Divisional Visual Merchandising Manager -South East

We’re looking for a field based Divisional Visual Manager to ensure our Oak Furnitureland brand look and feel is maintained consistently across our showrooms in the South East. The role is for 12 months, on a fixed term maternity cover contract. Working in a fast‑paced environment our DVM understands that the customer is at the heart of everything we do. Serious about interiors & style, they have an unwavering attention to detail and deep understanding of our customer market.

In this field based role you’ll be provided with a van, fuel card and will be travelling to showrooms in the South East region. The role is Monday to Friday but there will be some overnight stays (around 1 a week). An ideal candidate will be located within these areas; South Ruislip, Thurrock, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford or Orpington but it's not essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the visual presentation of circa 20 showrooms, ensuring equal time is spent at all showrooms with overnight stays planned as needed to support business activity.
• Build strong working relationships with the Divisional Sales Manager, Showroom Managers and colleagues to align commercial and visual priorities.
• Regularly review the performance of each showroom and make recommendations to improve layout in response to sales.
• Collaborate with retail colleagues on product updates and implementation, following Health & Safety guidelines for manual handling of large and heavy products.
• Manage display product implementation across the division, providing proactive and efficient feedback to central commercial and retail teams.
• Keep training up to date — Health & Safety/Manual Handling.
• Line‑manage the Display Assistant, plan new ranges and coordinate range moves and store maintenance workloads.
• Ensure the Display Assistant maintains in‑house systems for damaged displays and replacement ordering, keeping accurate records and informing central departments.
• Maintain the quality of display stock look and feel to a premium showroom standard.
• Manage budgets and costs within the agreed spend.
• Maintain visual consistency in showrooms, following brand styling guidelines and ranging principles while creatively interpreting VM brand guidelines to fit each showroom.
• Take new range information from the CCM, update digital floor plans accurately, and keep them current for every showroom. Submit plans back to CCM for final approval.
• Book hotels with the company‑preferred partner within agreed budgets.
• Foster close working relationships with the VM Manager, Creative Concept Manager and other DVMs to improve sales and brand perception through effective Visual Merchandising.
• Confidently position furniture, accessories and props to reflect customer profiles.
• Continuously improve visual merchandising standards and showroom presentation by monitoring competitor developments within the furniture sector and beyond.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience as a Visual Merchandiser in retail is required.
• Experienced & confident in all aspects of DIY, including the use of power tools and high‑standard decorating.
• Exceptional eye for detail and confidence in planning space requirements via digital floor plans for consistent product implementation.
• Essential IT skills: Excel, Google Sheets & Illustrator.
• Space planning & SketchUp knowledge is an advantage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness alongside visual flair, interpreting data to drive showroom sales performance.
• Physically fit with the ability to lift and move furniture (with another person).
• Role model for professional behaviours, challenging effectively and holding self and others accountable to OFL’s ‘Customer First’ principles and values.
• Develops a feedback culture by providing, asking for, and encouraging best practices.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Positive, proactive initiative: put forward ideas and translate them into actions.
• Highly organised with an analytical commercial approach to problem solving and a strong can‑do attitude.

Benefits

• Employee discount: amazing discounts on all Oak Furnitureland products after successful completion of probation.
• Life assurance: free cover of a minimum of two times annual salary up to the age of 65.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Birthday: an additional day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Pension: 4% employee contribution matched by the company.
• Health and wellbeing: discounts on local gym memberships.
• Employee Assistance Programme: access to telephone and face‑to‑face counselling services.
• My Rewards Programme: discounts on restaurants, supermarkets, entertainment and holidays.
• Company van and fuel card provided.
• Premier Inn card for overnight stays, including meal allowance.
• Phone allowance.