VM Manager

Key Responsibilities

1. Window Displays

• Plan and execute seasonal window display changes in alignment with the global VM calendar, brand direction, and merchandising drops.
• Ensure all windows are consistent with international brand standards in terms of concept, execution, and timing.
• Drive innovation in display design ideate and execute a minimum number of concept-led window changes per brand per year.
• Own mannequin styling for all windows, ensuring editorial quality and on-brand presentation at all times.
• Monitor and track footfall and walk-in data post window changes to assess impact and iterate.

2. In-Store Merchandise Presentation & Props

• Ensure VM standards are maintained to brand specification across all stores in the assigned network.
• Develop and implement in-store display changes with a particular focus on slow-moving categories to drive sell-through.
• Strategically deploy props and fixtures to refresh the look and feel of stores in line with seasonal campaigns and product launches.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive VM Guidelines Book for each assigned brand, serving as the definitive reference for in-store teams.
• Establish a weekly reporting and feedback mechanism to monitor compliance and drive continuous improvement across stores.

3. Training & Capability Building

• Conduct structured onboarding training for all new store staff on VM guidelines, brand standards, and execution protocols.
• Deliver ongoing training to existing store teams on key VM disciplines including colour blocking, mannequin styling, merchandise directives, and VM fundamentals.
• Identify and develop in-store VM Champions within each store to sustain day-to-day VM standards between visits.
• Maintain consistent interaction with store-level VM personnel to coach, upskill, and reinforce display standards.

4. Budget & Vendor Management

• Own the VM budget for assigned brands, ensuring all spends are planned, tracked, and maintained within allocated limits.
• Prepare and maintain monthly provision reports and spend trackers for full financial visibility.
• Identify and execute opportunities to optimise spend without compromising on visual quality or brand standards.
• Manage vendor relationships for props, fixtures, fabrication, and other VM materials — negotiate effectively to ensure quality at the right cost.

5. Business & Brand Support

• Collaborate closely with the Buying & Merchandising and Marketing teams to ensure VM activity is aligned with commercial priorities and campaign calendars.
• Support new store launches end-to-end — from concept and planning to execution and post-launch review.
• Provide structured action plans for slow-moving categories in coordination with the Merchandising team to improve visual sell-through.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Degree or diploma in Visual Merchandising, Fashion Design, Interior Design, or a related discipline from a recognised institution (preferred).
• Experience: 6–9 years of relevant experience in visual merchandising, with a proven track record in premium or luxury retail brands.
• Industry Background: Fashion, lifestyle, luxury retail, or specialty retail preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong aesthetic sensibility with a thorough understanding of international VM standards and retail display principles.
• Proficiency in mannequin styling, window dressing, and in-store layout planning.
• Ability to translate global brand guidelines into locally relevant, commercially effective displays.
• Demonstrated experience in training and developing store-level teams.
• Sound understanding of retail merchandising and the relationship between VM and sell-through performance.
• Strong organisational and project management skills — ability to manage multiple brands and store formats simultaneously.
• Comfortable working with budgets, financial trackers, and vendor cost sheets.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness to travel across store networks as required.