Barbaros YILDIRIM

Channel Programs Manager at Apple

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

Strategic Retail & Technology Program/Project Manager specializing in end-to-end multi-location store deployment and program execution. Drives operational excellence, optimizes customer experience, and ensures consistent brand standards through innovative in-store technologies and cross-functional leadership.

Experience

  • Apple (Full-time · 9 yrs 5 mos)
    • Channel Programs Manager
      Jun 2025 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

      Delivering premium sales experiences, increasing customer engagement, and enhancing brand loyalty within Apple’s partner store. Optimized in-store merchandising, enhancing visual appeal and customer experience. Ensured Apple’s in-store experience standards were met by coordinating with partners on merchandising, demo unit placement, and customer engagement strategies.

    • Apple Shop Leader
      Mar 2021 - Jun 2025 · 4 yrs 4 mos

      Spent 4.5 years as an Apple Solutions Consultant, helping customers find the right Apple products for the way they actually live and work. Based inside a retail partner store, I was the go-to person for anything Apple — from helping someone pick their first Mac to walking a small business owner through how the whole ecosystem could fit together. A big part of the role was working with the in-store sales team. I ran regular product trainings, shared updates on new releases, and coached colleagues on how to have better conversations with customers — not just push specs. When new products launched, I led the in-store rollouts: setting up demo areas, briefing the team, and making sure the experience on the floor matched what Apple stands for. Day to day, I balanced a lot of things at once — hitting sales targets, keeping product knowledge sharp across Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch and Services, building relationships with repeat customers, and partnering with store management on planning and performance. Learned a lot about people along the way. Turns out the best sales conversations rarely start with a product.

    • Lifecycle and Interactive In-Store Technology Manager - Apple Turkey
      Mar 2022 - Aug 2022 · 6 mos

      Led the planning and execution of Digital Catalog, DCOTA, and Demo Device Lock projects, working closely with cross-functional teams to optimize in-store digital solutions and merchandising compliance. Ensured continuous project updates and stakeholder alignment, leading to improved decision-making and seamless execution of retail initiatives. Presented new merchandise technologies to field representatives during sell-in sessions. Acted as the contact person for country-specific NPI operations and merchandise coordination. Ensured maintenance and smooth operation of Apple’s retail programs.