Area Visual Merchandising Manager (West)

The role of the Area Visual Merchandise Manager is to travel to stores specific to their Zone and assume leadership role for influencing, directing and implementing visual merchandising standards and guidelines at store level that are consistent with the company’s standards and directives. In partnership plan, implement, communicate, and train visual and merchandising associates to properly execute dressing of mannequins, forms, signing, accent lighting, fixturing standards, and implementation of visual directives and collateral in all stores to gain consistent presentation standards.

Job Functions

• Supervise store management on communication and implementation of visual issues (i.e.: adjacencies, visual set-ups, shop installations, promotions, special events.)

• Train, develop, direct, and oversee visual staff members (VM Associates.)

• Supervise plan, and implement seasonal visual collateral with SM.

• Work with SM, ASM’s, MTM’s,MTL’s VM’s to see that daily standards are executed and maintained.

• Participate in occasional weekly walk-through with Store Managers and attend WLP meeting in-store.

• Oversee and maintain all mannequins, forms, vendor identification, collateral on a regular basis according to the merchandising corporate directives.

• Responsible for the coordination, inventory, and proper storage of all seasonal trim and collateral to prevent damage or destruction of existing materials. Work with Store Manager and Operations team to secure proper space.

• Oversee planning, coordination, and installation of Cosmetic collateral based on Corporate Cosmetic Calendar and individual store setups. Maintain and inventory all cosmetic collateral properly to ensure no damage occurs and proper storage.

• Work with store SM and Operations to oversee, adjust and target all accent (spotlights) lighting that are complementing mannequins, table forms, strike zones, icon walls, and fixturing along main aisles.

• Manage, maintain, and organize stock room for visual items.

• Follow corporate procedures and policies regarding merchandise borrowed from department stock that are used in visual displays and on mannequins. Manage and maintain accurate records.

• Travel preplanned store visitation schedule (3 days/week) – review proper implementation of all seasonal strategies, shops, visual impacts, trend directives, and promotional setups at store level.

• Supervise and oversee specific stores to maintain the integrity of corporate visual directives and their implementation with the stores.

• Train and supervise less experienced visual and merchandising associates in planning and installation of visual directives and installation of visual directives in the stores. Train visual and merchandising associates on the proper usage of tools.

• Review and direct visual and merchandising associates and store managers in the planning and installation of visual directives for successful quality implementation.

• Oversee and follow up on vendor and in store shop installations and report any issues back to corporate visual.

• Maintain open communication with Store Managers, Regional Vice Presidents and Zone Group Vice President through weekly/monthly conference calls, e-mails and follow up calls to stores.

• Interview, evaluate, and recommend visual candidates.

• Suggest merchandise presentation ideas as necessary.

• Inform stores within Zone of upcoming promotional and visual impacts as directed from corporate.

• Assist in special events and in-store promotions as directed.

• Complete additional tasks as assigned.

• Assist in new store openings, remodels, prototypes, special projects as directed.
• Travel on a weekly basis to assigned stores to ensure implementation of the above.

Education / Experience Requirements:
Please select from below the expected Contribution Level for this role

Position Contribution Level :

Minimum Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma required

• Degree in an accredited art school or college

• Minimum of two years experience in Visual Merchandising or retail management

Preferred Education & Experience:

Knowledge / Skills Requirements:
EX: Proficient in Excel and Access; able to type "X" words a minute; understanding of retail store operations

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate with customers, co-workers, management, and corporate personnel.

• Ability to supervise, direct, and motivate associates.

• Ability to present merchandise in knowledgeable, creative and appealing manner

• Knowledge of fashion trends, styles and colors.

• Eye for detail and color coordination.

• Ability to work independently.

• Basic knowledge of tools and measuring devices.

Physical Requirements:
Describe any physical requirements of job. EX: ability to stand for majority of work day; ability to communicate clearly in English; ability to lift up to 50 lbs. above shoulder level, etc.

Physical

• Must be able to lift between up to 50 lbs

• Basic knowledge of tools and measuring devices

• Ability to climb ladders and work at heights

• Ability to lift and carrying props

• Ability to assemble displays and hang signage at elevated heights

• Ability to operate a computer

• Ability to work unsupervised

• Ability to stand for long periods of time

Reporting Relationships:
Enter the Position Title of the supervisor and the Position Title(s) of those supervised (enter "Direct Reports" if multiple roles / enter "N/A" if no direct reports)

SupervisorSr. Zone Visual Merchandising Manager