Job Summary:

We are looking for a self-motivated, highly flexible individual with strong managerial skills to help make Squishable retail spaces engaging, cohesive, and fun. The Lead Store Designer and Visual Merchandiser spearheads the creation, development, and execution of innovative floorplans and visual store strategies to elevate our in-person experience across approximately 40 retail locations. 

This role calls for a fusion of creativity and strategic planning to oversee our in-store aesthetic, conveying the Squishable brand's identity and driving customer engagement and sales. They play a critical role in planning and executing new store openings, as well as maintaining our visual strategy for ongoing store locations. 

Leading the visual merchandising team and collaborating with construction and store operations, this person ensures that our products are showcased effectively (and delightfully!) to our in-store fans. They coordinate closely with internal teams and external vendors, guiding direct reports and freelance designers and contractors.

This role will report directly to the Director, Art & Design

Job Responsibilities

New Store Openings

• Direct, advise, and provide feedback on new store plans and fixtures.
• Generate construction documents and detailed store floorplans, and manage the production and distribution of signage, fixtures, and prop sourcing. 
• Coordinate graphics package creation and installation with the New Store Opening Team and Creative Teams.
• Hire and work with freelance designers and contractors to complete store construction plans and documents as necessary.
• Assist with other store opening duties as needed.

What Else? 

• Lead the Store Visuals team to create a unified and clear in-store brand message, partnering with the Creative Department to oversee store graphics and designs.
• Create and distribute one-off visual merchandising guideline documents including ongoing directives and seasonal updates concerning visual elements.
• Use sales data to proactively predict and refine merchandising strategy decisions.
• Provide and communicate feedback and critiques about store merchandising and layout.
• Oversee the corporate fixture and prop library, both globally and by store.

Skills

• Proficient in Sketchup 
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Google Suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Managerial experience in overseeing a team
• A proven record of strong visual merchandising skills and ability to creatively drive business, and a firm understanding of how effective visual strategies and standards drive the overall customer experience
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
• Ability to blend creativity and strategic vision, with a focus on maintaining clear and effective visual communication standards.

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of Visual Merchandising or Store Design experience
• Must Have portfolio of past work

To apply, please include: 

• A cover letter
• Resume
• Portfolio

Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 based on experience 

Benefits: 401(k) matching
Dental Insurance
Medical insurance
Vision insurance

Paid time off

Work Location: Full-time In person (3 days a week), NY Office

Willingness to travel: Requires semi-frequent travel to our store locations.