Visual Merchandising Manager

Roles and responsibilities

Qualification: Graduation in Design, Fashion, Visual Merchandising, Merchandising or a similar field

Experience: Minimum 6-8 years of experience in Visual Merchandising with 2-4 years VM experience in furniture / houseware format store

Role objective:

The Visual Merchandising Manager is responsible for maximizing sales and profitability through execution and implementation of visual merchandising standards in the store. The job holder should possess a clear understanding of Home Centre Design concepts and merchandising principles and effectively lead a team of Visual Merchandisers and Designers to ensure appropriate in-store communication and range presentation.

Customer

Drive and manage VM operation functions within store(s) of the assigned region/area, ensuring the store(s) are presented with high level standards inspirationally and commercial.

Process

• Provide an effective implementation pre-planning documentation(s) i.e., illustrations, schematics, critical path etc when working on campaign launch, store improvements and VM activities in the store(s)
• Develop a customer profile-based display solution(s) of either HH and/or FRN department, display solutions which are demographically relevant to its market.
• Align and work in close collaboration with the store leadership team as a part of commercial team, focused on-store merchandising adherence to the brand directives pertaining to VM and Retail business commitments.
• Responsible for optimizing the opportunities of product display/presentation with store architectural layout(s), and/or to developing store improvement plan(s) to continuously better the customer shopping experience thru ease of shopping inspirationally and commercial.
• Drive high level Visual Merchandising Principles adherence discipline, along with store manager/regional manager throughout the store(s).
• Develop an effective VM calendar plan in alignment with retail, capturing monthly store activities i.e., campaign launch, guidelines implementation, store recoveries/improvements etc.
• Perform VM checklists and regular floor walks/review along with store manager/regional manager ensuring high quality of product presentation(s), merchandising principles adherence and disciplined store upkeep strategy are in place and are performed effectively.
• Monitor commercial environment, competitor activity and market trends through competitor store visits.

VM Commercial and Finance

• Align VM strategies with the Retail priorities to drive business forward.
• Collaborate with store leadership team in providing solution(s) addressing low and high product performance and product display inventory discipline i.e., Demo hold/Demo release.
• Provide (Non-Trading Item) store requirements supporting Retail and VM activities within the allocated annual budget allocation.
• Regular monitor on VM assets ensuring good condition(s) and are properly used such as computer, gadgets and tools.

People

• Drive consistent and transparent communication with the VM team member(s) on business expectations and priorities.
• Responsible for Performance Management of VM Team member(s) through timely KPI setting, mid-year and annual performance reviews and honest feedback.
• Ensure Learning and Development programs for both functional & behavioral aspects, are provided/delivered to VM team member(s) in line with set personal/individual development plans.
• Continuously drive VM team member(s) talent up skill and succession planning for future growth.
• Guide and develop VM Team member(s) to ensure high quality performance deliverables.
• Responsible for ensuring adherence to company policies and regulations with regards to behavior and work ethics.

Desired candidate profile

A Regional Visual Merchandising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing visual merchandising strategies across multiple locations within a designated region. This role focuses on enhancing brand presence, optimizing product displays, and ensuring consistency across stores. Here are the key skills and responsibilities associated with this position:

Strategic Planning

1. Visual Merchandising Strategy: Developing and executing a cohesive visual merchandising strategy that aligns with brand goals and regional market trends.
2. Seasonal Planning: Creating seasonal merchandising plans that reflect promotions, new product launches, and customer preferences.

Team Leadership

1. Team Management: Leading and training visual merchandising teams within the region to ensure effective execution of visual standards.
2. Collaboration: Working closely with store managers and staff to implement visual merchandising initiatives effectively.

Brand Representation

1. Brand Standards: Ensuring all visual displays and merchandising align with the brand’s identity and standards.
2. Consistency: Maintaining consistent visual presentation across all locations within the region.

Market Analysis

1. Trend Identification: Analyzing market trends and customer behavior to inform visual merchandising decisions.
2. Competitor Analysis: Monitoring competitors’ visual merchandising strategies to identify opportunities for differentiation.

Creative Development

1. Display Design: Designing innovative and engaging product displays that enhance customer experience and drive sales.
2. Visual Guidelines: Creating visual merchandising guidelines and toolkits for store teams to follow.

Project Management

1. Implementation Oversight: Overseeing the execution of visual merchandising projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
2. Budget Management: Managing budgets for visual merchandising initiatives and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Performance Analysis

1. Sales Performance: Analyzing sales data to assess the impact of visual merchandising on store performance.
2. Feedback Loop: Gathering feedback from store teams and customers to continuously improve visual merchandising strategies.

Communication Skills

1. Cross-Department Collaboration: Collaborating with marketing, sales, and product development teams to align visual merchandising with overall business strategies.
2. Reporting: Preparing and presenting visual merchandising reports and insights to senior management.

Training and Development

1. Staff Training: Conducting training sessions for store staff on visual merchandising best practices and techniques.
2. Mentorship: Providing ongoing support and mentorship to visual merchandising teams within the region.

Adaptability

1. Flexible Approach: Adjusting visual merchandising strategies based on regional differences and customer feedback.
2. Crisis Management: Quickly responding to any issues or challenges that arise in the visual presentation of products.