JOB PURPOSE
- The Visual Merchandising Lead is responsible for planning, executing, and maintaining compelling in-store visual merchandising and styling standards that enhance customer experience, drive impulse buying, and support upselling and cross-selling across all Ruff ‘n’ Tumble retail locations.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic & Team Leadership
- Provide leadership and direction to the Visual Merchandising & Styling team.
- Collaborate with Retail Operations, Commercial, E-commerce, Brands & Marketing, Category, and Product Development teams to deliver business objectives.
- Develop and implement store-specific visual merchandising strategies aligned with brand identity, product range, and target customers.Seasonal Styling & Creative Planning
- Develop and execute seasonal styling and photoshoot calendars.
- Assign tasks to the VM team and ensure adherence to timelines.
- Coordinate cross-functional support for seasonal visual merchandising initiatives.
- Create and approve all mood boards for campaigns and shoots.In-Store Product Knowledge & Training
- Train store teams on product knowledge, line sheets, and styling techniques to support upselling and cross-selling.
- Develop and update fashion product knowledge training materials.
- Communicate seasonal styling stories and product pairings to store teams.Window Display & Store Visual Execution
- Oversee window display execution across all stores, ensuring consistency and compliance with approved themes.
- Ensure timely window changes in line with merchandising cycles.
- Monitor cleanliness and presentation of window displays, signage, tills, and acrylic displays.In-Store Merchandising Compliance
- Ensure correct product arrangement using colour, size, and age-range guidelines.
- Maintain complete looks across all categories and age ranges.
- Ensure accessories, shoes, mannequins, and displays are properly arranged and styled.
- Source props and creative materials and ensure uniformity across all store locations.Mannequin Styling Management
- Ensure mannequins are fully styled with coordinated outfits and accessories.
- Maintain cleanliness, symmetry, and focal-point styling standards.
- Ensure merchandise worn by mannequins is positioned close to drive conversion.Photoshoot Management
- Manage photoshoot planning, execution, and delivery timelines.
- Coordinate merchandise movement for shoots and ensure proper documentation and returns.
- Ensure timely delivery of images and videos for digital, in-store, and e-commerce use.
- Source photoshoot locations and manage the photography team.Research & Trend Analysis
- Research global fashion, lifestyle, and design trends to inform merchandising strategies.
- Benchmark international brands and best-in-class visual merchandising practices.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Technical Competencies
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Fashion, Business, or a related discipline.
- Retail fashion certification is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 6- 7 years’ experience in visual merchandising or fashion retail management.
- Strong knowledge of store layouts, fittings, mannequins, and visual standards.
- Proven experience in fashion styling, photoshoots, and look creationBehavioural Competencies
- Highly creative with strong artistic and colour intelligence.
- Excellent planning, prioritization, and time management skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong visual judgment.
- Confident communicator with training and team leadership capability.
- Energetic, collaborative, and results-driven.
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