Vice President, Global Retail Creative & Design

JOB SUMMARY:

The Vice President, Global Retail Creative & Design is responsible for defining and leading the global creative vision for retail environments across UDX (Visual Merchandising & Store Design). This role drives the development of innovative, brand-forward store designs and visual merchandising strategies that elevate the guest experience, maximize commercial performance, and ensure consistency across all destinations.

This leader partners cross-functionally to translate business priorities into compelling, scalable retail environments while fostering a high-performing, creative organization.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Vision, Strategy & Design Governance
  • Define and lead the global visual merchandising and store design strategy, ensuring alignment with brand, IP, and commercial objectives.
  • Establish design principles, standards, and governance for store environments, fixtures, and experiential retail formats.
  • Balance global consistency with localized creative execution across destinations.
  • Ensure all strategies are grounded in operational, financial, and labor realities.
  • Partner with Universal Creative and senior leadership to align on long-term retail vision and capital planning priorities.
• Creative Direction & Experience Development
  • Lead end-to-end creative concept development for stores, activations, launches, and seasonal programs.
  • Oversee visual merchandising strategy, including windows, in-store displays, graphics, and storytelling aligned to product cadence.
  • Direct development of immersive, guest-centric retail experiences that reflect brand and IP storytelling.
  • Partner with Marketing, Franchise, and external licensors to ensure cohesive brand expression and narrative execution.
  • Guide go-to-market creative strategies that align with target audiences and revenue goals.
• Execution, Delivery, & Operational Excellence
  • Oversee end-to-end design execution and delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to brand standards.
  • Drive scalable, efficient execution models across global destinations.
  • Ensure creative concepts translate into clear, actionable deliverables for field and project teams.
  • Maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and operational feasibility across all implementations.
• Financial Stewardship & Business Performance
  • Lead creative decision-making within established financial frameworks and capital plans.
  • Own and manage annual operating budgets, ensuring fiscally responsible allocation of resources.
  • Align design and merchandising strategies to drive revenue, guest spend, and overall retail performance.
  • Partner with Commercial and Finance teams to evaluate ROI and optimize investment decisions.
  • Define and monitor key performance metrics to assess effectiveness of retail environments.
• Leadership, Culture & Capability Building
  • Lead and develop a high-performing, multidisciplinary team of designers, visual merchandisers, and project leaders.
  • Build a culture of creativity, innovation, accountability, and execution excellence.
  • Provide coaching and mentorship across global and destination-based teams.
  • Drive organizational effectiveness, change management, and continuous improvement.
  • Champion company values, inclusion, and a collaborative creative culture.
• Cross-Functional & Enterprise Collaboration
  • Partner with Retail Commercial, Operations, Entertainment, Marketing, Franchise, and Universal Creative to align on business priorities.
  • Translate enterprise strategies into compelling retail experiences that drive engagement and revenue.
  • Influence cross-functional decision-making and resolve competing priorities to achieve aligned outcomes.
  • Foster strong relationships with senior leadership to support strategic planning and execution.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in creative, marketing, business, or a related field; MBA preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 12+ years of experience in visual merchandising, interior design, architecture, creative brand, and/or retail experience development, with a proven track record of driving growth and delivering results; Theme-park or global retailer experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing managers or senior individual