Associate Category Designer

Our client, a Retail Pharmacy company, is looking for a Associate Category Designer for their Woonsocket, RI location.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with Category Management and other Category Designers to develop merchandising plans and execute the plans across all main and alternate versions of planograms.
• Create planogram versions, communications and bulletins.
• Creatively merchandise product and identify sales opportunities to maximize sales.
• Prepare planogram sections for review process.
• Review, proofread, and quality-check all planogram communication materials before distribution.
• Ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in all store-facing directives.
• Coordinate and release planogram updates, new item notices, and discontinued item communications.
• Capture all images and product dimensions for communications.
• Check-in new item samples
• Interpret planogram content and translate it into clear, actionable store instructions.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Store Operations, and Marketing to validate content and timelines.
• Maintain strong version control and ensure stores receive the correct communication packets.
• Utilize Adobe tools to review, annotate, and support updates to communication materials.
• Manage multiple overlapping deadlines and prioritize workflow effectively.
• Use Microsoft Office (Excel, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) for tracking, reporting, and communication tasks.

Requirements:

• 3+ years of retail store management or merchandise display experience. Preferred user of Space Management software or similar applications.
• Preferred user of In-Design Software Application
• Effectively influence and interact with all levels within the organization
• Preferred user of Space Management Software or similar Applications
• Ability to plan, coordinate and set priorities on several projects simultaneously while meeting all deadlines
• Adobe experience is a plus (Acrobat; Illustrator or InDesign is a plus).
• Strong oral and written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, SharePoint, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and space management software applications.
• Ability to quickly learn processes and work efficiently with a short ramp-up period.
• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing/Management or other business related area is preferred
• Candidate Skills Rating (0-5 Scale)*

Planogram Literacy (0-5):

• 0 = No experience
• 3 = Familiar with planograms; can interpret with some guidance
• 5 = Strong experience; can independently create planograms, planogram versions and review and translate planograms into store-ready instructions

Written Communication (0-5):

• 0 = Needs improvement
• 3 = Clear writing with basic structure
• 5 = Highly polished writing; can create clear, actionable store-facing communication

Coordination & Prioritization (0-5):

• 0 = Difficulty managing tasks
• 3 = Manages deadlines with reminders
• 5 = Strong organizational skills; independently manages multiple priorities and timelines

Technical Tools (Excel, Office, SharePoint, Adobe) (0-5):

• 0 = Basic skills only
• 3 = Solid Excel skills + Adobe familiarity
• 5 = Advanced user; Strong use of Microsoft Office. Strong space management software skills, Adobe skills; able to build templates and streamline processes

Quality & Accuracy Mindset (0-5):

• 0 = Frequently misses details
• 3 = Catches common errors
• 5 = Extremely detail-oriented; strong proofreading and version-control discipline

Spotlight Call Notes:

• Preferred backgrounds:
• Planogram design experience.
• Retail merchandising experience.
• Former Client managers or assistant managers.
• Retail managers from Target, Walmart, grocery, pharmacy, or similar retailers.

Candidates familiar with merchandising software:

• GAPS - Many submitted candidates were not aligned to the role, including:
• Graphic designers with little merchandising experience.
• Finance professionals with unrelated backgrounds.
• Candidates actively running their own businesses.
• Candidates lacking retail merchandising exposure

Key Competencies Sought:

• Merchandising knowledge.
• Retail operations experience.
• Detail orientation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience with planogram or space-management concepts.

Planogram Experience Requirement:

• Direct planogram experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Retail managers with merchandising backgrounds can be trained.

Why Should You Apply?

• Health Benefits
• Referral Program
• Excellent growth and advancement opportunities