Head - Visual Merchandise & Creative - Retail

About our Client:

Establishing its first retail brand in 1988, our client has come a long way in making its mark in the Retail Industry with over 270+ retail outlets & 400,000+ sq. meters retail space. The company continues to build the dreams of over 5000+ employees consciously making a positive difference to the lives of 26+ million customers.

Their purpose is to provide customers and their families with memorable shopping experiences, always finding ways to create opportunities to fulfill their wishes and to enlighten and enrich their lives to the fullest. Their steady growth is a testament to their resilience and success in creating an exciting future for our people and customers. This has only been possible by seeking new ways to be agile and reinvesting back into the company, and above all building trust and equity with their customers, suppliers, stakeholders, and the family of their people.

Job Purpose:

To lead and oversee the operations of the entire visual merchandising and creative department while embracing all aspects of retail, with the goal of achieving maximum potential of teams towards creating a significant brand presence in the GCC market.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic:

1. Develop and implement innovative visual presentation strategies to build the most compelling and innovative ways to enliven the stores and create demand for the products.
2. Develop and put into action a plan for visual merchandising floor sets, the coordination of walk-throughs with key stakeholders, and game plans on steps of operation.
3. Develop and implement creative campaigns that always represent the Redtag brand across all channels and social media, adding commercial/brand value.

Financial:

1. Plan and oversee the budget allocated to visual merchandising and creative on how each division and area is to be financially supported in the department while maintaining the company's strategic objectives.
2. Ensure that the visual merchandise/creative budget is managed to achieve the highest level of sales.
3. Ensure that all social media activity represents a strong ROI in line with department budgets.

Operational:

1. Provide leadership and direction to the visual merchandise team and ensure that the company's strategies are well reflected according to the standard VM guidelines. Keep an up-to-date knowledge of the visual presentation trends in both the local and international retail industry.
2. Create an understanding of the brand among teams working with its core visual disciplines, styling, creative vision, and establish innovative ideas through memos, tools, and kits.
3. Ensure that the online and store estate are aligned and managed accordingly so that retail and e-commerce execution is timely and relevant.
4. Responsible for directing and driving the execution of special projects and in-store events with the help of vendors and suppliers.
5. Align with VM managers on strategies, budget, and timing, developing work plans and deliverables, inclusion of operations as needed, and driving to execution.
6. Ensure adherence to the audit guidelines through the layout of new stores, remodel and category initiatives, fixture packages, and any other applicable departmental updates.
7. Organize a timely implementation of window displays and seasonal launches in-store.
8. Conceptualize creative campaigns and manage through to implementation, ensuring that the Redtag brand values are always on point with the Redtag consumer.
9. Partake in the top stores optimization involving the top 30 stores by ensuring all visual merchandise changes in nominated stores are being delivered on time.
10. Liaise with the buying team regarding trends and production available for the photo shoots and product handbooks.
11. Continue to expand through creativity and innovation in visual merchandise, brand campaigns, and social media standards using the latest tools and practices.

People Management:

1. Lead the visual merchandising teams in both creative and operational visual processes from conception to implementation.
2. Lead the Social Media teams in both creative and operational visual processes from conception to implementation.
3. Work with the online team to ensure that all cross-functional implementation is delivered in a timely manner.
4. Demonstrate leadership skills and practices through the hiring, developing, coaching, mentoring, and effective succession planning for associates.
5. Facilitate seasonal training workshops and monthly merchandise strategy overviews through conference calls with area managers and the buying team.
6. Conduct visual merchandising training programs through periodic and regular travel to all relevant countries.

Qualification and Experience:

Education and Certification: Bachelor's degree preferably in Creative Arts or in Marketing, Design, and Communications.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Microsoft Office
2. Strong Organizational and Interpersonal skills
3. Creative and Innovative Thinking
4. Skilled in Digital and Visual Media
5. Technological Skills including use of all Social Media Platforms
6. Knowledge of Marketing and Advertising Mediums

Experience:

1. 9 to 11 years prior experience working in retail with a focus on Visual Merchandising and Planning and Brand Creative.
2. Experience working in Retail Stores in 'on the floor' operations on location shoots.
3. A strong level of understanding within the social media channels relevant to fashion.
4. Must have prior experience in Retail Visual Merchandising or Fashion Merchandising.