Career Opportunity
Visual Merchandising Specialist, Italy
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Company Description
At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.
Position Overview
The VM Specialist is responsible for delivering the VM strategy across specified region/s to elevate the in-store customer experience. The role is responsible for in-store installations execution, rigging, styling, development and execution of windows concept, partnering with other team members, VM Manager and Senior Manager.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Interiors and Windows:
• Execution of all interior changeovers in collaboration with store managers, store teams and operations, embracing company VM guidelines, support in props sourcing and delivering on time for installations
• Work with VM Manager and Senior VM Manager on floor mapping, product assortment space allocation, install planning and calendar
• Ensure execution of all VM concepts across relevant stores in line with guidelines and timelines, through regular store visits and reporting. Ensure consistency and excellence in VM standards across the specified region/s whilst ensuring a commercial approach within the agreed band guidelines
• Be proactive in offering support to different stores for display remerchandising/changing based on product launches and business requirements. Management of multiple installations at the same time, giving support remotely to each store for a proper creative execution. Photo review process coordination with VM Manager and Senior VM Manager, share feedback to improve standards. Guarantee visual excellence and consistency in product display across specified region/s
• Understand regional/store needs to suggest strategies and local adaptations
• Support VM Manager and Senior VM Manager in adapting initial window design directives from US HQ to meet the requirements of the stores in terms of scale, product assortment etc. Support in overseeing production flow, vendors’ coordination, props sourcing including i.e. wallpaper, paint, rugs, fabrics, lighting and decorative prop elements.
• Prepare product assortment and key styles to be placed in the windows, partner with VM Manager and Senior VM Manager for final selection
• Support in execution with production team (set builder), merchandise presentation in the windows always maintaining standards and following the agreed concept.
• Maintain communication with VM Manager and Senior VM Manager throughout the lifecycle of the schemes and updates on any changes.
General:
• Actively participate in the timely updating of the share drive including window and interior, photo review uploads, floor plans and regional calendars
• Communicate regularly on a weekly basis with Store/Department Management, VM Manager and Senior VM Manager to ensure that business needs are met in the most brand-appropriate manner.
• Dedicate time in reviewing of buying, directives, product deliveries
Press events & Showroom:
• Support Press Office and/or Marketing for special events in store as well as Showroom for set-up activities during sales campaign
Backoffice/ Administration :
• Support in monthly review of creative budget with VM Manager and Senior VM Manager, tracking on spending, support on PO creation and flow management, updating financial tracker
• Support the VM Manager in coordination of props deliveries and storage
Experience, Skills & Knowledge
• Solid prior experience in a similar role, ability to coordinate multiple stores across the assigned region/s. Proven Experience in styling of mannequins and VM.
• Availability for conducting installations outside of standard working and retail store hours (i.e. evenings/weekends).
• Availability for national and international travel
• Project Management / Organization skills: proven ability to prioritize, work to a punch list and hit tight deadlines.
• Communication skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate effectively both in writing and in verbal conversation with peers, supervisors and direct reports in English language
• General computer proficiency including Word, Excel, Power Point, Photoshop and/or other graphic design programs is a plus.
• Fluent English language in speaking and writing
