Reliance Retail - Head - Visual Merchandising & Store Design

- The Head of Visual Merchandising leads an inspiring and customer-centric environment through the successful development of a team. Is responsible for managing all visual aspects of the Swadesh brand including; hiring and developing visual talent, fostering the merchandising process, developing and applying merchandising skills and managing execution of display to create a compelling, well curated customer experience. Is responsible for articulating and executing creative vision, visual window concepts and installations across stores ensuring a stimulating environment that enhances the customer store experience and promotes brand consistency.

- This role is responsible for elevating brand awareness and positioning through unique and inspiring visual display and creative elements for all client facing spaces. Success here will be measured by increased traffic and positive reception from customers.

- The Head of VM works closely with the corporate retail and marketing teams. This role directly supervises the visual merchandising staff to assure the visual presentation is consistent with the corporate message. The VM Head leads by example; ensuring all members of the visual team (corporate and field) are aligned to the larger strategic goals of the organization around elevating and engaging current and future clients.

- The Director trains and collaborates with national and international on merchandising standards; creating global brand consistency for trade shows and client events.

AESTHETIC UNDERSTANDING & APPLICATION

- Has a strong understanding of trend and style that is reflective of the brand and core customer

- Serves as a visionary; oversees the execution of all presentation inclusive of merchandising, floor planning, display and outfitting

- Guides product placement and outfitting that is reflective of trend, reinforces brand messaging, and inspires the customer

- Partners with Swadesh Brand Head to establish systems that help monitoring and maintenance of Visual set up in store and uphold presentation standards

- Sets an effective store structure & floor plan

- Develops the store team to assess, apply inspiration and execute creatively

- Facilitates the display process through idea generation and application of inspiration

- Partners with all store managers to ensure appropriate support and effective scheduling for visual priorities

- Develops team to connect brand aesthetic with store Social Media platforms

- Ability to communicate effectively the USP of the products through display and signage

PEOPLE & DEVELOPMENT

- Recruits, hires, and retains top talent to build bench for the store and brand

- Creates and maintain a succession strategy

- Develops assessment skills and encourages an entrepreneurial approach with display and merchandising

- Plans and executes meetings and workshops that are collaborative, educational and motivational

- Administers performance appraisals, sets goals and conducts consistent touch-bases with direct reports

- Ensures that coaching and counseling is consistent and timely

- Takes responsibility for own development and professional growth, identifies and trains replacement in preparation for career progression

LEADERSHIP

- Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills; appropriately filters and communicates presentation initiatives

- Possesses strong assessment and decision-making skills

- Is an entrepreneur, takes smart risks with measurable results

- Provides global insight in relationship to merchandising, display and fixture needs to teams at the head office

- Builds and maintains productive partnerships with buying, design and operations teams

- Attends and conducts prototype store set ups, store openings, meetings and display workshops where applicable

CUSTOMER CONNECTION

- Cultivates an environment of creativity to engage the customer

- Acts as a brand ambassador reflective of the company values and aesthetic

- Understands store specific distinctions to guide and tailor the experience

- Engages with local community via events and social media platforms

COMPETENCIES:

- Creative Innovator

- Strong Executor

- Extremely Organized

- Adaptable

- Embraces Change

- Demonstrates Initiative

- Strong Communicator

- Detail and Results Oriented

- Strong Time Management Skills

- Decisive

- Strong Leadership Skills

- Motivator and Teamwork focused

Education/Experience:

- 15-20 years relevant experience in a multi-unit retail luxury environment

- Degree preferred in Visual Merchandising/Interior Design/Fashion Merchandising