Chief Manager - Visual Merchandiser

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