product assortment and pricing plans.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Coordinates with vendors and buyers to ensure timely delivery and optimal placement of merchandise.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Builds relationships with strategic partners to secure access to superior merchandise offerings, data, and terms.
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3 Merchandising Manager - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandising Manager
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandising Manager
Proficiency Level - 5

5 general skills or competencies (Job family competencies) for Merchandising Manager

1 Job Family Competencies – Licensing Management
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Ability to participate in and oversee the acquisition, tracking, compliance and optimization of licenses for various assets within our organization.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Cites industry examples of applications of licensing management.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Assists in renewal process to ensure licenses remain up to date.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Analyzes licensing usage data to identify optimization opportunities and suggest adjustments.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Collaborates with legal and procurement teams for intricate licensing contracts.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Adopts innovative approaches and pioneering licensing models and frameworks.
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2 Job Family Competencies – Marketing Operations
Proficiency Level -2
Skill definition-Designing, executing, and optimizing systems, tools, and processes to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of marketing activities.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Discusses different types of marketing operations within an organization.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Compiles questionnaires, polls, surveys, and other data collection resources.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Manages analytics dashboards to measure the performance of our marketing channels.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Formulates innovative solutions to address needs across key marketing operations initiatives.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Creates marketing plans to ensure campaigns meet standard processes and quality standards.
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3 Merchandising Manager - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandising Manager
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandising Manager
Proficiency Level - 5

12 soft skills or competencies (core competencies) for Merchandising Manager

1 Core Competencies – Business Acumen
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Insight into our organization's business, goals, and values. Ability to design and implement initiatives that facilitate successful outcomes.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Describes the market conditions that impact the business.
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Collects and compiles competitor information for competitive analysis.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Communicates financial insights that positively influence the business plan development process.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Evaluates and explains the financial aspects of a business initiative to different teams.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Champions organizational change and digital transformation to drive higher business performance.
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2 Core Competencies – Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Proficiency Level -3
Skill definition-Knowledge of and ability to apply a set of quantifiable measurements to determine how effectively an individual, team or organization is achieving a business objective.
Level 1 Behaviors
(General Familiarity)
Contrasts KPI with other performance management tools, such as Balanced Score Card (BSC) and Objectives and Key Results (OKR).
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Level 2 Behaviors
(Light Experience)
Follows up on regular action items related to KPI implementation.
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Level 3 Behaviors
(Moderate Experience)
Consolidates internal and external information to define and select applicable KPI.
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Level 4 Behaviors
(Extensive Experience)
Designs and develops KPI metrics and dashboards for various functions and purposes.
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Level 5 Behaviors
(Mastery)
Defines and modifies strategic KPIs to drive organizational objectives and priorities.
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3 Merchandising Manager - Skill and Competency
Proficiency Level - 3
4 Skill and Competency - Merchandising Manager
Proficiency Level - 4
5 Competency for - Merchandising Manager
Proficiency Level - 5

Summary of Merchandising Manager skills and competencies

There are 7 hard skills for Merchandising Manager, Retail Industry, Merchandising, Merchandise Quality and Compliance, etc.
5 general skills for Merchandising Manager, Licensing Management, Marketing Operations, Promotion, etc.
12 soft skills for Merchandising Manager, Business Acumen, Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Budgeting, etc.
While the list totals 24 distinct skills, it's important to note that not all are required to be mastered to the same degree. Some skills may only need a basic understanding, whereas others demand a higher level of expertise.
For instance, as a Merchandising Manager, he or she needs to be skilled in Business Acumen, be skilled in Key Performance Indicators (KPI), and be proficient in Budgeting.

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