Regional Visual Merchandising Manager

Overview
This is a remote position in Italy.

The Regional VM Manager is responsible for delivering the VM strategy in order to elevate the in-store customer experience. The role is also responsible for building and developing VM capability and standards through structured VM trainings with the Key City VM's / DM's / SM's and store associates.

This is a collaborative role, partnering with the regional DM's and RVP to promote consistency and excellence in Visual Merchandising standards across the specified region/s.

Responsibilities
People Management

• Managing directly the Key city Vm's based in Italy
• Responsible to set their goal and objectives in accordance with the company inputs
• Responsible to develop them and to build their knowledge and capabilities
• Responsible to review and evaluate their performance in accordance with the Company guidelines
• Responsible to set their travel calendar and to control travel and expenses

VM Standards & Training

• Ensure consistency and excellence in VM standards across the specified region/s
• Train, support and develop the Key City VM associates to build VM knowledge and capability across all functional areas.
• Be proactive in supporting the Snr VM Manager to develop cohesive VM guidelines and training programs across EMEA when required.
• Build VM knowledge and capability of the wider regional teams through VM training and development of DM's / SM's and store associates.
• Deliver visual excellence across the region, stimulating consumer interest though exciting and easy to navigate stores whilst ensuring a commercial approach within the agreed brand guidelines.
• Take a proactive approach by documenting store visits and actioning where needed.

Commercial Business Partner

• Be a commercial business partner with RVP & DM's to drive the business forward from both a visual and commercial perspective.
• Support the business to drive store key performance indicators (sales mix, footfall, UPT, ATV, consumer awareness) whilst maintaining the integrity of the brand in adherence to the VM guidelines.
• Identify & implement new opportunities from visual presentation to store layout to drive store KPI's.
• Partner with the DM's and conduct regular store visit together to find practical solutions in non profitable / problem stores & spot commercial opportunities to maximize sales.
• Lead regular updates to improve communication flow of VM initiatives to the regional team
• Be aware of local competitors and the activity of the stores, providing feedback of the marketplace.
• Support trial and development ideas within the store environment and feedback when needed.
• Collaborate and partner with marketing, buying, planning, real estate departments (not limited to those depts) to ensure alignment and consistency in our vision for the customer.

New Store Opening & Remodels

• Plan and execute new store, relocations and closures, supported with VM training as required, to ensure the highest standards of VM are attained.
• Support store openings by attending High Profile and Tier 1 city stores in your region.
• Support store openings in your region when attendance is not possible through effective communication with relevant stakeholders (RVP and DM's)
• Lead the ongoing training of the Key City Associates through their attendance and support during store openings within their key city.

Vendor Management

• Act as Foot Locker VM ambassador in case of meeting vendors and key agencies when required
• Support / lead any vendor installation by verifying that set-up and product is correct and communicate any issues or missing elements to relevant brand or to the marketing dept.

Communication

• Communicate effectively with Snr VM Manager, Key City VM associate, wider marketing and regional teams.
• Lead weekly regional VM & CX Sales call to provide update on all VM initiatives and promotional / campaign activity.
• Communicate in a helpful and clear way with customers and co-workers.
• Be the go-to expert for all VM matters in your region.
• Provide effective, relevant and clear written / visual feedback when requested from HQ.
• Take a leading role in VM communication i.e. weekly VM updates, promotional communications, product launches
• Act as our marketing eyes and ears in the field and ensuring clear communication between the field and EHQ.
• Assist the HQ team by updating store databases and store plans.

Qualifications

• Proven experience - not less than 3 years - in Visual Merchandiser roles in significant retail environments and minimum 3 years' experience in people management roles.
• Good managerial skills and people development attitude
• Great communication and teamworking attitude
• Business acumen and analytical skills
• Creative mindset and innovative thinker
• Ability to analyze sales merchandising reports and deliver opportunities on how to improve profitability from VM POV
• Capability to train and develop people (develop knowledge and capability of the Key city Vm)
• VM Portfolio would be a great addition to the application but not a must.
• Role is Monday to Friday (Actual hours of working can vary and the role requires flexibility to work late or through the night. Weekend work will occur due to certain company initiatives
• Effective communication in the English language is required
• Kneeling, stooping, climbing ladders, using stairs, reaching, pulling and lifting weights of usually kilos
• You will be required to present in front of large groups. Presentation experience preferential

Foot Locker is entitled to assign other duties than those associated with the position as described above, if such would be in the best interest of the Company.