Visual Merchandising Executive in Cardiff

Visual Merchandising Executive in Cardiff

Cardiff Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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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 flexible working options, career development, and a supportive culture.
  • Other info: Expect 80% travel; be ready to inspire teams and drive performance.
  • Why this job: Make your mark in a global business while enhancing consumer experiences.
  • Qualifications: 5-8 years in Visual Merchandising and retail management experience required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

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 briefings.
  • 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 learned 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:

  • Flexible working options
  • Career development and progression opportunities
  • Supportive and collaborative culture

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.

Visual Merchandising Executive in Cardiff employer: Clarksoutlet

Clarks is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in retail. As a Seasonal Part-Time Sales Team Member, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to be part of a historic brand that values passion and customer service. Join us in creating memorable experiences for our customers while being part of a team that celebrates fun and collaboration every day.

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Contact Details:

Clarksoutlet Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Visual Merchandising Executive in Cardiff

Get Your Retail Game On

Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!

Join Retail Networks and Forums

Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Clarksoutlet, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!

Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities

Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Clarksoutlet!

We think you need these skills to ace Visual Merchandising Executive in Cardiff

Visual Merchandising
Retail Management
Brand Direction Interpretation
Team Leadership
Performance Management
MS Office Proficiency
Creative Suite Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.

Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Clarksoutlet, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.

Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Clarksoutlet and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!

Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Clarksoutlet that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!

How to prepare for a job interview at Clarksoutlet

Show Off Your Customer Service Skills

Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!

Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems

Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!

Understand Product Knowledge

Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.

Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios

Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!