Senior Manager, Visual Merchandising

Company Description

Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a luxury fragrance house that carries the name of one of the most celebrated perfumers of our time. Based in Paris, Maison Francis Kurkdjian is a Maison housed under LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, the world’s largest luxury group. The Maison is known for its creativity, know-how, product quality, global upscale distribution, and customer experience. Designed out of the tradition of a luxury perfumery, the fragrance nevertheless advocates a contemporary vision of the art, of creating and wearing perfume. Maison Francis Kurkdjian has a very selective distribution network within the ultra-premium segment of the market. Products are sold across Canada at Holt Renfrew and Saks Fith Avenue, as well as across North America at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom and select Dillard’s.

www.maisonfranciskurkdjian.com

Job Description

The Senior Manager of Visual Merchandising will drive forward the vision and implementation of all aspects of visual merchandising across the US and Canadian markets. This position will lead the development, end-to-end execution, and coordination of merchandising needs across all points of sale, inclusive of campaign animations, in-store displays, pop-ups, events, and graphics that enhance customer experience and drive brand loyalty. Working closely with cross-functional teams, this individual will ensure flawless execution and brand elevation across all retail touchpoints, from concept development to implementation, aligning visual merchandising efforts with overall brand and business goals. The Senior Manager, Visual Merchandising will report into the Director, Visual Merchandising & Store Design and lead a team of four.

Key Responsibilities:

Brand Elevation

• Lead the creation and implementation of visual merchandising strategies that elevate brand presence across all retail channels.
• Partner with Paris HQ team to bring to life North America merchandising concepts that reflect the brand’s values, seasonal animations, and product priorities adapted to the market.
• Support new door openings through visual merchandising presentation enhancements and launch implementation.
• Partner with marketing team to align visual presentations with campaign themes and key product launches.
• Lead Boutique merchandising planning and brand expression across key Flagships.

Retail Excellence:

• Drive consistency and excellence across visual standards, ensuring all stores reflect the brand’s elevated image and aesthetic.
• Oversee team of visual merchandisers to ensure merchandising standards are upheld and executed at the highest level.
• Drive visual merchandising training to support best-in-class field execution
• Partner with the Field teams to understand store needs and adapt visual merchandising plans accordingly.
• Maintain Visual Merchandising standards and guidelines to support Field team.  

Animations & Events

• Lead vision & execution of visual merchandising initiatives across all brand touchpoints.   

• Manage the creation of in-store graphics, signage, and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines.
• Ensure all graphic assets enhance the customer journey and enhance the brand’s storytelling effectively.
• Oversee the design and execution of graphics, pop-up installations, and other experiential elements to bring seasonal animations to life.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on logistics and operational planning to ensure seamless execution.
• Develop and lead in-store event merchandising that enhances customer engagement and drives memorable experiences.
• Oversee development, production, and strategic roll out of brand pop-ups in key retail locations.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Oversee Assistant Manager, Visual Merchandising and team of 3 visual merchandisers to execute flawlessly and consistently upon visual standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, training & events, operations, and PR teams to ensure strong alignment across visual merchandising execution.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors and partners to manage production and installation timelines and budgets.
• Manage and track project budgets. Maintain timely submission of PO requests, and payments to consultants and vendors.
• Review, redline, and approve Vendor technical drawings.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in visual merchandising, preferably within the luxury or premium retail sector.
• Proven track record in driving brand elevation and retail excellence through innovative vi