At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead visual merchandising strategies and create immersive in-store experiences for a global cycling brand.
- Company: Join Rapha, a pioneering brand redefining cycling apparel with a passion for the sport.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, health plans, and a clothing allowance to fuel your cycling passion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing innovative designs to life and connecting with cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in visual merchandising with a strong portfolio and a passion for design and cycling culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth and a vibrant company culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Rapha launched in 2004 to redefine cycling apparel. Today progressive design and storytelling has built a global movement.
We love cycling in all its forms, from the city streets to the highest peaks. And we know its power to transform lives. Led by innovation, we embody this love through a dedication to the world\’s greatest sport, by setting a new standard in design and pushing the cutting edge of performance and human craft.
The Role
As a Visual Merchandising Manager at Rapha, you will bring our brand to life in retail
environments worldwide. Working with the Head of Visual Merchandising & Architecture, youwill be responsible for developing and executing compelling in-store visual strategies thatenhance product storytelling, drive commercial performance, and deepen customer
connection with the Rapha brand.
This role requires a unique blend of creative vision and commercial acumen, ensuring everytouchpoint—whether a Clubhouse, pop-up, or wholesale display—reflects Rapha’s identity,values, and passion for cycling.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Visual Merchandising Strategy
With the Head of Visual Merchandising, develop and implement a cohesive global VM strategy across Rapha Clubhouses, partner doors, and for seasonal/global activations. - Create Immersive In-Store Experiences
Translate product stories and campaign narratives into physical retail environments that are both brand-immersive and commercially effective – design, producing and implementing these globally. - Seasonal Planning & Execution
Partner with product, retail, and marketing teams to plan and execute seasonal guidelines, product launches, window displays, and in-store refreshes in line with campaign calendars. - Retail Standards & Guidelines
Develop VM toolkits and guidelines to ensure brand consistency and excellence across all locations - Collaboration Across Teams
Work very closely with Retail Managers and store teams to ensure all information is delivered and executed effectively. Also working closely with brand creative and marketing to align on messaging, storytelling, and execution. - Performance & Reporting
Track the impact of visual merchandising initiatives on footfall, conversion, and sales. Use data to refine strategies and improve outcomes. - Sustainability & Materials
Champion sustainable design and material choices in all VM installations and store displays, aligning with Rapha’s environmental commitments.
About You
- 5+ years of experience in a visual merchandising role, ideally within premium retail or lifestyle brands
- A strong portfolio showcasing innovative and commercial VM executions
- Excellent eye for detail, spatial planning, and storytelling through physical environments
- Deep understanding of how VM influences consumer behavior and retail KPIs
- Experience managing external suppliers, budgets, and installation timelines
- Ability to travel to store locations and lead installations when needed
- A genuine passion for design, retail, and cycling culture (cycling knowledge is a plus, but not essential)
Working at Rapha
We are continuously looking into ways to invest in our employees and build a better working culture and environment. Here are just some of the internal benefits we offer:
- Flexible working hours
- Support for ad-hoc remote working during the week – minimum 4 days in office
- 25 days annual leave
- 2 additional days paid time off to participate in a sportive or similar related cycling event
- A flexible riding benefit to allow you to go out riding on a Wednesday morning with colleagues or learn to cycle through our Getting Started Scheme
- An annual clothing allowance of £1,120 for testing and promotional purpose
- A company bonus scheme
- A health cash plan provided by Healthshield worth up to £1405 per year
- Mental health support with MyndUp
- Free barista coffee and social drinks in the office
- Subsidised lunches 3 days per week
- Monthly department social events and quarterly office social away days
- Bike racing expenses up to £35 per race entry
- A 50% staff discount and a discount for family and friends
- Industry discounts on brands such as Patagonia, Osprey, Finisterre, Wahoo
- Free membership to the Rapha Cycling Club
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Company Pension Scheme
- Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay
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Visual Merchandising Manager Brand Marketing · Service Course, London employer: Rapha
Contact Detail:
Rapha Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visual Merchandising Manager Brand Marketing · Service Course, London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the brand inside out! Dive into Rapha's story, values, and products. When you understand what makes them tick, you can tailor your approach and show how you can bring their vision to life.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the company culture. This can give you a leg up in understanding what they truly value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a mini portfolio showcasing your best visual merchandising work. Make it relevant to cycling or lifestyle brands to demonstrate your understanding of the market and your ability to create immersive experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Rapha family. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Visual Merchandising Manager Brand Marketing · Service Course, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cycling: When you're writing your application, let your love for cycling shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that connect you to the sport. We want to see how your passion aligns with our brand's values.
Highlight Your Visual Merchandising Experience: Make sure to showcase your previous experience in visual merchandising. Use specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your creative vision and commercial acumen. We love seeing a strong portfolio!
Tailor Your Application: Don't just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Show us how you can bring our brand to life in retail environments.
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 you’re keen to join the Rapha team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapha
✨Know Your Brand Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Rapha's history, values, and product offerings. Understand their unique approach to cycling apparel and how they connect with their audience. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and align your vision with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
Prepare a strong portfolio that highlights your best visual merchandising work. Focus on projects that showcase your ability to create immersive experiences and tell compelling stories through design. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece and how it drove commercial success.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Emphasise your teamwork skills during the interview. Talk about past experiences where you collaborated with different teams, such as marketing or retail, to execute successful campaigns. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and ensure everyone is aligned on the vision.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your visual merchandising strategies in the past. Share examples of how you tracked performance metrics like footfall and conversion rates, and how you adapted your approach based on those insights. This shows your commercial acumen and commitment to driving results.