Senior Manager, Global Visual Merchandising Development & Operations (NARS)

Job Summary:

 

The Senior Manager of NARS Global VM Development & Operations is responsible for assisting the VP and ED of VMSD to strategically coordinate and manage visual merchandising operations, assist in the development of global visual merchandisin­­g, lead the creation of annual budgets for global merchandising, and track spending. Equal part creative and business minded, the position works closely with cross-functional teams to build and implement processes for efficient workflow, providing guidance on VM initiatives and outlining efficient resource allocation for global visual merchandising in alignment with brand strategic goals.

 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

 

• Attend all key merchandising development & launch tracker meetings to review launch strategies and on-counter dates for merchandising.
• Create cheat sheets for seasonal merchandising updates of global department stores, free-standing stores, specialty stores, International open-sell and travel retail.
• Review merchandising briefs and design drawings of all merchandising. Work closely with designers, vendors and the SAC procurement team to verify cost is aligned with approved budget, and timelines are met.
• Act as main point on contact for display vendors and Shiseido indirect procurement.
• Liaise with cross-functional partners to develop solutions to mitigate liability, time & cost impact of sudden assortment changes, launch delays, and unexpected events.  
• Partner with Shiseido Procurement and designers on the development of global merchandising for FSS/DS/OS/TR. Review engineering drawings, materials samples, prototypes, and first-off production pieces.  
• Submit creative request for visuals and silkscreen, and check accuracy of artwork.
• Maintain shade book and distribute it as required.
• Lead value engineering and cost negotiations in collaboration with Indirect Procurement.
• Manage freelancers/agencies and work with internal resources to ensure VM design projects’ deadlines are met.
• Prepare merchandising annual budget guidelines for global department stores, free-standing stores, Travel Retail and Int’l OS in partnership with Global and Int’l marketing.
• Review estimates, track expenditures, and reconcile budget for globally produced merchandising.
• Provide price grids for replenishment, new doors and selected in-store collaterals.
• Lead meeting with the creative team to create guidelines for in-store visuals.
• Check accuracy and approve invoices of globally produced merchandising.
• Supply components to vendors as required.
• Coordinate with International affiliates and consultants to ensure proper execution of regionally produced merchandising.
• Work with VP & ED to identify opportunities for cost savings and sustainability.
• Support Forecasting, Operations and Finance on all VM related projects that require cross-functional expertise.
• Track department spending: coordinate vendors’ and consultants’ estimates, generate purchase orders and code invoices.
• Maintain visual merchandising presentation in NARS global offices. Order testers, visuals & updates, and oversee inventory for internal use.
• Work with VP & ED VMSD, Project Management and International marketing to optimize efficient workflow and partnerships with the regions.
• Foster a productive work environment through leadership, collaboration, and communication.

 

Qualifications & Competencies:

 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Design and Merchandising and/or Marketing.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in visual merchandising and creative operations. Ideal candidate should have relevant experience in prestige beauty across multiple channels. International experience a plus.
• Highly driven, energetic and proactive.
• Must be strategic, analytical, and detailed-oriented.
• Must be able to problem solve and execute flawlessly. Strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to review engineering drawings and to effectively convey ideas through drawings.
• Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Strong leadership skills; team spirited; able to guide and develop team members.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to articulate ideas and concepts clearly and accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills: must be able to build effective relationships with cross-functional global and international partners.
• Strong organizational, project management and budget management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign. Experience with Sketch Up and Photoshop a plus.

 

#LI-H