Key City Visual Merchandiser

Overview:
The role of the Key City Visual Merchandiser to is ensure VM standards are consistently maintained to exceed our customer’s expectations in the designated Key City stores whilst building the VM knowledge and capability of the store teams in the agreed stores through a program of VM training.

Working in a matrix organization the role reports directly to the District Manager, working in close partnership with the Regional / Geo VM Manager and Store Manager of the designated Key City Store.

The Key City VM will be based in the high-profile store within the city and will be expected to spend 50% of his / her time in the high profile / community store and the remaining time supporting the development of the in-store VM associates / store management teams in the designated Key City Stores.

**Responsibilities**:
**VM Strategy**:
Ensure the Visual Merchandising presentation is implemented in accordance with the current VM guidelines and marketing directives to deliver brand consistency and improve Visual Merchandising standards in the agreed Key City stores. Follow, implement and deliver against the VM strategy set by the EHQ VM team, whilst exploring, testing and providing feedback on new initiatives and ideas to improve visual presentation, performance and engagement in the Foot Locker Key City stores (as agreed by the RVM/GVM).The Key City VM, will act as the point of contact for VM in the specific Key City, providing VM support and guidance, support on campaign and vendor launches / equipment rollouts / promotional communication and pos management.

**VM Knowledge & Capability**:
The role of the Key City VM is to build the VM knowledge and capability of the in-store VM associates /store management teams through the deployment of an agreed training program and 1 to 1 coaching.

The VM training programs should be developed and approved by the RVM/GVM, ensuring the District and Store Managers are aware of all planned training activity to ensure transparency and best practice.

**Business Partnerships**

As the Key City VM you will act as the commercial business partner with the CX & Sales teams, working closely together with the District and Store Managers to identify opportunities to improve performance and engagement within the agreed scope of the VM guidelines. You must be able to demonstrate an understanding of local market and Key City competition. New VM initiatives must be presented and signed off by the RVM/GVM and DM prior to launch, and it is essential you demonstrate commercial acumen to track sales and share results.

You will be expected to conduct regular store visits with the RVM/GVM/DM and provide detailed feedback and action plans when required.

As a commercial business partner, you will be required to communicate effectively regarding all VM related initiatives with the RVM/GVM, DM and SM, whilst communicating in a helpful and clear way with customers and co-workers.

When required you will be expected to provide effective, relevant, and clear image/ written based feedback to EHQ / CX & Sales teams on VM related projects and topics.

**Vendor relationships**

As the Key City VM you must act as the Foot Locker VM ambassador when partnering with vendors to assist implementation of brand initiatives, campaign, and activation events.

You will be responsible to coordinate Key City store visits with the VM responsible from our key vendors based on the VM support program outlined by the RVM / VM Manager EHQ.

**New Store Openings and Remodels**

As required by the RVM/GVM you will support the new store openings and remodels within your Key City, working closely with the RVM/GVM, CX & Sales team and marketing (other business units can be called upon but not listed) to ensure our new/remodel stores open on time and to the high standards expected.

Be responsible for all VM tasks when leading a store opening or remodel, effective communication to the RVM/GVM during new and remodel store openings. Close collaborative working mentality with DM’s and SM’s to ensure VM standards and execution is followed.

**Special projects/tasks**:
Additional related special projects and specific tasks may also be required on an ad hoc basis, depending on the needs of the business, and as required by the Visual Merchandising Director or the VP of Marketing.

Qualifications:

- Knowledge of current visual merchandising trends and best practices
- Creative and innovative thinker
- Ability to analyze sales reports.
- Relevant working experience (minimum 3 years related VM experience)
- Well-developed analytical skills and the ability to combine these skills with a hands-on and operational attitude.
- Able to speak in large groups.
- Able to travel for periods of time (1 week away from home in certain situations).