Visual Merchandising Designer

Aquent; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking an experienced Visual Merchandising Designer to drive the conceptualization, coordination, and flawless execution of in-store displays across salon and specialty retail environments. This role focuses on translating our brand identities into premium, cohesive visual experiences while pushing our in-store presence forward.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, design 3D concepts for displays, and ensure timely delivery within budget.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in visual merchandising, store planning, or related field.
• Experience designing for specialty multi-channel retailers or salon environments is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to turn brand narratives into striking retail displays and to manage deadlines autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design execution for visual merchandising requests across campaigns and fixtures.
• Drive creative execution for large-scale campaigns and custom projects.
• Participate in meetings to pitch concepts and provide project status updates.
• Create, manage, and oversee comprehensive merchandising guidelines.
• Design and render 3D concepts for retail displays and fixtures.
• Collaborate with Art Directors to integrate graphic design into VM displays.
• Engage in kickoff sessions and development meetings to align goals and drive product launches.
• Consider materials, budgets, and production timelines in all designs.
• Stay current with industry trends in retail design and merchandising.

Skills

Visual Merchandising

Store Planning

Industrial Design

Adobe Creative Suite

SketchUp

3D CAD Modeling

Tools

SketchUp

3D CAD

Rendering Software

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Visual Merchandising Designer to drive the conceptualization, coordination, and flawless execution of in-store displays across salon and specialty retail environments. This position focuses on translating our brand identities into premium, cohesive visual experience while continuously pushing our in-store presence forward. Success in this role requires strong adaptability, a deep understanding of spatial design across diverse retail settings, and seamless collaboration with cross-functional teams.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the end-to-end design execution for all visual merchandising requests, successfully managing projects through every phase.
• Drive the creative execution of large-scale campaigns and custom special projects.
• Actively participate in meetings to pitch creative concepts and provide regular project status updates.
• Create, manage, and oversee comprehensive merchandising guidelines.
• Design and render 3D concepts for retail displays and permanent in-store fixtures.
• Collaborate closely with Art Directors to integrate graphic design elements into VM displays.
• Engage in creative kick-offs, briefings, and development sessions to align on strategic goals and drive innovation for new product launches.
• Factor material selection, budget constraints, and production timelines into all project designs.
• Stay current with the latest industry trends in retail design, visual arts, and merchandise presentation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of professional experience in visual merchandising, store planning, industrial design, or a related field (beauty or fashion industry preferred).
• Experience designing for specialty multi-channel retailers (e.g., Sephora, Ulta) or salon environments is highly desired.
• Proactive, positive mindset with the agility to pivot alongside shifting priorities and evolving needs in a high-speed environment.
• Proven track record of turning brand narratives into striking, disruptive retail displays that stand out in a competitive market.
• Hands-on design capabilities coupled with the ability to guide and execute both 2D and 3D initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, paired with a self-starting approach to managing deadlines autonomously. Must be able to take action on projects with minimal prompting.
• Refined aesthetic sensibility and elevated design taste.
• Highly detail-oriented, agile learner with a knack for creative problem-solving.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaborative relationships across various departments.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
• Strong skills in SketchUp, 3D CAD modeling, and rendering on macOS platforms.