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?