Director of Visual Merchandising and Buying

The Director of Visual Merchandising and Buying will be responsible for the research and purchase of products for resale in sales channels and provide an excellent in-store experience through comprehensive visual display planning. This role will serve as a liaison between the Product Development, Inventory Control, and Sales Channel to increase revenue and drive branding and sales objectives to maximize profitability.

• Define, design, and implement a creative visual merchandising strategy
• Create appealing and eye-catching visual displays that lead the customer through the entire store
• Produce window displays, signs, interior displays, floor plans, and special promotions displays
• Identify key messages and set a clear image of the result
• Develop, revise and present design ideas
• Act in alignment with the organization’s culture, products, image, and target market
• Oversee the production and brief staff on arranging displays
• Change displays to promote new product launches and reflect festive or seasonal themes
• Liaise with suppliers and source elements
• Research lifestyle, demographics, and design trends
• Communicates with staff and departments regarding the status of merchandise shipments.
• Monitor inventory of assigned merchandise to ensure that stock is available to provide timely and efficient service.
• Prioritizes and expedites high-demand and special orders.
• Tracks movement and delivery of anticipated merchandise inventory using websites, applications, or inventory systems.
• Facilitates paperwork and recordkeeping required for the distribution center to send, receive, and process merchandise.
• Resolves issues that may affect shipment and receipt of goods.
• Facilitates the purchase of 3rd party/private label inventory
• Researches, analyze, and forecast current and future buying trends, markets, styles, and products with attention to specified target market and demographics.
• Develops and maintains relationships with wholesalers and suppliers.
• Negotiates contracts with wholesalers and suppliers.
• Assesses financial risks of purchases.
• Attends trade shows, product exhibitions, and conferences to maintain an understanding of new products and trends.
• Operates as a buyer of goods by issuing and authorizing purchase orders in accordance with the annual 3rd party/private label approved budget. Negotiates terms with suppliers based on guidance from Accounting and Finance Department.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze sales merchandising reports and survey results
• Proven work experience as a Visual Merchandiser
• Demonstrable visual design skills with a strong retail merchandising portfolio
• Solid experience in field visual merchandising, including window displays, signs, interior displays, and space utilization
• Knowledge of current visual merchandising trends and best practices
• Creative and innovative thinker
• BS degree in visual merchandising, fashion merchandising, exhibition design, visual communications or similar
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, or other visual design tools
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Commission Incentives
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources