What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Retail Visual Merchandising Operations #2451 position at Pivotal Talent Search?
Overview
The Director of Retail Visual Merchandising Operations is responsible for leading the operational execution of visual merchandising initiatives across all retail channels. This role transforms creative vision into scalable, high-quality in-store experiences by overseeing production, project management, vendor partnerships, and operational delivery. Working closely with Visual Merchandising, Creative, Store Design, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Store Operations, this leader ensures merchandising programs are executed on time, within budget, and consistently across the retail fleet while driving operational excellence and supporting business growth.
Responsibilities
Visual Merchandising Operations
- Lead the execution of visual merchandising initiatives across retail formats, including new store openings, remodels, seasonal campaigns, promotional events, and permanent installations
- Translate creative concepts into scalable operational plans while maintaining brand consistency and execution quality
- Oversee production, distribution, and installation of fixtures, signage, graphics, windows, and in-store merchandising materials
- Establish operational standards, execution guidelines, and field support resources that ensure consistent implementation across stores
Retail Production & Vendor Management
- Manage the full retail production lifecycle from sourcing and estimating through manufacturing, quality control, and deployment
- Build and maintain relationships with production vendors, fabricators, printers, logistics providers, and external partners
- Negotiate pricing, timelines, and service agreements to optimize quality, cost, and delivery performance
- Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to manage production schedules, vendor performance, and inventory needs
Project & Program Management
- Lead cross-functional project planning and execution for visual merchandising initiatives
- Develop project timelines, workback schedules, and implementation plans to ensure successful delivery
- Monitor project milestones, risks, budgets, and dependencies while proactively resolving issues
- Implement project management tools, reporting, and best practices that improve execution and visibility across teams
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partner with Visual Merchandising, Creative, Marketing, Store Design, Store Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align priorities and execution plans
- Coordinate seasonal calendars, campaign launches, and store implementation strategies
- Support field teams through clear communication, training materials, and operational guidance
- Ensure alignment between creative objectives, operational capabilities, and customer experience expectations
Financial & Operational Management
- Develop and manage visual merchandising production and operational budgets
- Monitor spending, forecast project costs, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and return on investment
- Balance creative objectives with operational feasibility and financial performance
- Establish key performance indicators to measure execution quality, productivity, and operational effectiveness
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Lead, mentor, and develop teams responsible for production and project management
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows, systems, and execution models that support business growth
- Drive operational excellence through standardized processes and scalable solutions
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Project Management, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- 10 years of experience in retail visual merchandising operations, production, project management, or a related field
- 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional initiatives
- Extensive experience managing retail production, fixtures, signage, graphics, and in-store merchandising execution
- Strong project and program management experience leading complex, multi-location retail initiatives
- Experience managing production budgets, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations
- Strong understanding of retail operations, customer experience, and store execution
- Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Preferred
- Experience supporting national or global retail organizations
- Experience leading large-scale store rollouts, remodels, and seasonal merchandising programs
- Knowledge of retail production processes, sourcing, logistics, and supply chain operations
- Experience implementing project management methodologies and operational process improvements
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing large operational budgets and identifying cost optimization opportunities
Salary : $130,000