About the Role
This role leads visual merchandising strategy and retail concept development, with direct responsibility for seasonal VMS presentation strategies, styling direction, tools and standards that set brand expectations and enable execution across a fleet of Factory Retail stores. It leads and develops a team of VMS Managers and Specialists while working closely with Territory and City VMS partners and a broad cross-functional network including Global and Geo CDM functions, Merchandising, Design and Operations. The role requires strategic thinking through brand and business lenses, a strong eye for product presentation and styling, and the ability to translate consumer, cultural and marketplace insights into compelling retail experiences. The position operates in a collaborative retail environment focused on new door opening readiness, seasonal planning and in-season read-and-react activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop clear VMS priorities, styling direction and presentation strategies that inspire consumers, elevate the in-store experience and position the brand as a leader in the Factory marketplace.
- Champion elevated taste, premium presentation standards and a distinct visual point of view that brings the brand to life across all consumer touchpoints.
- Coach, lead and develop a high-performing team of VMS Managers and Specialists by setting ambitious goals aligned to overall brand and business priorities, including coaching, development planning, hiring decisions, performance management, succession planning and recognition.
- Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, inclusivity and continuous growth while developing future leaders within the VMS organisation.
- Develop and foster strong, collaborative working relationships with Global and Geo CDM functions, Merchandising, Design, Operations and additional cross-functional partners to drive alignment and impact.
- Partner with Territory and City teams to ensure VMS tools, direction and standards are clear, executable and enable flawless execution across the marketplace.
- Leverage consumer, trend and marketplace insights to shape presentation strategies and styling solutions that drive engagement, brand distinction and business results.
- Deliver seasonal VMS presentation strategies, styling direction, tools and standards that set brand expectations and enable flawless execution across the fleet of Factory Retail stores.
- Participate in regular brand and business cross-functional meetings focused on retail concept development, new door opening readiness, seasonal VMS planning and in-season read-and-react activities based on business needs.
- Work with Territory and City VMS partners to understand marketplace needs and continuously refine tools and direction to drive continual improvement, and with cross-functional partners to enable door opening teams and processes that fuel retail expansion plans.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field or extensive experience in Visual Merchandising; any suitable combination of education, experience and training will be accepted.
- 10+ years of experience in retail marketing, visual merchandising, product merchandising or directly related experience.
- Curious, driven and passionate about retail, collaboration and talent development, with a deep understanding of the role visual merchandising and styling play in developing and delivering the ultimate consumer experience at retail.
- Proven people leader and talent developer with strong communication and influencing skills and a results and solution-oriented approach.
- Ability to think strategically through both brand and business lenses while inspiring, coaching and leading a team of VMS managers and specialists.
- Trusted thought partner who can effectively influence decision making at both strategic and operational levels across multiple functions and levels.
- Exceptional eye for product presentation, styling and visual storytelling, with elevated taste and strong aesthetic judgment.
- Proven ability to translate consumer, cultural and marketplace insights into compelling retail experiences that inspire consumers, elevate brand perception and create a distinct point of view across the marketplace.
- Clear passion for the art and science of visual merchandising and styling.
- Passion for team leadership, people development, coaching and mentoring a diverse team of talent.
- Demonstrated experience building, developing and leading high-performing teams while creating an environment that encourages collaboration, growth and accountability.
- Extensive visual background with previous experience in a large-scale vertical retail environment and an understanding of how to drive impact at scale and pace.
- Strong aesthetic sensibility and demonstrated ability to set and uphold a high standard for styling, visual presentation and retail storytelling.
- Deep understanding of fashion, product presentation, consumer trends and premium retail experiences, with the ability to translate insights into compelling visual strategies.
- Deep experience working with senior leadership to influence decisions and drive change at scale.
Preferred Skills
- Mac proficiency is strongly preferred.
The Application Process
Accommodations are available to complete the interview process, including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning and other reasonable modifications as needed.