At a Glance
- Tasks: Create eye-catching displays that inspire customers to explore the outdoors.
- Company: Cotswold Outdoor Group, passionate about outdoor adventures.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, employee discounts, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Join a team that encourages exploration and creativity in visual merchandising.
- Qualifications: Experience in visual merchandising and a love for the outdoors.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to outdoor experiences.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Please note this role is based at our office three days per week, with two days worked from home.
At Cotswold Outdoor Group, the outdoors isn\’t just where we work, it\’s who we are. Every day, our head office teams play a vital role in helping people get outside, explore more, and experience the world around them.
We\’re looking for a Visual Merchandising Strategist to join us on that journey. This role is about more than just day-to-day responsibilities, it\’s about shaping how we inspire our customers, support our stores, and grow our community of adventurers.
We\’re currently based in Kemble but will be moving to central Swindon in Spring 2026 – just a short walk from the train station and the new bus boulevard. It\’s an exciting next step in our adventure, and a chance for you to be part of it from the very start. You can take a look at our new location here: 1 Newbridge Square, Swindon.
About Us
We believe life\’s better when it\’s lived outdoors. From hiking and wild swimming to simply stepping away from the screen, nature helps us feel alive.
At our head office, every role helps make those adventures possible. Whether it\’s shaping our systems, supporting our teams or driving key initiatives, you\’ll play a vital part in helping people get outside and explore more.
We\’re part of the Cotswold Outdoor Group, including Runners Need and Snow + Rock, offering trusted brands, expert advice, and a commitment to protecting the planet.
Whether it\’s your first step or your next move, you\’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger.
How will you make an impact?
- Developing and delivering seasonal visual merchandising strategies with keystakeholders
- Translating creative concepts into practical guidelines and best practices for stores and regional teams
- Partnering with field teams to gather feedback, track implementation and ensure consistent execution
- Collaborating with marketing, buying, and retail operations to align product focus with brand priorities
- Analysing performance, trends and customer insights to recommend improvements and guide future strategies
You\’ll fit right in if…
- You have a solid understanding of visual merchandising principles and how to create a great customer experience
- You\’re commercially aware, keeping on top of retail cycles, product launches, and trends
- You can develop clear visual merchandising guidelines and are confident using creative tools like Adobe Creative Suite or PowerPoint
- You\’re organised, able to manage projects, interpret data, and solve problems along the way
- You bring creativity, attention to detail, and a customer-first mindset to everything you do
- You enjoy collaborating with others, communicating clearly, and adapting in a fast-paced environment
What\’s in it for you?
Joining our team means more than just getting paid a salary, it\’s about being part of a workplace that values you, your growth and your wellbeing.
You\’ll enjoy:
- Starting salary of £38,500 – £40,000 with a yearly bonus of up to £1,500
- Hybrid working options to support your work-life balance
- 33 days holiday allowing you to recharge and explore the outdoors
- Staff discounts of 40-60% across our full range of outdoor brands
- Savings on everyday essentials including groceries, travel, fitness, and entertainment through our perks hub
Everyone\’s welcome
We welcome applications from all genders, backgrounds, and experiences. Diverse teams make us stronger, helping us learn, grow, and create a place where everyone belongs.
We want to hear your voice so encourage you to write your own application and use AI tools sparingly. We\’re looking for honesty, authenticity, and a real sense of who you are. Applications that feel generic or AI-generated may not stand out.
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so don\’t wait too long to apply.
Visual Merchandising Strategist employer: Cotswold Outdoor Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Cotswold Outdoor Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visual Merchandising Strategist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Cotswold Outdoor Group inside out! Research their values, products, and recent campaigns. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your passion for the outdoors and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral. We all know that a little help goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your skills align with the role of Visual Merchandising Strategist. Have examples ready that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking. We want to see how you can inspire customers through your work!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to embark on this exciting journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Visual Merchandising Strategist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let your love for the outdoors shine through! We want to see how your experiences and interests align with our mission at Cotswold Outdoor Group. Share stories that highlight your connection to nature and how it inspires your work.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Visual Merchandising Strategist role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We appreciate when applicants take the time to show us why they’re the perfect fit!
Be Creative and Visual: As a Visual Merchandising Strategist, creativity is key! Use your application to showcase your design skills. Consider including a portfolio or examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to create engaging visual displays.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cotswold Outdoor Group Ltd
✨Know Your Visual Merchandising Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of visual merchandising. Understand key concepts like colour theory, layout design, and customer flow. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show how you can inspire customers through effective merchandising strategies.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a portfolio or examples of your previous work that highlight your creative flair. Be ready to discuss how your designs have positively impacted sales or customer engagement. This will give the interviewers a clear picture of your potential contributions to their team.
✨Research Cotswold Outdoor Group
Dive deep into the company’s values, mission, and recent projects. Understanding their brand ethos will allow you to tailor your responses and show how your vision aligns with theirs. Plus, it demonstrates genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current merchandising strategies or how they measure success in visual merchandising. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.