Permanent – Visual Merchandising Team Leader

SCOPE OF JOB:

The Visual Merchandising Team Leader will guarantee the image of the Maison in the Middle East stores and ensure that the VM guidelines are always implemented.

Within this department, the VM Team Leader will report to the Retail Merchandising Manager and work closely with the store managers, operations, retail merchandising and communication teams. The VM Team Leader will also liaise and work closely with all Visual Merchandising teams in Paris.

He/she will manage a team of 5 in-store visual merchandisers and animate the community of VM ambassadors.

The store network is distributed as follows:

• 3 stores in United Arab Emirates: Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates and Abu Dhabi

• 1 store in Kuwait

• 1 store in Doha

• 1 store in Bahrain

The position is based in Dubai and requires travel across Middle East stores: Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain. The VM Manager will work 1 day in the office and 4 days in the stores.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     VM ORGANIZATION

·       Lead a team of 5 Visual Merchandisers and ensure continuous support and growth of the team

·       Build and update the VM schedule and communicate it with the stores monthly

·       VM activities such as the monthly coordination and planning of the team, implementation of VM animations in store, including product rotations and product and collection launches

·       Prepare and assist the merchandising team during metier store visits

2.     VM COMMUNITY & TRAINING

·       Engage and maintain a VM community across Middle East Region by working closely with the VM ambassadors and organizing local VM seminars

·       Develop and maintain an extensive knowledge of products, VM guidelines and VM essentials

·       Conduct VM induction trainings to new joiners

·       Ensure monthly VM briefings are planned and delivered in all stores

3.     VISUAL MERCHANDISING STRATEGY

·       Work closely with the in-store VM to ensure the VM in store is always appealing and inspiring

·       Ensure that the VM guidelines of our Maison are correctly implemented in our stores

·       Share best practices with VM across the networks

·       Ensure that new collections and new products are displayed according to the launch dates

4.     COLLABORATION WITH HEAD OFFICE TEAMS

·       Provide VM assistance and support to the communication department for in-store animations and various events

·       Collaborate closely with Retail Merchandising and Store Management to propose a Visual Merchandising in line with business and product strategy

·       Work closely with Retail Merchandising team to rotate stock, increase sell-through, define Métier priorities

·       Provide VM feedback and ideas to the Store Planning and the Retail Department on any Minor Works projects in-store (layout and fixtures)

5.     COMMERCIAL ANIMATIONS AND WINDOWS

·       Collaborate with the communication team and retail merchandising teams on in-store animations and event planning (VM zoning, metier VM strategy)

·        Oversee and manage the physical installation and dismantle of the animation with the VM Team and store teams

·       Assist the communication department with window product selection (strategy, physical selection, follow-up and any adjustments needed after window installation)

6.      PLV (VM Props & Accessories)

·       Buy PLV novelties for the stores and Re-order PLV when needed

·       Schedule a PLV inventory Check twice a year

7.     STORE OPENINGS & MINOR WORKS

·       Provide VM expertise to the Retail and Store Planning departments during the different planning stages

·       Coordinate and place new store PLV order, check and distribute it

·       Organize an appropriate VM team and VM work strategy and schedule during the opening

·       Organize and oversee the 3D video of the virtual store opening tour

EXPERIENCE

• At least 5 years of experiences in Visual Merchandising and management experience in high-end retail environment

• Strong aesthetic sensitivity and creative sense with an eye for details

• Understanding of business dynamics and commercial mindset

• Coherent decision-making abilities based on analytical thinking and commercial creativity

• Strong management skills, ability to lead and motivate a team and drive performance

• Ability to translate corporate guidelines into local market needs

• Problem solver mindset & hands-on attitude

• Strong service mindset & easy to approach

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer service orientation;

• Team player mentality to build meaningful relationships and ability to work autonomously;

• Availability, flexibility and dynamism to function in a high-pace environment;

• Flexibility to travel

• Strong IT skills