VM Manager - UK and ROW in London

Reporting to: Head of Visual

Location: Head Office, White City Place, West London

Contract Type: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

About Us:

ME+EM is one of the UK’s fastest-growing luxury fashion brands. In addition to a thriving global digital presence, we operate flagship stores in London and Edinburgh, concessions within Harrods and Selfridges, and have recently expanded with new store openings in the U.S.

At ME+EM we are an entrepreneurial, creative, and passionate group of people. We work hard, are enthusiastic to learn and are not afraid to take risks. Everyone contributes to our success at all levels, and that precisely what makes being a member of the team so rewarding.

Our office and stores are always busy and fast paced, but we work just as hard to make sure it’s fun, with social activities and biannual parties. We pride ourselves on being approachable, supportive, and welcoming and ensure that everyone’s hard work is rewarded. It takes all these things to build a strong, successful business and our door is always open to new talent ready to contribute to our growth and evolution.

About the Role:

The UK VM Manager will lead the VM implementation across multi-site locations within the UK and ROW. They will oversee the VM guidelines, ensuring the ME+EM 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

• 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. Determine the range 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 what actions can be made to capitalise on footfall, customer requests and consumer trends.
• Liaise weekly with Merchandising on product delays, delivery schedules, recall lists etc to determine 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 and always represent the most new and inspiring looks.
• Create monthly front facer styling deck to share with stores and concessions, implementing best practice across London locations to share with the 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 are always showcasing the latest collection and are both enticing and inspirational to our 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 both cohesive and commercial.
• Ability to travel to regional locations across the UK and ROW as needed for VM updates as well as 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. Coach and mentor them to develop their skill set and continuously improve output.
• Engage and develop in-house talent, providing training and inspirational insight into the ME+EM 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.

Skills

• Experience in a managerial VM role within women's 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.

Employee Benefits

33 days annual leave for full-time employees (25 days holiday + 8)