Merchandising & Brand Manager

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The Merchandising & Brand Manager at Chicago Midway International Airport
, drives commercial excellence and ensures brand standard compliance across specialty retail operations generating up to $3M in annual sales. This role is responsible for visual merchandising execution, brand guideline adherence, and vendor relationship management while supporting operational teams to deliver exceptional, brand-aligned customer experiences.

• Conduct regular brand standard audits and store assessments to ensure compliance with visual merchandising, product presentation, and brand guidelines; provide corrective action plans and follow-up support.
• Oversee execution of brand-directed visual merchandising programs, seasonal resets, and promotional displays; ensure consistency across all retail locations.
• Serve as the primary liaison with brand partners and vendors; communicate brand initiatives, seasonal requirements, and promotional strategies; ensure timely execution of brand programs.
• Develop and deliver brand-specific training programs for store associates, focusing on product knowledge, brand storytelling, and customer engagement techniques.
• Monitor and analyze brand performance metrics, sales data, and customer feedback; provide actionable insights and recommendations to operational leadership for performance optimization.
• Collaborate with inventory and operations teams to manage stock allocation, seasonal transitions, and promotional merchandise in alignment with brand requirements.
• Partner with store leadership to ensure brand-aligned customer service standards; provide coaching and guidance to enhance customer engagement.
• Prepare and deliver regular reports to brand partners on compliance status, visual execution, and performance metrics; maintain strong vendor relationships and market insights.
• Coordinate multiple brand initiatives, seasonal launches, and promotional campaigns while ensuring timely execution and adherence to brand standards.

• 5+ years combined experience in brand management, visual merchandising, or retail operations with a focus on brand compliance and commercial excellence.
• 3+ years in a brand or merchandising leadership role within retail environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field preferred (may substitute for experience).

• Proficiency in visual merchandising principles, planogram execution, and retail display standards.
• Familiarity with retail systems, reporting tools, and inventory management processes.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret sales data and brand performance metrics.
• Visual Merchandising Certification or related training preferred.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to walk extensively across retail locations and merchandising areas.
  • Lift/carry up to 25 lbs for visual merchandising setups.
• Retail store and back-of-house environments with varying temperature and noise levels.
• Brand & Visual Expertise – Deep understanding of brand standards, merchandising principles, and retail presentation strategies.
• Commercial Acumen – Ability to analyze sales data, identify trends, and implement strategies to drive revenue and profitability.
• Leadership & Training – Skilled in developing and delivering brand training programs to enhance team performance.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management – Strong relationship-building skills with ability to influence internal and external partners.
• Project Management – Ability to manage multiple brand initiatives, seasonal resets, and promotional campaigns simultaneously.
• Communication & Presentation – Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present to senior leadership and brand partners effectively.

• Reports to:
  
  Director of Operations.
• Schedule:
  
  Flexible availability required, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays during seasonal resets and promotional periods.

• Competitive Salary of: $73,010- $85,894 annually
• Daily Pay
  - Get your money as you earn it
• 20% Hudson, HMSHost & Dufry Employee Discount
• Paid Time Off
• P…