Visual Merchandising and Store Design Specialist at The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Purpose of the Job

• Enhance brand equity in the in-store environment for both new and existing sites in SA.  Ensure consistency of presentation of all counters/FSS environments.
• Responsible for store design functions.
• Ensures proper representation of the brands’ images in the selling environment.
• Project Co-ordinate with Brands, Project Managers and suppliers to ensure the smooth implementation of Retail Design projects.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Store Design

• Initiate projects after Brand approval.
• Review, establish and adapt - display, POS and presentation for specific SA environment.
• Receives designs, technical drawings and specifications to market and chosen shop fitter for every new installation and refurbishment.
• Coordinate the design selling environments, display of products consultation areas and transaction space.
• Ensure Brand’s image is consistent and properly expressed and maintained within guidelines set by EMEA office in order to achieve a cumulative and synergistic effect in terms of architecture, detailing merchandise layouts.
• Consults with VM/SD Manager / Brand Manager (SA) to ensure best locations within stores; analyse traffic flow to guarantee customer interaction; analyses architectural features that may enhance or distract from location; inspects sites to ensure cohesive design and speeds approval process.
• Coordination of in store maintenance with retailers, distributors, contractors and the brands for the repair and upkeep of doors and their financial management when instructed.
• Establish a high level of communication with the markets, retailers and distributors to understand their needs and support Project Manager’s to provide a focused and specialized service.
• Liaise with Regional Design Managers for project briefing.
• Works closely with Design teams of the Retail partners.
• Negotiates with brands, vendors and retailer design teams in order to find a solution where everyone benefits.
• Updates shop fitters on materials for the brands and ensures best quality / cost ratio of the projects.
• Coordinate with Visual Merchandising EMEA to order all materials and collaterals to ensure timely delivery to coincide with project schedule.
• Ensure all brand designs and final products are adapted to any existing security constraints.
• Maintain project flow and establish weekly status report to communicate with the Regional Design Managers.
• Maintain project close out and archival procedures, including final project photography.
• Prepare project files for all new projects, files and keep clear, understandable records of all stores for future use by VM/SD Manager, Brand Managers, BDM, Merchandising, Store Design and Finance.
• Review project submissions and follow up on missing information in preparation for designs to follow.
• The collection of data for the Project Request Form for submission to regional design departments
• Completion of accurate Business Case Forms for WBS (project number).
• Tracking of all projects from submission through to installation.
• Prepare project files for all new projects.
• The ordering of loose furniture items and other store design hardware for inclusion within projects across the region.
• Ensure accuracy in Capex Spend.

New store designs and re-vamps of stores

• Coordinate the execution of store openings or re-vamps and ensure the completion of necessary checklists.
• Order visuals and tester units.
• Fit design to store space.
• Ensure that merchandising guidelines are followed.
• Ensure photographs of all new stores and re-vamped stores are taken and filed correctly on the share drive.

Existing store design and maintenance

• Maintain /Create master list of all store details - these include number and sizes of light boxes, number of shelves for pricing strips, tester units, pre-cut lettering for logo’s, type of installation etc.  Store Profile.
• Maintain all store hardware and open sell elements.
• Order new hardware for stores where necessary and coordinate the installation thereof.
• Maintain merchandising and visual standards.
• Plan, present and Implement the basic merchandising guidelines at store level.
• Ensure the merchandising policies in retailers comply with brand standards – implement a cycle program for store visits to inspect these issues.
• Co-ordinate the ordering, distribution of light box visual transparencies for all new and existing stores.
• Execute and assist with visual in store in conjunction with the sales team!
• Responsible for in store visualization working closely with sales team.
• Compile direction and execution of visual merchandising booklets for team.
• Procure local suppliers to design and make VM display units where necessary.
• Adapt EMEA merchandising guidelines to local market standards when required.
• Work with field employees in store to determine new space and execution opportunities in-line with international guidelines.
• Review and put forward recommendations for new VM merchandising concepts.,
• Review and procure local suppliers for VM tester units to save costs vs international, as required by Brand.
• Work on visual merchandising budgets in conjunction with the VM/SD Manager & Brand manager (SA). To include international tester units, locally produced highlighter stands, in case props and light box visual updates.
• Track tester unit orders from suppliers to ensure availability and delivery per agreed timeline, eliminating delays in shipment.
• Prepare and distribute pricing strips to all stores as and when required.
• Places orders on GMW for On-Going VM elements and assists the Trade Marketing Manager in qtys for Launch Elements required by TM to order correctly.
• Ensure accurate & timeous placement of orders with GMW for VM modules / locators for new and existing installations.
• Complete purchase orders relating to all visual merchandising requirements.
• Process all POs timeously. 
• Build relationships with field employees in each area and support them when requested. Implement regular update meetings or conference calls (coastal field employees) to assess needs.
• Build relationships with suppliers and retailers.
• Guides, Trade Marketing / Product manager to ensure that all visual elements are delivered timeously to stores on all launches, promotions and events.
• Implement a store visit/ country calendar to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the basic merchandising guidelines at store level.
• Implement a store visit schedule to monitor general store maintenance, lay-out issues and improvements needed to store.
• Reviews competitive activity in terms of branding and suggests recommendations to improve in-store visibility.

Qualifications

Requirements and Experience

• Relevant Tertiary Qualification
• Knowledge of scheduling and/or construction management software.
• Experience in graphics, layout and interior signage.
• Experience in luxury goods industry is advantageous.
• Computer Skills: experience in, Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCAD
• Advanced Excel
• Design experience.
• Knowledge of SAP advantageous

Key Personal Characteristics

• The ability to identify critical concerns and prioritize, problem-solving abilities.
• Creative/innovative thinking
• Smoothly handles multiple demands, shifting priorities and rapid change.
• Obsessive about detail
• Superb organization skills
• Works well under pressure.
• Results oriented, with high drive to meet objectives and standards.
• Display proactive and persistent approach.
• Inspires and guides individual groups.
• Build good relationships with retailers and suppliers.