Job Description

Visual Merchandising Manager
Our apparel client is seeking a dynamic and creative Visual Merchandising Manager to lead, plan, and execute world-class visual merchandising strategies across all our stores nationally. This role partners closely with Marketing, Operations, and Merchandise teams to deliver brand consistency, elevate the customer experience, and ensure every store tells a powerful visual story. Based at Durban Head Office in Briardene.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensuring the Strategy is in line with the Brand, sub-brands vision for the various departments and product presentation in store and all marketing mediums.
• Align Merch Team and Marketing Seasonal calendars to ensure the correct processes and timings are followed to execute the strategies on time at a high level and ensure all elements land in stores on time for each campaign.
• Plan Photo and Videography shoots with the team to ensure deliverables are met and campaigns launch on time.
• Manage the Seasonal Signage requirements based on merch requirements in store. Promotional Signage, Marked down/last of the best seller's signage, lifestyle, departmental and Windows.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing for fixtures, fittings, design elements and signage each season to ensure efficiencies and keeping costs low.
• Manage signage distribution to stores based on each Grades requirement.
• Maintain efficient VM collateral for reuse and cost efficiencies.
• Support the VM Ops teams in the field with the VM strategies and enhance the store experience across all grades.
• Strategize, plan and execute the Seasonal VM plan by way of:

1. Creating the store navigation (flow of product/departments)
2. Seasonal training videos on store layout and execution
3. Creating seasonal and monthly Merchandising Guides of visual displays, mannequin dressings and product merchandising that meet the stores visual design requirements to showcase fashion packs and clarity of offer for each Grade.
4. Clear instructions around signage and placement for the season
5. Monthly Window design plans created as guides for store operations
6. Create VM Guides for key seasonal campaigns such as Black Friday and High Summer
7. Lead training sessions with our field Ops teams to land the hottest VM strategies each season, taking the lead from our merchandise team.

• Maximize space in stores by enhancing the store flow and create smooth shopping journeys alongside the store designers.
• Working with the store design team to plan layouts, fixtures and visuals. Lead all VM activities to ensure each store opening is executed at a high level.
• Competitor shops to ensure we are elevating the brand from a visual perspective, keeping up with trends and innovating to gain market share.
• Sourcing of materials and accessories for displays through a robust supply base that is cost effective
• Manage Annual / Seasonal budgets to ensure no overspending
• Reporting: Keep a close eye on execution across the country, give regular feedback and present seasonal VM plans.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' experience within a managerial role and leading teams
• Visual Merchandising and design experience for 5+ years (Clothing Retail preferable)
• Qualification in same or similar field such as Visual merchandising, retail management, fashion design is beneficial
• Experience working with, negotiating and managing suppliers
• Head Office experience working within Visual merchandising, across departments and teams.
• Technical skills in visual merchandising software (e.g. Adobe illustrator, photoshop, illustrator, mockshop and inDesign)

Key Competencies:

• Leading a team
• Visual storyteller - someone that can make product look so good, it practically sell themselves.
• A creative who thinks outside the box who is constantly innovating
• Working under pressure and short deadlines
• An organized individual that can manage multiple projects at once, deadlines and stakeholders.
• A confident communicator who conveys information and communicates ideas in a clear, concise and impactful manner.
• Someone who lives for aesthetics but also understands sales-driving tactics.
• Attention to detail with flawless execution
• Strong work ethic
• Strong sense of collaboration across departments
• Ability to make well-rounded and informed decisions timeously.

Here's what is offered:
Career Growth & Mentorship - We support your long-term success
Training and Paid Study Leave - We invest in your development
Ownership - Drive results and own your business!
Collaborative Culture - Work with passionate teams and make an impact
Employee Wellness & Recognition - Your well-being and efforts matter
Stability & Vision - Join a stable company with a clear and compelling vision for the future
If you are a creative leader who can turn strategy into stunning store experiences, we would love to hear from you.
Interested?
If you meet the above requirements and want to make a career-changing move, apply today by either filling in the online application form or emailing your CV to .Alternatively, you are also welcome to contact Catherine Fforde on LinkedIn Please note that correspondence will only be conducted with shortlisted candidates for this position. Should you not hear from us within 3 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Job Category: Clothing Retail
Job Type: Perm
Job Location: Durban

Skills Required