Assistant General Manager - Merchandise (Ramoji Film City)

Job Summary:

The AGM - Merchandise is responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and optimization of merchandise operations within Ramoji Film City. This role ensures that merchandise offerings align with the park's brand image and revenue objectives while delivering an exceptional guest shopping experience. The AGM will lead a team, manage vendor relationships, and develop innovative strategies to enhance sales performance and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review daily manpower availability across all sale points, recommending staff shuffling based on skillsets and operational requirements.
• Periodically assess sales personnel performance and provide training to address improvement areas.
• Analyze sales data on a daily basis by sale point and vendor to identify trends and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure comprehensive product knowledge for newly introduced items and address guest feedback and requirements.
• Gather and analyze feedback on new merchandise to evaluate sales performance and guest response.
• Engage in direct sales activities to better understand buyer preferences and behavior.
• Arrange appropriate props and accessories based on merchandise availability and sale point planograms.
• Develop and implement innovative display techniques, refine visual merchandising concepts, and review their impact on sales.
• Ensure the swift liquidation of non-moving merchandise through effective strategies.
• Develop Ramoji Film City-specific merchandise, utility products, and collectibles that promote the brand and serve as memorabilia.
• Foster innovation and creativity within the team at all levels.

Business Management:

• Collaborate with vendors to source the latest merchandise and attend industry exhibitions to stay updated on trends.
• Work with the marketing team to address the needs of corporate clients.
• Ideate and coordinate with internal teams and vendors to develop exclusive souvenirs and merchandise.
• Implement modern display strategies to attract guest attention and provide necessary product information.

Procurement Management:

• Source products and services ensuring the best price, quality, quantity, and timely delivery.
• Identify potential vendors and source suitable products based on demand forecasts and market analysis.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with vendors, evaluate their performance for quality and delivery standards, and coordinate logistics.
• Manage vendor communications, resolve grievances, and ensure timely payments.
• Monitor market trends, stock levels, and plan replenishments.
• Conduct costing for prototype merchandise developed in the workshop.
• Procure products for theme-based sale points and oversee internal warehouse transfers.
• Ensure compliance with legal and safety standards for all displayed and sold products in RFC.

Team Management:

• Counsel, brief, and motivate staff to achieve performance targets.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate staff performance in daily operations.
• Track key performance metrics and ensure alignment with team goals.
• Organize training programs to enhance team skills and overall performance.
• Collaborate with internal and external design teams to develop unique merchandise for visitors.

Preferred candidate profile

• Proven experience in merchandise management, preferably in a retail, theme park, or hospitality setting.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience in sales data interpretation.
• Proficiency in vendor negotiation and procurement processes.
• Creative mindset with experience in visual merchandising and product development.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with legal and safety compliance standards in retail operations.