Visual Merchandising Planner - 14 Month Contract

Mattel; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global toy company in Mississauga is seeking a Visual Merchandising Planner to create unforgettable in-store experiences. The role involves managing the lifecycle of visual merchandising programs and collaborating with various teams to ensure retail success. Candidates should have a growth mindset, a degree in Business or Design, and strong project management skills. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Flexible work model

Comprehensive benefits

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of related experience required.
• Ability to analyze merchandising numbers.
• Experience in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Own the full lifecycle of Prepack and Visual Merchandising programs.
• Collaborate with Sales and Demand Planning.
• Lead cross-functional meetings to keep projects on track.
• Manage vendors for cost-efficient solutions.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication

Multitasking

Excel skills

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Illustrator

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Design

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER. It’s our heritage and it’s also our future. Mattel creates innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. We value an inclusive culture where everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day.

The Team

The Visual Merchandising team is the driving force behind how Mattel shows up at retail. From eye-catching signage to innovative display programs, we bring our brands to life in stores and guide shoppers on their journey. We manage bold, temporary campaigns and permanent merchandising solutions, and lead prepack (display) programs to win at retail. As part of the Customer Marketing team, we collaborate across brands and categories to transform national marketing strategies into in‑store experiences that excite, inspire, and drive results.

The Opportunity

As a Visual Merchandising Planner, you’ll turn big ideas into unforgettable in‑store experiences. Reporting to the Associate Manager of Visual Merchandising, you’ll own the full lifecycle of Prepack and Visual Merchandising programs—from concept to installation on retail floors across the country. You’ll partner with marketing, sales, forecasting, customer service, and external suppliers to bring every detail together. Your role combines strategy and execution: leading creative briefings, coordinating logistics, driving meetings, and on‑site installations or trade show setups. It’s a chance to showcase project management, build cross‑functional connections, and impact how Canadians experience our brands in-store.

What Your Impact Will Be

• Drive seamless execution by partnering with Sales and Demand Planning to align forecasts, inventory, and timing.
• Collaborate with Sales to create profitable, retail‑ready displays that balance commercial goals with brand storytelling.
• Team up with Marketing to deliver a consistent, omni‑channel brand experience.
• Manage vendors—from briefing to design negotiations—to deliver creative, cost‑efficient solutions.
• Plan material buys smartly to maximize value and efficiency.
• Use Photoshop and Illustrator to design artwork and mockups that spark quick decisions.
• Lead cross‑functional meetings to keep projects on track, aligned, and within budget.
• Partner with the Retail Service team to perfect execution and elevate the consumer journey in-store.
• Become an expert in retailer merchandising guidelines and ensure flawless compliance.
• Own the purchase order process for the team and troubleshoot issues as they arise.

What We’re Looking For

• Growth mindset: curiosity, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Design, or 1–3 years of related experience.
• Proven project management and organizational skills with a track record of meeting tight deadlines.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication.
• Skilled multitasker who can troubleshoot and keep projects moving in fast‑paced environments.
• Strong Excel skills; working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
• Financially savvy with ability to analyze merchandising numbers and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator experience is an asset.

The pay range is indicative of the projected hiring range; base pay will be determined based on location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.

Our Culture and How We Work

Don’t meet every requirement? We are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or others. Consider joining Mattel’s Talent Community to receive updates about the company, employees, and culture, and sign up for job alerts.

How We Work: We are a purpose‑driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Our behaviors include:

• We collaborate: One team with shared values and goals. Partnership is our process; our collective capabilities are our superpower.
• We innovate: We seek new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. New ideas are welcomed and valued.
• We execute: We are performance‑driven, accountable, and empowered to deliver results.

Flexible Work: We embrace a flexible model designed to empower growth, optimism, and wellbeing, combining purposeful in‑person collaboration with flexibility to optimize performance.

Who We Are

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company with iconic brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher‑Price, American Girl, UNO, Masters of the Universe, and more. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold with leading retailers and ecommerce partners worldwide. Since 1945, Mattel has been a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood.

Mattel’s workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.

Visit us at Mattel’s careers site. Michaelizing references removed for plain text readability. Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer; all applicants will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by law.

Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.

Videos to watch: Culture at Mattel; Corporate Philanthropy