Visual Merchandising Lead - US (Finance)

Job Description:

Visual Merchandising Lead - US

Newark, NJ

The Visual Merchandising Lead - US is responsible for planning & executing the M&M'S Retail visual merchandising strategies for our M&M'S retail stores in the US. The Creator of VM communication content provided in detail for field teams. They will ensure activation components and visual elements are created to spec consistently across the region. They will ensure the corporate visual standards are maintained through flawless execution, operational excellence in collaboration with merchandising and multiple cross-functional retail & marketing partners.

The role will guide the US store teams in driving the overall merchandising vision and provide the in-store teams with the tools and direction needed for seamless execution of our merchandising strategy with the objective of driving top line sales/profits and commerciality.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in visual merchandising, fashion merchandising, marketing, industrial design, graphic design or related field or equivalent business experience
• 3-5+ years visual merchandising experience in a high paced retail environment, corporate experience with multi store responsibility
• Advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop).
• Planogram (POG) software knowledge, rendering skills in Google SketchUp or similar 3D modelling software program
• Portfolio of previous work required
• Ability to implement VM initiatives in the store environment, can stand for daily shifts, climb ladders, lift boxes up to 25lbs, mannequins and props.
• Experience designing and producing complex visual merchandising displays, graphics, 2D/3D visual components and fixtures & guide event marketing set design
• Experience in project management
• Knowledgeable about global fashion, hospitality, design and visual merchandising trends and experienced in interpreting/applying to an iconic brand

What would be your key responsibilities?

• Plan and drive the workload forward against retail activation calendar, adhering to benchmarks and priorities, communicating to stores as well as monitoring and adjusting for updates.
• Serve as liaise to US stores on activation project development with strong focus on POG development, versioning and iterating creative assets.
• Collaborate on development of creative visual assets including fixtures for any activation and determine distribution of signage, graphics, fixtures, and merchandising that exemplify the best brand expression.
• Participate in evaluating and analysing the success of merchandising plans regarding sales and achieving KPIs, implementing changes as needed across the US stores.
• Lead & collaborate on visual communications directives for multiple stores, including seasonal activation sets, updates, tiered and layered new product launches and assortments for all product categories.
• Develop floor layouts, fixture plans, and activity based and core merchandising strategies across the retail channel in the and product groups.
• Partner, coach, and develop store visual leads and store teams in the US to understand corporate visual merchandising standards and provide regular, qualitative feedback and regular guidance to execute and maintain flawlessly.
• Will liaise with store ops in field and HQ on launch dates, development milestones and through our work processes, communication distribution and regular meeting cadence.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.
• Join a purpose driven company, where we are striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Mars does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

This position is not eligible for relocation benefits.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.