Visual Merchandising and Store Design Specialist

Purpose of the Job

•Enhance brand equity in the in-store environment for both new and existing sites in SA.Ensure consistency of presentation of all counters/FSS environments.

•Responsible for store design functions.

•Ensures proper representation of the brands' images in the selling environment.

•Project Co-ordinate with Brands, Project Managers and suppliers to ensure the smooth implementation of Retail Design projects.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Store Design

•Initiate projects after Brand approval.

•Review, establish and adapt - display, POS and presentation for specific SA environment.

•Receives designs, technical drawings and specifications to market and chosen shop fitter for every new installation and refurbishment.

•Coordinate the design selling environments, display of products consultation areas and transaction space.

•Ensure Brand's image is consistent and properly expressed and maintained within guidelines set by EMEA office in order to achieve a cumulative and synergistic effect in terms of architecture, detailing merchandise layouts.

•Consults with VM/SD Manager / Brand Manager (SA) to ensure best locations within stores; analyse traffic flow to guarantee customer interaction; analyses architectural features that may enhance or distract from location; inspects sites to ensure cohesive design and speeds approval process.

•Coordination of in store maintenance with retailers, distributors, contractors and the brands for the repair and upkeep of doors and their financial management when instructed.

•Establish a high level of communication with the markets, retailers and distributors to understand their needs and support Project Manager's to provide a focused and specialized service.

•Liaise with Regional Design Managers for project briefing.

•Works closely with Design teams of the Retail partners.

•Negotiates with brands, vendors and retailer design teams in order to find a solution where everyone benefits.

•Updates shop fitters on materials for the brands and ensures best quality / cost ratio of the projects.

•Coordinate with Visual Merchandising EMEA to order all materials and collaterals to ensure timely delivery to coincide with project schedule.

•Ensure all brand designs and final products are adapted to any existing security constraints.

•Maintain project flow and establish weekly status report to communicate with the Regional Design Managers.

•Maintain project close out and archival procedures, including final project photography.

•Prepare project files for all new projects, files and keep clear, understandable records of all stores for future use by VM/SD Manager, Brand Managers, BDM, Merchandising, Store Design and Finance.

•Review project submissions and follow up on missing information in preparation for designs to follow.

•The collection of data for the Project Request Form for submission to regional design departments

•Completion of accurate Business Case Forms for WBS (project number).

•Tracking of all projects from submission through to installation.

•Prepare project files for all new projects.

•The ordering of loose furniture items and other store design hardware for inclusion within projects across the region.

•Ensure accuracy in Capex Spend.

New store designs and re-vamps of stores

•Coordinate the execution of store openings or re-vamps and ensure the completion of necessary checklists.

•Order visuals and tester units.

•Fit design to store space.

•Ensure that merchandising guidelines are followed.

•Ensure photographs of all new stores and re-vamped stores are taken and filed correctly on the share drive.

Existing store design and maintenance

•Maintain /Create master list of all store details - these include number and sizes of light boxes, number of shelves for pricing strips, tester units, pre-cut lettering for logo's, type of installation etc.Store Profile.

•Maintain all store hardware and open sell elements.

•Order new hardware for stores where necessary and coordinate the installation thereof.

•Maintain merchandising and visual standards.

•Plan, present and Implement the basic merchandising guidelines at store level.

•Ensure the merchandising policies in retailers comply with brand standards – implement a cycle program for store visits to inspect these issues.

•Co-ordinate the ordering, distribution of light box visual transparencies for all new and existing stores.

•Execute and assist with visual in store in conjunction with the sales team

•Responsible for in store visualization working closely with sales team.

•Compile direction and execution of visual merchandising booklets for team.

•Procure local suppliers to design and make VM display units where necessary.

•Adapt EMEA merchandising guidelines to local market standards when required.

•Work with field employees in store to determine new space and execution opportunities in-line with international guidelines.

•Review and put forward recommendations for new VM merchandising concepts.,

•Review and procure local suppliers for VM tester units to save costs vs international, as required by Brand.

•Work on visual merchandising budgets in conjunction with the VM/SD Manager & Brand manager (SA). To include international tester units, locally produced highlighter stands, in case props and light box visual updates.

•Track tester unit orders from suppliers to ensure availability and delivery per agreed timeline, eliminating delays in shipment.

•Prepare and distribute pricing strips to all stores as and when required.

•Places orders on GMW for On-Going VM elements and assists the Trade Marketing Manager in qtys for Launch Elements required by TM to order correctly.

•Ensure accurate & timeous placement of orders with GMW for VM modules / locators for new and existing installations.

•Complete purchase orders relating to all visual merchandising requirements.

•Process all POs timeously.

•Build relationships with field employees in each area and support them when requested. Implement regular update meetings or conference calls (coastal field employees) to assess needs.

•Build relationships with suppliers and retailers.

•Guides, Trade Marketing / Product manager to ensure that all visual elements are delivered timeously to stores on all launches, promotions and events.

•Implement a store visit/ country calendar to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the basic merchandising guidelines at store level.

•Implement a store visit schedule to monitor general store maintenance, lay-out issues and improvements needed to store.

•Reviews competitive activity in terms of branding and suggests recommendations to improve in-store visibility.

Requirements and Experience

•Relevant Tertiary Qualification

•Knowledge of scheduling and/or construction management software.

•Experience in graphics, layout and interior signage.

•Experience in luxury goods industry is advantageous.

•Computer Skills: experience in, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD

•Advanced Excel

•Design experience.

•Knowledge of SAP advantageous

Key Personal Characteristics

•The ability to identify critical concerns and prioritize, problem-solving abilities.

•Creative/innovative thinking

•Smoothly handles multiple demands, shifting priorities and rapid change.

•Obsessive about detail

•Superb organization skills

•Works well under pressure.

•Results oriented, with high drive to meet objectives and standards.

•Display proactive and persistent approach.

•Inspires and guides individual groups.

•Build good relationships with retailers and suppliers.