At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and execute stunning visual merchandising strategies across UK and ROI stores.
- Company: Join Clarks, a heritage brand known for innovative shoemaking since 1825.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Expect 80% travel; thrive in a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a global business while enhancing consumer experiences.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in Visual Merchandising and strong retail management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Field-Based
About the role
This role contributes to delivering best-in-class Visual Merchandising (VM) standards across UK and ROI retail stores through effective planning, execution, and communication of VM direction. Working closely with cross-functional HQ teams and District/Store Management, the role ensures clear and consistent representation of the Clarks brand, driving commercial performance and enhancing consumer experience.
You will have a direct report and report directly into the Head of Retail. You will be responsible for creating all UK/ROI VM guidelines and briefs in alignment with regional objectives. The role supports both the strategic planning and hands-on execution of exceptional VM standards, ensuring consumer experience, segmentation, and integrated marketing communications are maximised across the physical retail estate. This is a field-based regional role, with an expectation of spending a minimum of three days per week in stores to support our stores across the UK, ROI & EMEA.
- Translate seasonal product strategies into clear, effective Seasonal VM Guidelines and briefs.
- Ensure full store compliance with Clarks VM standards, delivering a consistent and premium brand experience for all consumers.
- Provide stakeholders with engaging, accessible tools and guidelines that educate and inspire store teams on Clarks' brand, product, and VM standards.
- Lead, support, and inspire VM Executives, who will report into this role, ensuring consistent execution of VM briefs across the store estate.
- Plan, lead and execute new fixtures/initiatives for stores across UK/EMEA.
- Working in collaboration with the Head of Retail and broader Marketing teams to ensure VM spend is kept within the remit allocated based on seasonal priorities and regional business needs.
- Oversee the execution of windows and in-store activations to a high standard, ensuring accuracy in footwear positioning, lighting, cleanliness, technology usage, and price communication where applicable.
- Conduct store visits a minimum of three days per week, carrying out walk-throughs, delivering actionable feedback, driving standards, and supporting retail teams in maintaining correct layouts and execution.
- Complete monthly competitive reviews of the high street, documenting insights and sharing opportunities with the Channel Marketing team to influence ideas and future planning.
- Provide clear themes, actions, and timelines based on market observations.
- Maintain up-to-date awareness of the Clarks brand, customers, consumers, and competitor landscape.
- Collaborate closely and communicate consistently with internal stakeholders, including Global Marketing, UK VM & Marketing, Merchandising, and Regional Retail teams.
- Leverage Global assets, adapting where required to meet regional needs.
- Deliver seasonal product strategies through the creation of accurate, impactful product and VM guidelines.
- Ensure all VM activity for the UK & ROI - including season kick-offs, product drops, and key consumer moments - is launched on time and communicated effectively to relevant teams.
- Monthly submission of VM Compliance report, including taking and uploading pictures into the system, capturing feedback from the wholesale estate, feeding in lessons learnt to continuously raise the benchmark and improve standards through ongoing development, coaching and performance management.
- Conduct monthly competitive shops of the high street. Document and share with the Channel Marketing team, generating ideas on own bought areas to help drive footfall and sales.
- Partner with extended marketing teams to provide the central BU team with detailed briefs for Retail POS requirements to ensure consistency in all installations.
- Utilise key business reports to make commercial decisions and spot themes to drive performance.
About you
- 5-8 years of experience in Visual Merchandising/Presentation or marketing, preferably with a leading fashion specialty retailer or Brand.
- 3-5 years of Retail Management Experience, including multi-store capacity.
- Exceptional Visual Standards with the ability to interpret Brand Direction.
- Previous experience managing, leading and developing performance objectives, and career development plans.
- Proficient in MS Office and Creative Suites preferred.
- Ability to facilitate learning in both a store and classroom environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to plan, prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and problem solve efficiently and effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work independently and remotely.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Approximately 80% travel time; overnight stays required.
- Must reside in a centralized location within the Region.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Flexible working options
- Career development and progression opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative culture
- Comprehensive benefits package
Why join us?
At Clarks, you'll be part of a brand with heritage, craftsmanship, and style at its core. We offer great training, career progression, and the chance to make your mark in a global business.
About Clarks
Clarks, based in Somerset, England, has been at the forefront of innovative shoemaking since its foundation in 1825 when brothers James and Cyrus Clark made a slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. At the time, it was ground-breaking: a combination of invention and craftsmanship that has remained at the heart of what the brand does now. In the Clarks archive, more than 22,000 pairs of shoes have sparked revolutions and defined generations. From the original Clarks Desert Boot, first designed by Nathan Clark and launched in 1950, to the iconic Wallabee, each design has an instantly recognisable signature that makes it unmistakably Clarks.
This document describes the general nature and level of work only. It is not designed to cover an exhaustive list of all skills, activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other activities, duties, and responsibilities may be added at any time. This description may be changed at the company's discretion at any time, with or without notice.
Locations
Visual Merchandising Executive in Bath, Somerset employer: Clarks
Clarks is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration, offering a supportive work culture where employees can thrive. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and ample opportunities for career development, you will be empowered to make a significant impact in the field of Visual Merchandising across the UK and ROI. Join us to be part of a brand with a rich heritage and a commitment to craftsmanship, where your contributions will help shape the consumer experience in our retail stores.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visual Merchandising Executive in Bath, Somerset
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Clarks and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Clarks are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Clarks on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Clarks. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Visual Merchandising Executive in Bath, Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Clarks. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Clarks:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Clarks’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarks
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Clarks will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Clarks, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.