Merchandise Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

TITLE: Visual Merchandising Manager

REPORTS TO: VP, Assortment, Design & Visual Merchandising

ABOUT US: Blu Dot (www.bludot.com), an award-winning designer and maker of modern home furnishings, is currently searching for a Manager of Visual Merchandising to join our dynamic and values-driven company.

Company Purpose

Inspire a more creative way of living through good design that's good to everyone.

Core Values

- Good design is good. Good design should be reflected in everything we do.

- Keep it simple. Strive for economy in all that you do.

- Everyone is invited to our party. Treat every individual with respect & dignity.

- Our glass is half full. Focus on the positive.

- Be humble. We take nothing for granted.

- Turn it up to 11. Determine what is expected and do a little more.

- Stay curious. Try, learn, improve, repeat.

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Visual Merchandising Manager is an experienced, hands-on merchant and visual storyteller responsible for executing and optimizing Blu Dot's in-store merchandising across all retail locations. This role works directly alongside Interior Designers to plan and execute floor sets, translating merchandising directives from the Assortment and Product Development team into compelling, on-brand store environments that drive sales and inspire customers.

You will be an active collaborator, working in close partnership with Interior Designers on store planning, and serving as the connective tissue between the creative vision of the design team and the commercial priorities set by Assortment and PD. You will partner with Retail Operations, Demand Planning, Purchasing, Product, Marketing, and Creative to ensure inventory flow supports storytelling opportunities and that every Blu Dot store reflects our design ethos and business goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Strategy

• Contribute to Blu Dot's store merchandising strategy, ensuring alignment with brand, product, and business goals.
• Partner with the visual merchandising team to execute high-impact retail experiences.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support long-term retail expansion and in-store experience planning.
• Translate product and business insights into actionable retail merchandising plans.

Merchandising & Floor Set Direction

• Actively participate in developing the creative and commercial direction for bi-annual floor sets, seasonal storytelling, and product presentations across all stores.
• Optimize category presentation and product mix in partnership with Planning, Purchasing, and Product.
• Execute merchandising directives and ensure consistent, high-quality execution across all regions.
• Uphold and help evolve Blu Dot's merchandising and brand standards across all stores.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Store Operations and Regional Managers to ensure visual execution supports operational realities and customer needs.
• Work directly with the retail team and Interior Designers on spatial planning, store design, new store openings, and remodels.
• Partner with Marketing and Creative to bring brand campaigns to life in stores.

New Store Development

• Play an active role in the merchandising execution for all new store openings, including layout input, product selection, and on-site setup.
• Collaborate with Retail teams on store design, fixtures, and customer experience planning.
• Ensure each new location launches with a strong brand presence and an optimized merchandising plan.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Support, mentor, and collaborate with a team of visual and environmental design professionals.
• Contribute to establishing clear processes, workflows, and standards to improve efficiency and execution consistency across all stores.
• Foster strong cross-functional relationships to drive consistent brand execution in the field.

Field Engagement & Store Support

• Conduct regular store visits to evaluate execution, identify opportunities, and provide hands-on guidance.
• Support local merchandising challenges and contribute to special projects, events, and high-profile initiatives.
• Ensure merchandising solutions are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with brand identity.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS*:

• 7–10 years of experience in retail merchandising, visual merchandising, store design, or related fields; multi-store experience required.
• Solid experience developing and executing merchandising strategies that drive sales and enhance the customer experience.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to large-scale merchandising initiatives.
• Ability to interpret product data and inventory insights to inform merchandising decisions.
• Familiarity with design and drafting tools (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit) preferred.
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Highly organized, process-oriented, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• A strong aesthetic sensibility with the ability to interpret and uphold Blu Dot's design identity.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Ability to lift and move heavy furniture and accessories.

• Position is based out of Minneapolis, MN headquarters with a flexible working environment/schedule (no full-time remote work available)

*If you don't check every box, that doesn't mean you wouldn't be a great fit! We welcome candidates with unique and diverse backgrounds. We see the value in a wide range of experiences and always love connecting with people excited about opportunities to join Blu Dot.