Senior Visual Merchandising Manager in London

Location: Head Office / UK/ROW Stores

Reporting to: Head of Visual

We are working with our client, a leading modern luxury brand with a contemporary edge who are growing at a tremendous rate, to find their next Senior VM Manager. This person will lead the VM implementation across multi-site locations within the UK and ROW. They will oversee the VM guidelines, ensuring the brand styling pillars are communicated through outfit building and head-to-toe looks that are also reflective of the location, client, and brand. In addition, they will be responsible for the coordination of VM projects, including seasonal activations, pop-ups, and events.

Responsibilities - UK and ROW VM Manager:

• Responsible for the creation of VM guidelines for each product drop across all UK and ROW locations, working alongside the Head of Visual to ensure these reflect both the brand and relevant markets.
• Attend monthly/Bi-monthly ranging meetings with Merchandising to determine range plans for stores based on store size, stock room size, store location, display opportunities, and customer demographics.
• Monthly Head Office Concept Store set up using the range plan to mock up the Concept Store with upcoming product drops.
• Responsible for implementing monthly VM floor refreshes across multi-site locations within the UK with the support of the Assistant VM.
• Attend weekly retail feedback meetings to discuss store performance and actions to capitalise on footfall, customer requests, and consumer trends.
• Liaise weekly with Merchandising on product delays, delivery schedules, recall lists, etc., to ensure the VM guidelines are accurate.
• Responsible for leading the creative styling of head-to-toe looks for both mannequins and front facers that reflect the brand styling pillars, ensuring these are updated frequently.
• Create monthly front facer styling deck to share with stores and concessions, implementing best practices across London locations to share with regional stores for inspiration and creative direction.
• Collaboration with the Head of Visual in the ideation and creative of store windows across the UK and ROW, ensuring these showcase the latest collection and are enticing and inspirational to customers.
• Work closely with the Head of Visual to continuously elevate the in-store client experience, bringing the brand vision to life and ensuring creative, aspirational product and window displays are aligned across the UK and ROW store portfolio.
• With the support of the Assistant VM, ensure the maintenance of the VM in local sites on a weekly basis, inputting new lines and replacing sold-through styles, as well as reworking product stories as needed throughout the month.
• Work with each individual location's stock on hand to adapt guidelines effectively and ensure product stories are cohesive and commercial.
• Ability to travel to regional locations across the UK and ROW as needed for VM updates, new store openings, and refurbishments.
• Support the Head of Visual with the creation of detailed plans for new store openings, showing the full range plan, product placement, rail capacity, and front facer styling.
• Support the Head of Visual with the coordination of VM-related projects including seasonal activations, events, and UK/ROW brand pop-ups.
• The UK VM point of contact for social content being shot in-store and support the Head of Visual with any in-store, press, and events, ensuring VM is inspiring and on brief, with the support of Assistant VM.
• Communicate VM updates effectively with Store Managers and wider Store teams to ensure key stakeholders are aligned and informed.
• Update Head of Visual with VM requirements per store, including VM toolkit and styling supplies. Responsible for maintaining VM tools and communicating any VM maintenance requirements.
• Responsible for inventory and management of store experience items including flowers, candles, and room sprays, consolidating order requests when needed.
• Set up and attend quarterly Managers and Customer Care product meetings, review feedback, and pre-plan upcoming product focus in-store.
• Support the Head of Visual and Store Design team with any new store openings and refurbishments within the UK and ROW.
• Manage Assistant VM, providing support and guidance, coaching and mentoring them to develop their skill set and continuously improve output.
• Engage and develop in-house talent, providing training and inspirational insight into the brand and visual aesthetic.
• Support the Head of Visual with implementing proven processes and ways of working to reduce friction points and cultivate a collaborative and positive cross-functional team culture.

Experience and Skills:

• 5+ Years in a managerial VM role within contemporary/luxury fashion, preferably in a multi-site environment.
• Experience in elevated and creative VM styling is imperative.
• Experience with window styling and creative treatments preferred.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills are required, as well as the ability to work cross-functionally with both internal teams and external partners.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment is essential.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines effectively.
• Must be able to travel to store locations within the UK and ROW where and when required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, with Adobe Suite/CAD software preferred but not essential.