Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising Job at Ann Taylor in New York

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful. Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

Ann Taylor embodies and celebrates the spirit, heritage, and confidence of American women leading the lives they love. Since its beginnings, Ann Taylor has been committed to providing women with everything they need to feel inspired and motivated as they navigate their multifaceted lives. Our effortlessly polished styles are thoughtfully designed to go anywhere—from the office to special occasions (and everywhere in between).

Discover a culture centered on empowering employees, with access to industry leaders and tools you need to expand your skills and stretch your abilities. We'll meet you at every milestone with opportunities and benefits to make life better in and outside of work (not to mention your closet). Ready to join us?

About the role

The Associate Manager of Visual Merchandising is responsible for the monthly floor set production and is the primary link in communication between corporate and field with regards to visual merchandising and marketing in stores.

The impact you can have

1. Build strong relationships with cross functional partners and work with Merchant, Planning and Allocation, and Marketing teams to understand merchandising and marketing strategies.
2. Lead the monthly floor set production, working closely with senior management to creatively mockup presentations in the Visual studio; photographing, and drafting copy for the corporate visual direction to the field.
3. Participate in walk through presentation in the mock studio for monthly floor set.
4. Work directly with management in performing styling and merchandising tasks in preparation for walk through with the executive team.
5. Draft weekly direction for visual merchandising updates and in-store marketing to the field.
6. Conduct competitive shopping to ensure current best ideas are explored and innovative new ideas surfaced.
7. Prepare and participate in Visual Training Workshops with District Managers.
8. Attend new store openings and/or store visits to validate corporate direction, check for learning and elevate presentation (schedule permitting).
9. Collaborate with Store Communications on direction to the field regarding the rollout of new fixture programs.
10. Develop monthly store set document from beginning to end.
11. Assist in the management of each floorset's samples, partnering with the Merchant team to understand assortment.
12. Oversee communication and direction of promotional activity in stores.
13. Maintain database of calendars, digital documents and distros.

You’ll bring to the role

1. 2-4 years visual merchandising experience in multi-store division.
2. Strong knowledge of Word and Excel a must, InDesign and Photoshop a plus.
3. Comfortable working in both a digital and physical space as workload requires.
4. Demonstrated creative and artistic talent, with an eye for styling.
5. Proven visual training skills.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication.
7. Strong time-management skills with ability to work well under tight deadlines.
8. Knowledge of the retail industry and competitors.

Benefits at KnitWell Group

1. Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online).
2. Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands.
3. A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities.
4. Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement.
5. Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
6. Time off – paid time off & holidays.
7. The target salary range for this role is: $65,000 - $70,000.

*Any job offer will consider factors such as your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

This position works in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in the New York, NY location and two days per week worked remotely.

Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.

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