What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visual Merchandising Manager, North America position at Nike?
Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team
NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.
NIKE, Inc.'s storytellers, Marketing and Communication sets the brand tone. A creative force of specialists tell Nike’s stories of innovation and sport through advertising, brand strategy, digital engagement and product presentation. Using channels ranging from retail stores to social media, Marketing & Communication teams connect the science and art of Nike innovations to the hearts and minds of athletes around the world.
The Visual Merchandising & Styling (VMS) function is responsible for developing and implementing inspiring, premium and elevated consumer experiences and presentations for the Nike brand across the North America geography. The VMS team works collaboratively across brand and business partners to develop product journeys, presentation strategies, styling direction as well as playbooks & training modules that create a distinct point of view for the brand at retail. Additionally, the VMS Team works directly with business, operations and design functions to develop, drive and scale new concepts / retail expansion for the Nike brand across the marketplace. The VMS team’s success is amplified by a connected network of world class talent across WHQ, territories, key cities & in-store.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a curious, driven and passionate Visual Merchandising Manager who loves retail & collaboration and who has a deep understanding the role visual merchandising plays in developing and delivering the ultimate consumer experience at retail. This candidate will be able to think strategically through both brand and business lenses and be a strong collaborator and communicator who has the ability to work seamlessly across multiple functions and retail fields. We are looking for someone who is a proven visual merchandising expert, has strong communication & influencing skills and who is results & solution oriented. This person will work across multiple functions and levels within the organization which will require them to be a creative thought partner who possesses the ability to influence decision making within their span of control.
WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON
This role plays an integral part in developing strategy for both seasonal & concept work and is directly responsible for delivering seasonal VMS presentation strategies, tools and direction that sets the expected brand standards and enables flawless execution specific to that concept. A typical week consists of regular brand & business cross-functional meetings focused on seasonal VMS planning and in season read & react based on the needs of the Brand & Business. In this role you will work closely with Territory & City VMS partners to understand the needs of the North America fleet and to refine tools and direction as needed to make continual improvements. Additionally, you will work closely with a cross-functional team of brand and business partners to enable an accelerated growth plan for Nike.
Develop clear VMS priorities & presentation strategies that inspire consumers, elevate the in-store experience and uniquely position this concept in the marketplace.
Act as peer mentor and coach to VMS Managers & Specialists through regular connections to share findings, ideate new ways of working and seek out innovative solutions to shared problems.
Obsess the tools and direction needed to enable and empower the field to implement the vision. Partner regularly with territory & city to refine and modify as needed.
Develop and foster strong and collaborative working relationships with Global & Geo CDM functions, Merchandising, Design, OPS as well as the field organization.
WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH
In this role you will be working with a diverse set of teams and individuals across multiple brand and business functions across WHQ and field organizations. This role reports directly in to the Director Visual Merchandising - NSO but is expected to build and sustain strong and collaborative working relationships with Global & Geo NSO Leadership, CDM Leadership and across VMS disciplines in order to meet brand and business objectives. You will also work closely with Geo, Territory & City VMS functions to build a strong flow of communication and an open dialogue to understand team needs and relevant marketplace and competitive trends.
WHAT YOU BRING
Possess a clear passion for the art and science of visual merchandising & styling.
Passion for team, people development and coaching & mentoring a diverse team of young talent.
Visual background with previous experience in a vertical retail environment.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field or extensive experience in Visual Merchandising in lieu of a degree.
6 years of experience in retail marketing, visual merchandising, product merchandising or directly related experience.
Demonstrated experience creating engaging and inspiring in-store displays. Footwear & apparel experience is preferred.
Ability to create unique presentation solutions for various retail environments that inspire the consumer, drive sales and align with the Nike brand voice.
Ability to travel approximately 4-6 times per year.
NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.
NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.