Visual Merchandise Group Leader | Retail | IKEA DFC

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A global home furnishings company in Dubai is seeking a Visual Merchandise Group Leader/Manager. You will lead a talented team, optimize store presentations, and implement innovative display solutions to drive sales. The ideal candidate should have a degree in a related field and 3-5 years of experience, with strong leadership and communication skills. Knowledge of MS Excel and fluency in English is essential, with Arabic as a plus.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a relevant role.
• Excellent command of English; preferred Arabic language skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead visual merchandisers to strengthen the IKEA identity.
• Ensure visualization of IKEA product range.
• Implement display changes to boost underperforming products.

Skills

Customer-focused approach

Leadership skills

Very good communication skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Interior Designing, Architecture, Spatial Design, or Retail Design

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Overview Of The Role:

The Visual Merchandise Group Leader/Manager plays a critical role in positioning IKEA stores as leaders in life at home within the market, driving sales and long-term profitability through effective implementation of global solutions. The role involves overseeing store media development and HFB areas, optimizing store layout, and enhancing IKEA's market presence through innovative presentation solutions. Collaboration across teams to exploit commercial opportunities and maintain operational excellence is key, along with a focus on developing and supporting a talented visual merchandising team.

What You Will Do:

• Lead, inspire and challenge the visual merchandisers to strengthen the IKEA identity in range presentation and home furnishing solutions.
• Ensure visualization of the uniqueness of IKEA product range in various specialty shops, furniture compacts, self-serve furniture areas, and the Swedish Food market.
• Coach and support visual merchandisers in using global tools and solutions, making them locally relevant as needed.
• Inspire the visual merchandisers and Com&In team with up-to-date knowledge about home furnishing, retailing, and trends.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Develop store media and HFB areas like store layout, specialty shops, and self-serve furniture areas.
• Support visual merchandisers in creating commercial messages that reflect diverse styles, living situations, and price levels.
• Implement changes to highlight new articles and boost underperforming products by optimizing their display.
• Ensure room sets are maintained in 'as new' condition through daily checks and regular maintenance work.
• Participate in projects related to store activities, including rebuilding business areas based on performance feedback.

People Management & Development:

• Ensure interior designers have necessary training in safety and security aspects of equipment usage.
• Ensure all visual merchandisers are properly trained, including development programs to secure store performance and succession needs.
• Involved in recruitment of visual merchandisers, ensuring vacancies are filled with candidates possessing required technical skills.
• Secure positive results in employee surveys and take action in areas with low satisfaction.

Strategic Contributions:

• Actively support development of country business plan and Com&In action plan with interior design initiatives.
• Contribute deep knowledge and home furnishing competence in working with the Com&In team and other functions.
• Act quickly to exploit commercial opportunities and understand impact of Com&In actions on financial results.
• Develop floor plans to scale, build sets with assistance from carpenters upon approval from Com-In Manager and Sales Manager.
• Support the commercial calendar and succession planning by searching for potential new candidates and involvement in recruitment processes.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Customer-focused approach.
• Individual accountability and leadership skills.
• Strong team player with very good communication skills.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• Degree or Diploma in Interior Designing, Architecture, Spatial Design, or Retail Design.
• 3-5 years of experience in a relevant role.
• Proficient in MS Excel and other MS programs.
• Excellent command of English and preferred Arabic language skills.