TRAINER

Please read the below in detail. The role is actually a "Field Coach" i.e. someone who does in-store merchandizing, training, relationship building and influencing with store management and staff. WHO WE ARE Smollan is a global retail marketing solutions company. We partner with the world's leading brands and retailers to build sustained growth at the point of purchase — through field marketing, in-store execution, retail training, visual merchandising and shopper engagement. Our people are the connection between a brand's ambition and what a shopper actually experiences in store. We foster an environment where passionate individuals are empowered to grow, develop specialist expertise and build meaningful careers across retail, brand and category management. This role sits within a dedicated in-store education and visual merchandising team representing a leading global running brand across specialist and sporting goods retail in South Africa. The brand will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates during the interview process. JOB MISSION Smollan is seeking enthusiastic and motivated Field Coaches who have a genuine passion for running, sports performance, biomechanics, rehabilitation or endurance sport. You will become the trusted technical and brand expert within assigned specialist running and sporting goods retail environments — building the confidence, knowledge and belief of store teams so that they can guide runners with authority, and ensuring the brand is presented at pinnacle standard on the shop floor. The role combines performance science, retail training, visual merchandising and community engagement, offering a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge and passion within a leading global running brand. Top performers will: Build authentic relationships with retail teams and the local running community Translate technical product features into performance benefits store staff can confidently explain Lift the product knowledge and brand belief of every store team in their territory Ensure brand presentation, seasonal stories and launches show up at pinnacle standard in every door Become recognised as a credible expert within local running communities MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES Retail Team Training & Education Deliver seasonal and ongoing product training to store staff across assigned doors, building confidence and depth of product knowledge. Explain brand technologies, cushioning systems, support structures and performance benefits in simple, engaging ways. Provide guidance on running styles, gait, comfort, movement patterns and general biomechanics so store teams can make credible recommendations. Act as the brand subject matter expert within assigned stores, and the first point of contact for product and technical questions. Support ongoing education around running performance, footwear innovation and category trends. Equip in-store teams to be the brand's trusted voice — store teams don't only need to know the product inside out, they also need to believe in the brand's vision for runners. Visual Merchandising & In-Store Standards Implement and maintain visual merchandising standards in line with brand guidelines across all assigned doors. Execute seasonal launches, campaign moments and new product introductions so that in-store presentation matches the ambition of the brand story. Maintain product visibility, fixture health, signage and category presentation on every store visit. Identify and escalate opportunities to improve space, positioning and presentation within assigned stores. Monitor stock availability and range presence on shelf, flagging gaps to the account team. Insight & Market Feedback Capture and share consumer feedback, product feedback and competitor activity observed in the marketplace. Provide sharp, relevant insight from the shop floor to support brand and category decision-making. Highlight training gaps, category trends and store-level opportunities to the account team. Reporting & Territory Management Maintain accurate reporting on store visits, training sessions delivered, merchandising compliance and market feedback. Work to an agreed call cycle, managing schedules effectively across assigned retail locations. Complete all administration, reporting and photographic evidence within required timeframes. Ways of Working Report into the Smollan account team responsible for the portfolio, working to agreed KPIs, call cycles and training plans. Work closely with store managers and store teams in assigned doors to secure time, access and buy-in for training and merchandising. Partner with the brand's local training and marketing contacts as directed by the Smollan account team. Share best practice with fellow Field Coaches across the national team. The shape of your day-to-day work will vary significantly, and your style and influence will need to adapt accordingly. You must be collaborative, intuitive and able to build rapport quickly, remaining open to the opinions and expertise of the retail teams you work alongside.