Sr. Manager, Visual Merchandising

Job Description

Our client is a solution-driven specialty retailer with a strong commitment to serving hardworking customers through innovative products and exceptional experiences. The company continues to outperform its industry peers and values the entrepreneurial mindset that drives growth, innovation, and accountability. They are seeking a dynamic visual merchandising leader to oversee and elevate the in-store customer experience across their retail fleet.

Position Overview

The Senior Manager of Visual Merchandising is responsible for leading the visual merchandising function and creating compelling store environments that support key business objectives. This individual will oversee merchandising directives, seasonal and regional updates, new product launches, and promotional initiatives across the retail organization.

Reporting into the merchandising organization, this role partners closely with creative execution teams to support the planning and implementation of retail floorsets, remodels, and new store concepts. The position serves as a critical bridge between merchandising strategy and creative execution, ensuring a cohesive and impactful customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Continually enhance the customer experience through innovative and effective visual merchandising strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Merchandising, Product, Inventory, Creative, and Operations teams to establish priorities, allocate resources, and execute seasonal resets across all store formats.
• Partner with Merchandising to develop retail assortments aligned with brand strategy and scalable across varying store sizes and formats.
• Collaborate with Creative Execution teams to support retail graphics, signage programs, and in-store communication needs.
• Oversee the utilization and effectiveness of visual merchandising resources, tools, and testing environments.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.
• Lead and develop the Visual Merchandising team by setting priorities, assigning work, and ensuring clarity and consistency in direction.
• Create innovative merchandising concepts and pilot programs for key locations, providing implementation plans and training support.
• Partner with Retail leadership to reinforce visual standards, training programs, new store openings, and seasonal merchandising initiatives.
• Maintain and update seasonal visual merchandising and signage guidelines to provide clear direction to field teams.
• Collaborate with Environmental Design and Creative teams on fixture, mannequin, display, and experiential merchandising concepts.
• Develop and present seasonal merchandising strategies, visual tests, and performance insights to executive leadership and external partners.
• Monitor industry trends and competitive activity to identify opportunities for enhancing the in-store experience and driving sales.
• Balance strategic thinking with strong attention to detail and execution.
• Build strong partnerships and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.
• Coach and develop team members through regular feedback, performance management, succession planning, and career development.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Merchandising, Retail Management, Design, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• 7 years of progressive visual merchandising experience.
• 3 years of leadership or people management experience.
• Proven success leading visual merchandising initiatives within an omni-channel retail environment.
• Strong understanding of brand storytelling and translating brand strategy into retail experiences.
• Knowledge of current environmental, experiential, and visual merchandising trends.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, improve processes, and drive results.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Expertise in floor planning, planograms, space planning, and capacity management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• High level of energy, adaptability, and willingness to work flexible hours as needed.
• Strong visual communication and presentation skills.
• Understanding of store design, fixture planning, and new store development processes.
• Deep knowledge of omni-channel retail, creative campaign execution, and the interdependencies between merchandising and marketing functions.
• Experience developing space plans, fixture layouts, and construction documentation is preferred.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and organizational abilities.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Resourceful problem solver with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in presentation and productivity software, including PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or similar platforms.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  
  

Work Environment & Travel

• Travel required for less than 10% of business-related meetings, store visits, programs, and events.
• Primarily office-based environment with occasional standing, bending, reaching, and movement throughout the workday.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative office setting and support field initiatives as needed.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Our client offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, well-being, and professional success. Benefits include multiple medical plan options, dental and vision coverage, health savings and flexible spending accounts, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement savings programs with employer contributions, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, employee merchandise discounts, wellness resources, and additional voluntary benefits.

Position Compensation Outline

Compensation Range: $85,000 - $117,000/year

This position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program.

Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change.