FirstBank Jobs

Visual Merchandising and Store Design Specialist

Brand: Estée Lauder Companies

Description

Purpose of the Job

• Enhance brand equity in the in-store environment for both new and existing sites in SA. Ensure consistency of presentation of all counters/FSS environments.

• Responsible for store design functions.

• Ensures proper representation of the brands’ images in the selling environment.

• Project Co-ordinate with Brands, Project Managers and suppliers to ensure the smooth implementation of Retail Design projects.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Store Design

• Initiate projects after Brand approval.

• Review, establish and adapt - display, POS and presentation for specific SA environment.

• Receives designs, technical drawings and specifications to market and chosen shop fitter for every new installation and refurbishment.

• Coordinate the design selling environments, display of products consultation areas and transaction space.

• Ensure Brand’s image is consistent and properly expressed and maintained within guidelines set by EMEA office in order to achieve a cumulative and synergistic effect in terms of architecture, detailing merchandise layouts.

• Consults with VM/SD Manager / Brand Manager (SA) to ensure best locations within stores; analyse traffic flow to guarantee customer interaction; analyses architectural features that may enhance or distract from location; inspects sites to ensure cohesive design and speeds approval process.

• Coordination of in store maintenance with retailers, distributors, contractors and the brands for the repair and upkeep of doors and their financial management when instructed.

• Establish a high level of communication with the markets, retailers and distributors to understand their needs and support Project Manager’s to provide a focused and specialized service.

• Liaise with Regional Design Managers for project briefing.

• Works closely with Design teams of the Retail partners.

• Negotiates with brands, vendors and retailer design teams in order to find a solution where everyone benefits.

• Updates shop fitters on materials for the brands and ensures best quality / cost ratio of the projects.

• Coordinate with Visual Merchandising EMEA to order all materials and collaterals to ensure timely delivery to coincide with project schedule.

• Ensure all brand designs and final products are adapted to any existing security constraints.

• Maintain project flow and establish weekly status report to communicate with the Regional Design Managers.

• Maintain project close out and archival procedures, including final project photography.

• Prepare project files for all new projects, files and keep clear, understandable records of all stores for future use by VM/SD Manager, Brand Managers, BDM, Merchandising, Store Design and Finance.

• Review project submissions and follow up on missing information in preparation for designs to follow.

• The collection of data for the Project Request Form for submission to regional design departments

• Completion of accurate Business Case Forms for WBS (project number).

• Tracking of all projects from submission through to installation.

• Prepare project files for all new projects.

• The ordering of loose furniture items and other store design hardware for inclusion within projects across the region.

• Ensure accuracy in Capex Spend.

New store designs and re-vamps of stores

• Coordinate the execution of store openings or re-vamps and ensure the completion of necessary checklists.

• Order visuals and tester units.

• Fit design to store space.

• Ensure that merchandising guidelines are followed.

• Ensure photographs of all new stores and re-vamped stores are taken and filed correctly on the share drive.

Existing store design and maintenance

• Maintain /Create master list of all store details - these include number and sizes of light boxes, number of shelves for pricing strips, tester units, pre-cut lettering for logo’s, type of installation etc. Store Profile.

• Maintain all store hardware and open sell elements.

• Order new hardware for stores where necessary and coordinate the installation thereof.

• Maintain merchandising and visual standards.

• Plan, present and Implement the basic merchandising guidelines at store level.

• Ensure the merchandising policies in retailers comply with brand standards – implement a cycle program for store visits to inspect these issues.

• Co-ordinate the ordering, distribution of light box visual transparencies for all new and existing stores.

• Execute and assist with visual in store in conjunction with the sales team!

• Responsible for in store visualization working closely with sales team.

• Compile direction and execution of visual merchandising booklets for team.

• Procure local suppliers to design and make VM display units where necessary.

• Adapt EMEA merchandising guidelines to local market standards when required.

• Work with field employees in store to determine new space and execution opportunities in-line with international guidelines.

• Review and put forward recommendations for new VM merchandising concepts.,

• Review and procure local suppliers for VM tester units to save costs vs international, as required by Brand.

• Work on visual merchandising budgets in conjunction with the VM/SD Manager & Brand manager (SA). To include international tester units, locally produced highlighter stands, in case props and light box visual updates.

• Track tester unit orders from suppliers to ensure availability and delivery per agreed timeline, eliminating delays in shipment.

• Prepare and distribute pricing strips to all stores as and when required.

• Places orders on GMW for On-Going VM elements and assists the Trade Marketing Manager in qtys for Launch Elements required by TM to order correctly.

• Ensure accurate & timeous placement of orders with GMW for VM modules / locators for new and existing installations.

• Complete purchase orders relating to all visual merchandising requirements.

• Process all POs timeously.

• Build relationships with field employees in each area and support them when requested. Implement regular update meetings or conference calls (coastal field employees) to assess needs.

• Build relationships with suppliers and retailers.

• Guides, Trade Marketing / Product manager to ensure that all visual elements are delivered timeously to stores on all launches, promotions and events.

• Implement a store visit/ country calendar to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the basic merchandising guidelines at store level.

• Implement a store visit schedule to monitor general store maintenance, lay-out issues and improvements needed to store.

• Reviews competitive activity in terms of branding and suggests recommendations to improve in-store visibility.

Qualifications

Requirements and Experience

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification

• Knowledge of scheduling and/or construction management software.

• Experience in graphics, layout and interior signage.

• Experience in luxury goods industry is advantageous.

• Computer Skills: experience in, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD

• Advanced Excel

• Design experience.

• Knowledge of SAP advantageous

Key Personal Characteristics

• The ability to identify critical concerns and prioritize, problem-solving abilities.

• Creative/innovative thinking

• Smoothly handles multiple demands, shifting priorities and rapid change.

• Obsessive about detail

• Superb organization skills

• Works well under pressure.

• Results oriented, with high drive to meet objectives and standards.

• Display proactive and persistent approach.

• Inspires and guides individual groups.

• Build good relationships with retailers and suppliers.

Job: Retail - Corporate

Primary Location: Europe, Middle East, Africa-ZA-GT-Johannesburg

Job Type: Standard

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: 1st (Day) Shift

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

Job Number: 248151

All applications will be considered in accordance to the terms of the Estee Lauder Companies – South Africa Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given but not limited to candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds provided they meet the inherent requirements of the job.