When people think about retail merchandising and installations, they often picture activity on the shop floor, product displays being built, installations completed, and stores transformed overnight. But behind every successful project is a team coordinating the details, managing logistics, and ensuring every moving part comes together seamlessly.
In this Day in the Life feature, we meet Nicole Bradbury, Merchandising Scheduler at RGIS, whose role is central to keeping projects organised, efficient, and on track.
The Engine Behind the Operation
Having been with RGIS UK for over three years, Nicole’s role has evolved significantly since joining during the WIS International integration in 2022. Today, she acts as a key link between customers, operational teams, and internal stakeholders, ensuring that merchandising projects move from planning to execution without disruption.
Her responsibilities go far beyond scheduling. Working closely with key account managers and operational districts, Nicole plans project activity, analyses data, manages logistics, and oversees the movement of stock and installation materials required to deliver retail programmes across multiple locations.
“It’s about connecting everything,” she explains. “From planning schedules to managing logistics and supporting operational teams, every part contributes to the overall success of a project.”
Organisation Meets Adaptability
A typical day is driven by planning and constant adaptation.
Weekly and daily task lists form the backbone of Nicole’s workflow, helping her prioritise projects and stay organised as requirements evolve throughout the day. In a role where new challenges can emerge quickly, flexibility is essential.
“The biggest challenge is switching between customers and projects while reacting to issues as they arise,” she says. “Some days, it feels like more gets added to the list than gets ticked off, but that’s part of the job.”
Technology Supporting Smarter Working
Technology plays a vital role in maintaining efficiency and visibility across multiple projects. Using tools such as customised forms and reporting systems alongside internal platforms, Nicole helps streamline communication and ensure accurate information flows between teams.
Data also plays a key role in delivering value to customers. By compiling reports and visualising information through heat maps and spreadsheets, Nicole has supported clients in understanding regional performance and identifying areas for targeted improvement.
Turning Short-Term Projects into Long-Term Partnerships
One of the most rewarding aspects of the role is seeing the tangible impact of collaborative work. Nicole recalls taking over a project that was initially considered temporary and subject to being reviewed. Through consistent delivery and strong teamwork, the project has grown into a long-term partnership.
Positive feedback from customers is another highlight. Recognition from clients, including personal messages thanking her for support during organisational transitions, reflects the importance of building trusted relationships alongside operational excellence.
A Role That Continues to Evolve
Since starting at RGIS UK, Nicole’s role has expanded beyond scheduling to include increased customer engagement, report development, logistics coordination, and operational support for field teams.
It’s this variety that makes retail merchandising so engaging.
“The field is always changing,” she explains. “From general merchandising work to complex installations, there’s always something new happening.”
The Human Side of Retail Operations
While technology and processes are essential, success ultimately comes down to people. Strong organisation skills, clear communication, and a collaborative mindset are key qualities for thriving in a role that sits at the centre of multiple teams and projects.
When asked to describe her day in three words, Nicole chooses ‘organised’, ‘productive’, and ‘supporting’. A fitting summary of the work that happens behind the scenes to keep retail programmes running smoothly.
And her fuel for busy days? Coffee and a bag of sweets are a small but essential part of maintaining momentum in a fast-paced environment.
