Merchandising Specialist 1

Avolta•Chicago, IL

5d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Merchandising Specialist 1 executes category-specific merchandising strategies, maintains brand standards, and supports visual presentation across assigned product categories at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The role ensures corporate merchandising directives are consistently implemented, assists with promotional execution, and applies category expertise to improve customer experience and sales performance. The specialist handles product placement, planogram compliance, visual updates, category inspections, promotional displays, seasonal transitions, and new product launches. The role also supports customers with product information, receiving and inventory activities, category reporting, and the onboarding and training of new associates. The position works with the Category Manager and store leadership to support category assessments, inventory counts, and promotional execution while meeting operational and safety standards. This is a non-exempt position with flexible availability required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during peak sales periods and promotional events. The work takes place in retail store and back-of-house environments with varying temperature and noise levels. The role requires extended walking and standing, regularly lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds, and frequent bending, reaching, and ladder use.

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, including maintaining consistent product presentation and identifying execution gaps.
Time management and organization skills to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced retail environment.
Customer service orientation, including engaging customers with product knowledge and supporting sales initiatives.
Collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with team members and provide clear feedback to management.
Adaptability to changing priorities, seasonal resets, and promotional requirements.
Ability to walk and stand for extended periods.
Ability to regularly lift or carry up to 30 pounds and frequently bend, reach, and use ladders.
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 accordance with brand and corporate standards.
Inspect categories regularly to verify stock levels, pricing accuracy, and compliance with brand guidelines; report discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
Assist with promotional display setup, seasonal transitions, and new product launches, ensuring merchandising directives are completed on time.
Provide basic product knowledge and assist customers with inquiries; support sales goals through customer engagement and product demonstrations.
Support category-specific receiving activities, including product placement, price verification, inventory accuracy, related documentation, and communication of 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.