Join Papier as a Freelance VM Specialist!
Location: Remote (occasional travel dependent on project)
Reports to: Head of Design & Creative Ops
Team: Retail
About Papier
At Papier, we believe in the power of the blank page. Since the business was founded in London in 2015, we've been crafting beautifully designed stationery—from journals and planners to wedding invitations—that inspire creativity and meaningful connections. With over £60 million raised and a growing presence in the UK, US and beyond, we're on a mission to make everyday moments noteworthy.
Role purpose
Papier is a design-led stationery and personalised gifting brand, and retail is an increasingly important way customers experience us in person, through concessions, trade shows and pop-ups. As that physical presence grows, we need a dedicated visual merchandising specialist to make sure every space we appear in looks and feels unmistakably Papier, from the customer's first impression to the fixtures they touch.
This is a new, fractional role: we've identified a steady stream of retail design work, such as concession layouts, trade show stands and bespoke fixtures, that need dedicated expertise on a project-by-project basis. You'll be our go-to designer for how Papier shows up physically, working closely with our internal team and being brought in directly on projects as they arise, with scope for the role to grow as our retail footprint does.
- Proven experience in visual merchandising, retail design or store/fixture design — ideally including both trade show/event environments and permanent or semi-permanent retail fixtures.
- A strong portfolio showing spatial planning, fixture or display design, and an eye for brand-led visual storytelling.
- Comfort designing within a third party's guidelines and constraints (e.g. a department store's own visual and structural standards), as well as greenfield spaces.
- Practical knowledge of fixture production — materials, finishes, costs and what's realistic to fabricate and install.
- Confident with design/visualisation tools of your choice (e.g. SketchUp, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or equivalent) to communicate concepts clearly to non-designers.
- Independent and comfortable working fractionally — able to pick up a brief, deliver against it, and manage your own time across a small number of days a month.
- Based in the UK, with the flexibility to travel to sites, trade shows or supplier/fabricator visits as projects require.
Freelance VM Specialist in London employer: Papier
Papier is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work environment in the heart of London that fosters creativity and collaboration. With hybrid working conditions and generous benefits such as flexible leave and health coverage, employees are empowered to maintain a healthy work-life balance while pursuing their professional growth within a supportive team. The company values its staff and provides unique cultural perks, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
