THE PAPER STORE is hiring: Signature Store Visual Lead in Wheaton

Signature Store Visual Lead

The Signature Store Visual Lead ensures the integrity of The Paper Store brand through consistent execution of merchandising direction. They are responsible for all aspects of the store presentation including fixture placement, product placement, and marketing. Strong written and verbal communication skills required as they are the primary point of contact for internal partners. The Visual Lead exercises independent judgment and discretion in developing strategies to uphold the visual merchandising standards within a signature location. This individual takes accountability for product and presentation direction; identifies needs, develops plans and follows up to ensure effective execution. The Signature Store Visual Lead will contribute to the overall sales of the store by creating a visually inspiring environment.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Maintains a professional and positive manner even under changing or uncertain conditions. Works well with a wide range of individuals to provide support, encouragement, and direction. Engages others to accomplish organizational and departmental goals. Is seen as a role model.
• Creativity and Initiative: Forward-thinking, recognizes opportunities and finds new ways of doing things and implements improvements whenever possible. Encourages creativity and innovation.
• Leadership: Helps employees to see the potential for developing their skills. Provides supportive leadership throughout each project creating an atmosphere of motivation and teamwork.
• Communication: Sets clear expectations and provides ongoing feedback. Communicates information with consistency and clarity; uses active listening to effectively understand and provide feedback. Adjusts communication style to suit the audience to promote engagement and increase understanding.
• Delegation: Delegates responsibility based on the employee’s ability and potential. Follows up to ensure success.
• Accountability: Takes personal ownership and responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Demonstrates reliability and integrity daily.
• Personal Development: Displays self-awareness, a high level of energy, persistence, and a positive outlook. Continuously seek ways to improve and learns from mistakes and constructive feedback.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be a TPS Brand Ambassador
• Drive brand loyalty by ensuring exceptional customer experience through well-merchandised, visually engaging, brand-appropriate environments throughout the district
• Provide feedback/solutions, successes/opportunities regarding store presentations to store management and field partners.
• Demonstrate a strong working relationship with key business partners, senior leadership, store manager, and store team.
• Demonstrate the ability to challenge and positively influence key visual decisions in store.
• Oversee the mapping, planning, and implementation of all visual presentation directives within the store.
• Resolve store-specific merchandising challenges that require adaptations based on store architecture, inventory levels, and business trends, in line with the presentation guide and seasonal strategies; work ‘hands-on’ with store team.
• Effectively lead department managers and specialists in all areas of visual presentation and work collaboratively with them to ensure a harmonious physical presentation
• Ensure other new signature store teams understand the brand aesthetic; reinforce the company goals and objectives at the store level.
• Communicate daily with store planning team about the status of all projects related to the job
• Create merchandise displays that are in line with The Paper Store visual guidelines to generate sales and create an exciting shopping environment for customers.
• Assist in creating education and training tools in visual presentation for other signature stores.
• Drive innovation and seek creative solutions to merchandising problems that arise, such as lack of space, inconsistencies in floor layout, product sell through, etc.
• Implement company visual /merchandising planograms in appropriate time frames to drive store sales.
• After comprehensive training, performing ear piercings and providing a safe, sanitary experience in accordance with state, federal and CDC guidelines. (select locations)
• Participate and support the planning, execution and follow up of key rollouts and initiatives.
• Execute and complete all directives and floor set updates within designated time frames.
• Ensure all marketing and promotion signage is up to date and placed correctly.
• Assist in the interviewing and selection of visual merchandising associates.
• Demonstrate the ability to “think outside the box” to influence key visual decisions in stores.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Having previous experience in specialty retail visual merchandising is required.
• BS/BA required (preferably in visual merchandising)
• 4+ years of retail visual merchandising experience
• Excellent merchandising skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong functional leadership skills
• Ability to influence and motivate others
• Ability to plan, prioritize and organize
• Ability to train and develop others
• Competition and industry aware, knowledge of market
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service when on the sales floor
• Flexible schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Exude a professional demeanor and appearance

The Paper Store is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, local or federal law.