Manager - Visual Merchandising Operations

The Visual Merchandising Operations (OR) role:

The Visual Merchandising Operations (OR) role is responsible for managing the entire backend, operational, and coordination layer of Visual Merchandising. This position ensures seamless planning, execution support, governance, and reporting for all VM initiatives across all Own Retail stores. The role acts as the bridge between creative VM teams, stores, vendors, merchandising and retail operations, ensuring timelines, budgets, and standards are met efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

1. VM Planning & Execution Support:

- Support annual, seasonal, and campaign-based VM planning across formats.

- Own VM calendars, rollout trackers, store-wise implementation schedules, and execution readiness.

- Coordinate VM rollouts across regions and ensure timely execution at store level with the regional VM execution team.

- Track VM implementation status and flag risks or delays proactively.

2. Backend Operations & Process Management:

- Own all VM backend workflows, SOPs, and documentation.

- Ensure VM guidelines, planograms, and toolkits are accurately shared with VM execution teams.

- Maintain centralized repositories for VM assets, manuals, and execution guides.

- Standardize VM processes to improve operational efficiency and scalability.

3. Vendor & Partner Management:

- Coordinate with VM vendors for fabrication, printing, installation, and logistics.

- Manage vendor timelines, POs, invoices, and delivery schedules in collaboration with procurement/finance.

- Track vendor performance, costs, and service quality.

- Support vendor onboarding and compliance processes.

4. Budgeting & Commercial Control:

- Support VM budget planning, tracking, and cost control.

- Monitor spend against approved budgets and highlight variances.

- Raise POs, track invoices, and ensure timely closure of commercial processes.

- Create cost efficiency reports and recommendations for optimization.

5. Data, Reporting & Governance:

- Act as the single point of contact for store VM operations queries.

- Support troubleshooting during VM rollout and post-installation.

- Capture store feedback and execution challenges for improvement.

- Track VM execution KPIs (coverage, compliance, timelines, costs).

- Compile VM performance dashboards and post-campaign reports.

- Maintain audit and compliance trackers for VM execution.

- Support leadership with insights on execution quality and process gaps.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration:

- Work closely with VM execution team, VM planning teams, Retail Operations, and Merchandising.

- Ensure alignment between creative intent and operational feasibility.

Experience, Skills & Competencies:

- Functional: 8 - 12 years of experience.

- Industry: Ideally in apparel, fashion, shoes, or footwear, or retail at large (international brands will be an added advantage).

Core Skills:

- Strong operational and project management skills.

- High attention to detail and execution discipline.

- Excellent coordination and stakeholder management ability.

- Strong MS Excel, Powerpoint, and Adobe skills (trackers, budgets, reports).

- Familiarity with PO, invoicing, and commercial processes.

Behavioral Competencies:

- Structured and process-oriented mindset.

- Strong follow-up and ownership mindset.

- Ability to manage multiple timelines and stakeholders.

- Solutions-oriented and execution-focused.