Visual Merchandising Specialist

Meijer•Grand Rapids, MI

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Marketing Operations team is responsible for increasing efficiencies and driving results within the Meijer Marketing department by establishing, managing and optimizing effective processes that empower teams to maximize performance. The Visual Merchandising team is responsible for creating a customer-focused, efficient shopping environment through the management of the overall look of Meijer stores through semi-permanent signage (i.e., wayfinding, business area signage, seasonal graphics). This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining communication with all stakeholders, managing workflows, timelines, and budgets in the development of all visual merchandising signage, as well as closely collaborating with key internal and external partners. The Visual Merchandising Specialist is responsible for planning and executing requests for visual signage projects, securing approvals, and communicating details from key stakeholders across Merchandising & Marketing teams. This involves planning, assigning, scheduling, supporting and proactively facilitating visual merchandising projects through completion, as well as reporting on all incoming projects to leadership and key stakeholders. This position executes strategies and inspiring creative solutions that engage shoppers at key strike points throughout the store. This position regularly manages extensive and company-wide visual sets, which can include Seasonal Pad sets for all holidays, common aisle, New Stores, Remodels, departmental resets and corporate initiatives. The Visual Merchandising Specialist will work closely with internal and external partners and all levels of leadership. The position requires close attention to project risks for facilitating resolution with input from key stakeholders. Ability to lead through influence and impact is critical.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Project Management or related discipline.
3-5 years of experience in visual sign merchandising, preferably in a retail environment.
Strong knowledge of visual sign merchandising principles, techniques and tools.
Extensive experience with managing simultaneous, cross-functional projects, programs and/or portfolios with attention to detail.
Ability to be self-directed, a detailed problem solver, and use independent judgement and data to aid in decision making.
Prior experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications, especially Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
Strong project management skills for managing project scope, time, cost, quality, team member resources, communication, risk and procurement.
Able to work cross-functionally across business areas, with all levels of Meijer team members, project leads, leadership and vendor partners.
Strong planning and tracking/controlling skills, with ability to juggle multiple tasks.
Ability to think critically, plan long-term and react short-term.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to be an empathetic listener and effective communicator.
Professionally represents the Marketing department internally and externally.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage details.
Ability to lead peers, including through ambiguous situations.
Adaptive, flexible and responsive to challenges, change and customer business cultures.
Possesses an independent and innovative orientation.
Knowledge of Corporate financial and fiscal year budgeting processes.
Excellent written, verbal and oral communication skills.
Willing to travel to various store locations, as needed.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements visual sign merchandising plans and guidelines for the company's stores, in collaboration with the Merchandising, Operations, Properties and Marketing teams.
Partners across all levels of Marketing and Merchandising business partners at the onset of a project, and throughout, to understand the scope, allocate appropriate internal/external resources, and define a critical path forward for visual signage.
Engages with the Visual Merchandising Creative team to ensure timely production and installation of visual signage, supporting product displays, merchandising and promotions to amplify customer purchase and ultimately drive sales.
Strategizes, plans, schedules & controls all assigned visual signage projects.
Coordinates with store leaders, vendors and contractors to ensure the timely and quality delivery and installation of in-store visual signage.
Works cross-functionally with leadership, their peers and Manager, Visual Merchandising to improve visual signage work processes, gain team efficiency.
Develops key business relationships to strategize, build and execute visual signage plans.
Plans and develops fixture designs and functionality for visuals in assigned merchandising areas.
Ensures all assigned initiatives achieve the highest standard possible for visual excellence and customer experience.
Secures necessary approvals and communicates project details to key stakeholders.
Sets up and tracks specific visual merchandising project plan schedules and budgets.
Adjusts project plans and resolves issues as necessary.
Reports on project statuses and outcomes to leadership and key stakeholders.
Leads through influence to drive project success and stakeholder alignment.
Operates daily within visual merchandising project management tools, including Microsoft’s Azure DevOps (VSTS) and Miro.
Educates stakeholders on milestones on what has to occur and their impacts.
Utilizes knowledge of industry best practices for visual merchandising and recommends/implements necessary changes.
May perform other duties as assigned or required.