Manager- Visual Merchandising

Manager
- Visual Merchandising

The Manager
- Visual Merchandising owns the Visual Merchandising process on a broad range of projects, such as developing, maintaining, and archiving communication tools for Ashley Stewart stores.

This position is also expected to lead in training, maintaining, and developing operational standards/talent throughout the chain in partnership with the Store Operations team.

This candidate must be a self-starter that is extremely organized, detail-oriented, and able to meet tight deadlines. This role requires both creative and analytic expertise.

• Lead graphic design, production and layout of visual merchandising and store communications, including weekly window and floor-set directives for chain
• Experience with Mock Shop virtual retailing software preferred
• Create supportive tools/documents/methods and set up meetings to ensure transparency, accuracy, and clear communication
• Assist and collaborate with team on new store opening designs & producing 3D renderings
• Assist with styling looks for upcoming floor-sets & campaigns with team as needed
• Collaborate on any field and corporate training tools related to visual or operational standards and any new store initiatives
• Update Visual Standards Guide as needed
• Partner with marketing and creative to produce in-store signage as needed
• Partner with store operations and field leadership on field talent, floor-set execution follow-up and photo submissions bi-weekly
• Conduct routine store visits and help implement and enforce systematic photographic compliance in order to keep up to date on product flow and overall presentation standards
• Drive brand loyalty by ensuring exceptional client experience through well-merchandised, visually engaging, brand appropriate store environments throughout the field
• Follow up with stores and DSM's that are underperforming to ensure visual merchandising standards are being met
• Submit photo recaps of store visits/takeaways
• Experience with opening new store openings and training teams
• Shop competitive landscape frequently to identify market trends and opportunities
• Open to accepting new responsibilities as the business continues to grow and evolve

Other Functions:

• Advanced knowledge of Mac OS
• Must have knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite CC, with proficiency in In Design
• Knowledge of Sketch Up & 3D rendering software preferred
• Knowledge of Mock Shop virtual software highly preferred
• Knowledge Auto Cad preferred
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Styling expertise and flair for fashion
• Must have ability to travel to local stores
• Maintain high quality of work with attention to detail

Education/

Experience:

• College degree in Graphic Design or similar field preferred
• 5-10 years prior corporate VM experience preferred
• Portfolio and/or past work samples are required for consideration

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

• Position is full time
• Work is performed in an office and/or retail store setting requiring a great deal of interaction with people
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may occasionally include holidays, weekends and/or late evenings, and before/after stores are open to the public
• Local travel required
• Ability to use ladders, or other equipment, for the purpose of minor store and merchandising maintenance
• Ability to stand for periods of 8-10 hours a day