Retail Trade Marketer

Reports to: Marketing Executive

Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town, South Africa

Job Overview:

Dermalogica is on an exciting journey to expand its retail footprint in South Africa, while maintaining its position as the leading professional skincare brand. As the Retail Marketing Manager, you will play a pivotal role within our dynamic marketing team, overseeing the development and execution of retail marketing strategies across major retail chains including Woolworths, ARC, Clicks, Dischem, and Dermalogica’s own retail stores. You will support and execute initiatives that enhance brand visibility, drive sales, and build strong relationships with our retail partners.

Reporting into the Marketing Executive with a dotted line into Head of Retail, this role requires a senior marketing professional with a fresh, strategic approach to retail marketing. We are seeking a self-motivated, customer-centric individual with the ability to lead with both creativity and a strong commercial mindset, driving high-visibility projects that disrupt the market and ensure our success in this fast-growing channel.

Key Responsibilities:

Trade Marketing Strategy: Collaborate with the Marketing Executive to develop and execute trade marketing strategies for key retail chains. Ensure all activities align with Dermalogica’s brand guidelines and business objectives.

Team Leadership: Manage and develop the retail marketing team, including one direct report. Oversee the planning, development, and execution of marketing programmes for retail and flagship locations.

Retail Partner Collaboration: Collaborate with retail partners' marketing and buying teams to secure marketing and business growth opportunities. Present marketing plans to secure retailer buy-in and support. Work closely with them to plan and execute promotional campaigns, in-store activations, and visual merchandising that drive brand presence and sales.

Campaign Management: Create and manage a strategic marketing calendar to support product launches, retailer exclusives, eventing and monthly promotions. Tailor promotions to specific retail partners to ensure successful sell-through of products.

Visual Merchandising & In-Store Execution: Oversee visual merchandising, planograms and in-store marketing tools to ensure they reflect premium brand standards. Plan and execute promotional sites, window displays, and events to maximise opportunities with retailers.

In-Store Events & Masterclasses: Conceptualise, plan, and execute in-store events and masterclasses that engage consumers and elevate the Dermalogica brand experience. Collaborate with Professional Skin Therapists (PSTs) to deliver educational masterclasses that drive consumer knowledge and loyalty. Ensure these events align with broader marketing campaigns and drive footfall and sales in retail locations.

Consumer Engagement: Develop and launch strategies that encourage consumer engagement, build customer relationships and loyalty, and drive foot traffic to stores and counters, increasing sales and service bookings.

Digital Integration: Work closely with the digital team to enhance online brand visibility and drive new customer acquisition. Develop compelling digital content and email communications in partnership with retail partners.

Budget & ROI Management: Manage the retail marketing budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources. Measure and report on sales impact and ROI of marketing activities, analysing performance data to maximise awareness, engagement, and growth.

Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with all retail partners, including marketing, PR, and buying teams. Provide thought leadership and represent the retail marketing strategy at internal and external meetings.

Sales Support: Partner with the sales team to provide marketing support for retail initiatives. Develop materials and tools that enhance sales performance and align with retail partner strategies.

Qualifications and core competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of marketing experience, particularly within retail or with retailers, ideally in the premium beauty sector.
• Strong understanding of the South African retail landscape, with experience in key account management.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns, with a focus on commercial outcomes and KPIs.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the confidence to present to and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with Adobe or Visual Merchandising software is advantageous.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks and prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a passion for skincare and alignment with Dermalogica’s brand values.
• Strategic thinker with strong project, time, and change management skills.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and making decisions in uncertain environments.
• Able to manage stress and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, with a customer-centric approach.

Why Join Dermalogica?

Dermalogica is a global leader in skincare, renowned for its commitment to professional-grade products and education. By joining our team, you will be part of a brand that values innovation, expertise, and the human touch. You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where your contributions make a real impact on the business and the lives of our consumers.

Dermalogica is an equal employment opportunity company that is committed to diversity.