Job
Description
The Chief Manager – Visual Merchandiser will spearhead the execution of the brand’s visual merchandising strategy across a designated zone in India. This role requires a dynamic and seasoned professional with a strong background in fashion or retail, comprehensive knowledge of VM best practices, and demonstrated leadership in managing large, geographically dispersed teams. The position plays a critical role in elevating the customer experience, maintaining brand consistency, and driving commercial performance through compelling and effective visual displays. Key Deliverables (Essential functions & Responsibilities of the Job) : Zonal VM Strategy Implementation Translate national VM strategies into effective zonal plans tailored to regional business goals, customer behavior and store formats. Drive consistency in brand expression while incorporating local insights for higher customer engagement. Retail Strategic Planning & Business Contribution Develop and execute strategic Retail Visual Merchandising plans for the zone/division, contributing directly to sales performance, footfall, conversion and visual appeal. Partner with business units (BU) to align VM priorities with category focus and regional growth plans. Zonal Business Performance Management Adopt a half-country approach, leading business-centric VM planning across a large geographical area. Provide continuous performance feedback and insights to senior leadership, highlighting VM’s impact on business outcomes. Offer design feedback and planning inputs for new store openings, store remodels, and space optimization strategies. Cross-Functional Coordination Work closely with HO teams, including VM Design, Retail Ops, and Buying, to align store grading, product catalogues, and VM execution with zone-specific requirements. Ensure zonal VM is synchronized with support office directives, Regional Manager/Zonal Manager feedback, and market realities. Campaign Rollout & Feedback Loop Lead timely and effective execution of marketing and promotional campaigns across the zone. Provide structured feedback on campaign effectiveness, customer response, and execution challenges to central VM and marketing teams. New Store Openings, Remodernisations & Design Feedback Collaborate with Projects and Planning teams to provide early-stage inputs on store layouts, fixture plans, and visual flow. Ensure VM readiness for new launches and refurbishments, with complete planning of zoning, catalogues, and visual storytelling. Team Leadership & Capability Building Manage and develop Regional VMs, ensuring high performance, accountability, and skill development. Create succession pipelines and drive team engagement across diverse geographies. Senior Stakeholder Collaboration Serve as a key VM liaison with senior management, including MD, HODs, BU heads, and Regional Managers. Represent zonal VM in strategic discussions, business reviews, and planning forums, offering insights and solutions. Innovation, Trends & Customer Experience Stay ahead of market trends and infuse innovation into zonal VM strategy to elevate customer experience and engagement. Pilot new ideas, technologies, and presentation methods that align with brand aspirations and customer expectations. Budget Ownership & Resource Optimization Drive budget planning and cost-effective execution of zonal VM initiatives without compromising quality or brand standards. Optimize manpower, materials, and vendor utilization to maximize impact and efficiency. Reporting & Analytics Deliver structured reports and dashboards showcasing VM compliance, business impact, team KPIs, campaign performance, and ROI. Use data and store feedback to continuously improve VM planning and execution. Skills: Proven experience leading Regional, Area, Cluster, and Store Visual Merchandiser teams Expertise in window displays, signage, interior layouts, and space optimization Strong visual design skills supported by a comprehensive retail portfolio Creative and analytical approach to driving category-specific sales Skilled in managing and coordinating cross-functional teams Excellent project management and stakeholder collaboration abilities Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills Highly organized, adaptable, and performs well under pressure Preferred Experience 10 to 12 years of experience in Visual Merchandising within the apparel segment. Show more Show less
