Merchandising Field Operations Program Manager

Summary

Imagine what you could do here! The people here at Apple don’t just create products — they build the kind of wonder that’s revolutionized entire industries. It’s the diversity of those people and their ideas that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do, from amazing technology to industry-leading environmental efforts. At Apple, inclusion is a shared responsibility, and we work together to foster a culture where everyone belongs and is inspired to do their best work.

Retail Operations creates the tools and programs that empower our teams to provide, a one of a kind, only at Apple experience. We do this by obsessing over the employee and customer experience, and driving a global strategy that sets the bar.

The Merchandising Field Operations Program Manager plays a critical role in supporting the execution of Apple Retail key priorities and driving those initiatives as a part of the Retail Operations team.

As a Merchandising Field Operations Program Manager, you are the vital connection between Apple Retail stores and Global Retail Support, partnering with Market Directors, Market Leaders and Store Leaders to provide insight, guidance, and direction.

Merchandising Field Operations Program Managers work to ensure the effective execution of Merchandising programs, new store openings, remodels, & relocations, and merchandising resets, including new product introductions and accessory updates in Retail Stores, partnering closely with visual and product merchandising teams.

You communicate vision, purpose, and technical expertise to empower teams in delivering Apple’s signature experience through globally aligned merchandising standards. You provide strategic feedback and guidance on merchandising priorities, sharing field insights that shape captivating in-store experiences, connecting millions of customers to Apple’s innovative ecosystem.

Description

The Merchandising Field Operations Program Manager drives excellence in execution and engagement in Merchandising strategies in the field and builds effective relationships across Apple.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Market Directors and Leaders to align merchandising strategies with Retail’s priorities and identify ownership opportunities.
• Provide feedback to Geo Merchandising partners to enhance program success.
• Drive in-store experiences by leading the execution of merchandising engagement programs.
• Lead merchandising efforts for new store openings, remodels, and relocations.
• Provide overnight support during merchandising resets, including new product introductions and accessory updates.
• Conduct regular store visits to review merchandising principles and connect with field leadership.
• Select, train, and lead the NSO Merchandising Mentor Program.
• Establish merchandising standards for a globally consistent execution and customer experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• 7+ years of Retail Management or equivalent Merchandising experience, with a proven ability to operate independently across multiple markets in a highly complex, cross-functional environment.
• Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional programs from design through field execution, driving alignment across multiple partner teams and delivering results at scale.
• Demonstrated success driving adoption of new programs and standards across a distributed, multi-market field organization.
• Proven ability to influence strategy and drive measurable outcomes across multiple markets and regions without direct authority.
• Track record of building capability across store and market teams through coaching, feedback, and the development of resources and programs that elevate field performance.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize merchandising and business performance data to identify trends, prioritize field efforts, and measure program impact.
• Exceptional communication skills, with experience translating field insights into strategic recommendations for senior and executive-level leadership.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours and flexibility to travel up to 80% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead and influence at the highest levels in an internationally recognised organisation.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with ability to synthesise information and adapt messaging to various audiences across functions and levels.
• Skilled in negotiation and persuasion, with a talent for finding win-win solutions that satisfy multiple stakeholders.
• Outstanding decision making skills, with an ability to make informed decisions in highly ambiguous environments.
• Influencer who is great at connecting the dots between the analytics and strategy.
• Self-starter that takes initiative with an entrepreneurial spirit, as part of a team.
• Ability to direct work and prioritize effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication at a strategic and tactical level.
• Contribute to an inclusive environment through respecting each others’ differences and having the curiosity to learn.