Store Project and Visual Merchandising Manager - Retail

Client: Retail
Role: Store Project Management and Visual Merchandising Manager

Responsibilities:

1. Lead and manage store design projects from conceptualization to completion, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with various parties such as mall tenancy design, distributors/franchisees, contractors, vendors, operations, business development, merchandising, and marketing teams.
2. Serve as the main point of contact between different departments, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure smooth project execution.
3. Prepare brand design brief in collaboration with various functions on display capacity, merchandise layout, and local adaptation for store design and furniture.
4. Prepare design brief information for Brand HQ/Regional Store Development team, including store layout details, photos, technical details, restrictions, and key highlights on tenancy design guidelines.
5. Partner with relevant parties to review detailed store concept design and validate drawing plans to ensure alignment with design concept, brief, and budget cost plan.
6. Collaborate with Regional Store Development team, local partners, and local contractors on all details including materials, finishing, furniture, and M&E requirements.
7. Review and coordinate with appointed contractor on fit-out documentation for submissions to relevant authorities and landlords.
8. Ensure all designs adhere to company standards, local regulations, and safety codes.
9. Address and resolve any issues or challenges that arise during the design and implementation phases.
10. Develop and manage project budgets, track expenses, and make cost-effective decisions without compromising on design quality.
11. Maintain detailed records of project progress, expenses, and changes, providing regular updates and reports to management.
12. Stay updated on industry trends, new materials, and design innovations to integrate into store projects.
13. Partner with retail team on store maintenance reports, managing and tracking maintenance/repair work-related progress to uphold store standards.
14. Partner with Marketing on off-site/in-store pop-up events and launches.
15. Provide support for ad hoc projects and events as required.

Visual Merchandising:

1. Create, plan, and implement visual displays within the retail environment to enhance the shopping experience and drive sales.
2. Ensure visual merchandising aligns with brand identity, marketing strategy, and seasonal campaigns.
3. Work closely with retail operations on effective product presentation and communication within the stores to optimize commercial results.
4. Coach, train, and develop retail associates in all aspects of merchandising, in-store display, and window/floor presentation.
5. Collaborate with Marketing, Merchandising, Operations, and local distributors to plan out the seasonal campaign calendar.
6. Analyze the effectiveness of visual displays and adjust based on sales data, staff, and customer feedback.
7. Manage and monitor budget and expenses.
8. Plan and oversee the local sourcing, production, and construction of window display props and window graphic materials for all retail stores with approved Visual Merchandising Plan.
9. Plan and organize VM order and shipment for all window and in-store display props, fixtures, and accessories.

Requirements:

1. University graduate or equivalent in Visual Merchandising Design / Design / Graphic Design or Fashion Retail.
2. At least 5 years of store project management and visual merchandising experience.
3. Creative with design skills and project management experience.
4. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to collaborate and build strong rapport with all parties.
5. Organized and meticulous, with good fashion, retail, and commercial sense.
6. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects effectively.
7. Based in Singapore, with business travels to SEA, Hong Kong, China, or the US as per business requirements.