What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visual Merchandising Manager position at J. Jill?
Assist with creating compelling seasonal product presentations that align with the seasonal visual merchandising and brand strategies through the seasonal store set. Assist in producing monthly visual guides, communicate visual updates, coordinate new store openings, and assist in the development and maintenance of visual merchandising resources for the stores. Assist the visual manager with creative concepts for window and interior propping.
Responsibilities:
- Ownership in all aspects of the monthly floor set, including but not limited to sample process, fixtures, supplies and maintenance.
- Act as lead in Floorset execution in local Home Office store prior to Executive review.
- Set and merchandise monthly floor set, photograph and input text for monthly Visual Guide.
- Partner with Field Visual peers to provide strong and consistent visual and merchandising support and expertise to the Field as well as provide support and special insight on business growth opportunities.
- Understand seasonal merchandising strategies, ensure key programs are supported and presentation is appropriate for the brand. Provide support and special insight on business growth opportunities and market issues.
- Partner with Planning and Distribution to understand key seasonal investments and to manage visual presentation in-season responding to inventory issues.
- Travel to local stores and New York City stores as needed to ensure strong visual presentations.
- Oversee Merchandise Coordinator in tasks to support the Visual Merchandising Department.
- Key participant in monthly blue printing process to understand floor set strategies and key investments.
- Instrumental in special project and initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Ability to develop and communicate compelling visual merchandising presentation guidelines
- Ability to work with various levels of management
- Strong attention to detail, accuracy and follow-through
- Strong understanding of the customer and how visual merchandising supports an exceptional customer experience and drives business
- Excellent visual and merchandising skills that can support high profile, high and low volume, complex, multi-level stores
- Able to train and develop others during store visits and through store communication
- Proven ability to train others and retain talent
- Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
- Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Creative Suite – InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
- Photography skills
Traits for Success:
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to handle multiple projects. Tendency to take initiative
- Knowledge of the competition and industry
- Strong problem analysis and decision making skills
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business which may require evenings and weekends
Physical Requirements:
- Periods of time sitting and standing, working at a desk and on a computer.
- Ability to communicate information and observe details at close range.
- Light to moderate lifting may be required
Education & Experience:
- 3 – 5 years of retail visual merchandising and display experience in a multi store capacity, preferably in women’s specialty apparel
- College degree in merchandising or graphic design preferred
- Moderate travel required
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.
