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Visual Merchandising Manager
Arcadia Group
Greater London, , United Kingdom
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JOB TITLE: Visual Merchandising Manager
REPORTING TO: Head of Brand Visual Merchandising
DEPARTMENT: Visual Merchandising
PURPOSE OF ROLE Working with both the Buying and Retail teams to deliver a strong VM proposition.
Tasks & Responsibilities
Product
• Work closely with Buying, Merchandising and Design to ensure;
• All product trends are effectively communicated to Retail including information on how to pull together and style outfits within each trend, key statements, must haves etc
• Each product area is presented in store in the most effective, commercial and visually exciting way
• Work with Buying & Merchandising teams to pick specific stock packages for different profiles including Debenhams and Tesco
Style File - (Monthly)
• Take complete responsibility and ownership for coordinating and delivering monthly Style File
• Liaise with Buying to fully understand Buyers expectations/strategy for each month
• Challenge Buying & Merchandising expectations and suggest alternative ideas and solutions to improve visual proposition
• Produce a six month critical path analysis (CPA) for timings and process to ensure that all deadlines are met
• Rack up and photograph product for Style File communication
• Continuously review the concept and format to ensure this is an effective tool for stores
• Adopt a proactive approach to develop knowledge and understanding of how stores are currently managing their stock packages and take action to communicate visual solutions in Style File
• Using an SLR camera, ensure photographic visuals are of a clear and professional quality
Model Store – (Twice a year)
• Liaise with Buying to identify key season trends and communicate to stores
• Work with Distribution to plan product and stock allocations for Model Store in line with CPA timings
• Propose store layout options using all available information, including Buying & Merchandising strategy, department sales plans and retail feedback
• Collate feedback on previous model store, review strengths and weaknesses to identify future opportunities and risks to improve the future visual proposition
• Work with Area VM Manager to trial & review model store ideas and present proposals for new VM guidelines for the season
• Constantly identify new and innovative ideas to drive the DP visual proposition forward and present relevant e.g. Competitor analysis, market research, press etc
• Organise and communicate Model Store update to Head Office e.g. Creative, Distribution, Buying & Merchandising etc
• Review concept and format of the Model Store communication pack to ensure this is an effective tool for stores. Including producing this in conjunction with the creative artworker
• Support the Area VM Manager with delivering the Model Store set up stores. As the VM product expert adopt a proactive approach to support AVMs with delivering the visual proposition
• Present Model Store to Area Managers/Visual Specialists in the form of walk rounds
• Assist the Head of VM in Model Store sign off with the Managing Director and Retail Director
• Set up and shoot all 3 model store locations
Communication – (Weekly)
• Take ownership for producing detailed weekly product/merchandising updates for stores
• Attend weekly Best & Worst meeting and communicate key messages in VM team meeting
• Proactively identify visual opportunities and communicate these to stores, Area VM’s and Retail teams
• Send out Style File pack in advance to update Area VM team on new product ranges and VM guidelines
• Conduct weekly store visits with Head of VM to present ideas, suggestions and identify opportunities for the Brand
• Working with the West End team, identify visual opportunities and propose and develop appropriate solutions
• New Stores, Modernisations, Equipment & Trials
• Drive VM overlay for new stores and modernisations - reviewing ranges, linear and mixes to ensure layout and VM order is correct
• Support Area VM’s with new store openings and mods
• Source new equipment such as mannequins/plinths/hangers to improve look of stores, constantly reviewing cost saving
• Check window/in store graphics to ensure they work with collections and are relevant for timing
• Manage trials of new graphics/equipment/product
• Work with Marketing and Creative teams to manage adhoc jobs such as pop up events
• Management
• Manage the VM Artworker, ensuring all deadlines are met for all communications and time is managed efficiently
• Manage the Westend Stylists, ensuring outfits/styling/standards expectations are met throughout the Westend & mega stores and communicated to the AVM team.
• International, Outfit & Concessions
• Liaise with International, Outfit and Concessions to deliver regular VM updates and layout guidelines
• Support International with Partner/Store visits as appropriate
• Create separate merchandising guidelines for International markets where appropriate
• Support International markets with layouts for new/focus stores
• Give constant feedback to International through photo packs on Connex
Key Experience, Skills & Abilities
• Passionate
• Love for fashion and styling
• Creativity with product
• Confidence in building Buying & Merchandising relationships
• Copywriting skills
• Excellent visual skills
• High attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to plan and prioritise effectively
• Able to work under own initiative
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• A good team player
• Excellent communication skills
• Great management skills
• Proven experience to use InDesign and Photoshop