Visual Merchandising Manager

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organisation:

This role is responsible for maximising the profitability of the Brand Center Store in Warsaw by ensuring efficient and effective execution of the Adidas Europe VM direction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a team of Visual Merchandisers to execute the Visual Merchandising standards and guidelines in categories aligned to the VM calendar and in alignment with the Manager DTC &VM Activation.
• Deliver input for development of best practice processes, standards and operational plans to support the implementation of Visual Merchandising standards and guidelines.
• Influence and negotiate with all key business partners (Manager DTC & VM Activation & Store Team) regarding all VM matters taking into account commerciality and key product launches and ensuring consistency within best practice guidelines to provide a leading brand experience for all customers.
• Weekly Trading Calls attendance- communicate, inform and negotiate with all key stakeholders (RD,DM,SM) regarding all VM matters taking into account commerciality and key product launches and ensuring consistency within best practice guidelines to provide a leading brand experience for all customers.
• Identify and communicate store needs and best practices to the Manager DTC & VM Activation.
• Regularly monitor business operating results and provide additional resource to focus on specific identified under-performing categories to drive performance and increase focus on results to drive operational success.
• Ensure the full store team is trained on the VM standards and VM guidelines.
• Keep up-to-date on competitor analysis as well as current and upcoming fashion trends across stores geographical footprint. 
• Ensure all VM and Marketing direction from Europe Visual Excellence team is followed.
• Optimization of sell in / sell out through Visual Excellence.
• Support showrooms preparation if requested.

Team Management:

• Manage, lead and take ownership for the VM team ensuring that all team members have the knowledge and practical skills required and promotes a high-performance culture by setting clear expectations and individual goals to focus the team.
• Evaluate the competencies of team members on a regular basis and provide prompt and constructive feedback - assume a coaching role to support and inspire team members.
• Take ownership for a consistent Talent Management Process in respective department to grow talent for leadership positions in  the organization and across functional, regional and brand borders.
• Using the #MyBest tool, consistently perform Touch Bases, 90 Day Plans and Performance Standards based on the local requirements of #MyBest.

Merchandising Display:

• Drive layout decisions – bubble and micro plans and implement as agreed- improving store profitability by managing the use of Space Management, updating weekly for floor plan and fixture allocation based on product presentation movement. Weekly analysis of Space Management results and creation of action plans to improve KPI’s.
• Ensure store complies with Europe standards and guidelines to provide a brand shopping experience to all consumers.
• Ensure all windows are presented to a high standard including mannequins dressing and positioning, lighting direction, cleanliness, steaming and price communication.
• In charge of creating clear Shop–In-Shop’s to emphasize category presentation.
• Responsible for ordering and ensuring correct use and positioning of In-Store Communication Tools.

Equipment control:

• Return and correctly store unused equipment including fixtures, mannequins, props & graphic frames.
• Manage fixtures with care to avoid damages.

Store Connection

• Constant connection with Store Management/Team, as well as knowledge of store business and KPIs/ Team Huddles attendance
• Ensure store staff are trained, educated and informed about VM brand retail standards
• Regular attendance in Team Huddles to provide all relevant VM information, campaign directives, in-store changes.

KPIs:

• NPS
• VM Compliance
• Commercial performance
• Stakeholder visit feedback

Key Relationships:

• Manager DTC & VM Activation, Senior Manager DTC&VM Activation
• Store team
• Cluster team including:
  • BC Activation Team
  • District Manager, RD
  • Store Development
• Europe VM Excellence Team

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven Passion for visual merchandising.
• Management proficiency and proven experience of leading a team
• Excellent Skills in operating personal computers, POS systems and various software packages including MS office.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of customer service principles and processes.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions and request clarification if needed.
• Demonstrates an inspirational attitude that contributes to a positive team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships team members.
• Fluent in English-developed ability to speak, read, comprehend, and write English.
• Ability to maintain reliable and consistent attendance and punctuality.

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• Secondary education or equivalent professional experience
• 3 years dedicated VM experience