Retail Merchandising Project Specialist

Breville is seeking an experienced Retail Merchandising Project Specialist (Contract) to support the planning, coordination, and execution of retail merchandising initiatives across North America. This role is ideal for someone with hands-on retail experience who understands the complexities of bringing in-store programs to life-from concept through production and field execution. Working closely with Visual Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Creative, Supply Chain, Operations, external vendors, and retail partners, this individual will keep projects on track, manages timelines, coordinates deliverables, and helps ensure flawless execution across multiple retail accounts. Success in this role requires exceptional organization, proactive communication, strong attention to detail, and a deep understanding of retail environments, merchandising standards, and store implementation. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate has worked in retail and understands what it takes to execute successful merchandising programs in-store. They are equally comfortable managing spreadsheets, production timelines, vendor communications, store installations, and cross-functional teams. They anticipate issues before they happen, keep projects moving, and ensure every retail launch is executed with precision. Key ResponsibilitiesRetail Project Management & Execution | 60%Own day-to-day project management for retail merchandising initiatives across multiple retailer accounts.Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, milestones, critical paths, and launch calendars.Coordinate production, sourcing, distribution, and installation of retail fixtures, point-of-sale materials, signage, and merchandising assets.Track deliverables across internal teams, agencies, printers, fixture fabricators, and logistics partners to ensure projects are launched on time and within budget.Manage retailer-specific floor set timelines, merchandising requirements, and implementation deadlines.Prepare project documentation including production specifications, installation guides, field communications, and store execution instructions.Review creative files for production readiness, proofread marketing materials, and consolidate stakeholder feedback for Creative.Coordinate sample reviews, production approvals, and quality control throughout project development.Partner with third-party merchandising teams and field representatives to support successful in-store execution.Conduct store visits and retail audits to evaluate merchandising quality, identify opportunities, and ensure brand standards are maintained.Track project budgets, purchase orders, invoices, and vendor deliverables. Cross-Functional Coordination | 40%Serve as the primary project coordinator between Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Sales, Creative, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, vendors, and retail partners.Facilitate project meetings, communicate status updates, identify risks, and proactively resolve issues.Partner with Supply Chain to align product availability with merchandising launch schedules.Support planning and execution of retailer events, demonstrations, seasonal programs, and promotional activations.Help identify process improvements that increase project efficiency and execution quality. QualificationsBachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Merchandising, Project Management, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).3-5+ years of experience managing retail merchandising, visual merchandising, retail marketing, or store development projects.Previous experience working with national retailers, consumer products, retail agencies, fixture manufacturers, or retail brands.Strong understanding of retail environments, floor sets, planograms, visual merchandising standards, and in-store execution.Experience coordinating print production, retail signage, fixture fabrication, or point-of-sale materials preferred.Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.Experience working with external vendors, production partners, and cross-functional teams.Ability to travel up to 10% for retailer meetings, store visits, and project installations. Skills & CompetenciesExceptional project management and organizational skills.Strong understanding of retail merchandising and in-store execution.Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.Highly detail-oriented with outstanding follow-through.Ability to manage multiple timelines while maintaining accuracy.Strong proofreading and quality assurance skills.Comfortable working with physical merchandising materials, production schedules, and logistics.Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management tools (Jira/Confluence, Smartsheet, MS Project or similar).Comfortable utilizing AI tools to assist as needed with creative direction or other project needs (Chat GPT, Claude, Gemini & more)Experience reading production drawings, print specifications, and fixture documentation is a plus.Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.