Merchandising Specialist 1

Dufry•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Merchandising Specialist 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport executes category-specific merchandising strategies, maintains brand standards, and supports visual presentation across assigned product categories. The role ensures consistent implementation of corporate merchandising directives, assists with promotional execution, and provides category expertise to enhance the customer experience and drive sales performance. The position involves merchandising and display work in retail store and back-of-house environments with varying temperature and noise levels. Flexible availability is required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak sales periods and promotional events. The role reports to the Category Manager or a designated supervisor and is classified as non-exempt under the FLSA.

Requirements

At least 3 years of combined experience in merchandising, category management, or retail operations, focused on brand compliance and visual presentation.
At least 2 years in a specialist role managing category-specific merchandising tasks.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge of visual merchandising principles, planogram execution, and retail display standards.
Familiarity with inventory management systems and retail reporting tools.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Attention to detail, time management and organization, customer service orientation, collaboration and communication, and adaptability.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs regularly, with frequent bending, reaching, and ladder use.
Flexible availability, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak sales periods and promotional events.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field; may count toward the experience requirement.
Visual Merchandising Certification or related training.

Responsibilities

Implement daily merchandising tasks, including product placement, planogram compliance, and visual updates for assigned categories in alignment with brand and corporate standards.
Conduct regular category inspections to check stock levels, pricing accuracy, and brand guideline compliance; report discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
Assist with promotional displays, seasonal transitions, and new product launches, ensuring timely execution of merchandising directives.
Provide basic product knowledge and assist customers with inquiries; support sales goals through active engagement and product demonstrations.
Support category-specific receiving activities, including product placement, price verification, and inventory accuracy; process related documentation and communicate issues to management.
Maintain proficiency in inventory management systems, update product information, and assist with category performance reporting as directed by the Category Manager.
Assist with onboarding and training new associates on category-specific procedures, product knowledge, and brand standards.
Ensure compliance with operational and safety standards for product handling, storage, and merchandising execution.
Partner with the Category Manager and store leadership on category assessments, inventory counts, and promotional execution; provide feedback on execution challenges and customer response.