Visual Merchandising Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

At American Signature Inc., we believe everyone has the right to a well-furnished life. Every day, our customers embark upon their personal style journey - an adventure. To that purpose, we are committed to providing our customers with an easy and fun shopping experience. The Market Visual Manager is a key position in ensuring we meet that goal. This person is responsible for bringing to life our Brand story, people development, standards/operations and customer experience from sales through visual standards and overall appearance in a market, consisting of 7-14 stores. Most importantly, this person will be a leader and coach; a champion of our culture and values.This position reports to the Home Office Visual Merchandising Manager and partners directly with the Market Leader.

As the Market Visual Manager, you will:

TALENT:

• Own the Visual talent life cycle within the market; recruit, hire, train,anddevelop
• Ensure a deep talent bench by developing internal talent and attracting external talent
• Lead the team by providing leadership, direction and developmentto all visuals
• Developvisualmerchandisers andmanagers through hands-on coachingand goal setting
• Driveahigh-performanceculture, focused on the results of highly functioning teams
• Assistin fostering an energetic and positive working environmentthroughout themarket
• Staycurrent on competition and product knowledge to assist in development of all visuals in market
• Communicate with Store Executive LeadershipTeamsregardingtests,initiatives, floor-sets and storevisitfeedback

BRAND:

• Through innovative and creative thought, ensure the highest level of merchandising execution that supports each store's floor plan and customer demographic
• Listen to the customers' needs and present possible options
• Monitor competitive landscape and market conditions to identify opportunities, issues, and risks; recommend merchandising strategies and tactics for current and future stores
• Visit stores in the market on a regular basis
• Lead change efforts across the market
• Controlbrand tests/initiatives by setting and tracking results
• Support Home Office Visual partners by attending Lab Store sets for upcoming floorsets (as needed)

OPERATIONS:

• Ownmarketbrandquarterlybusinessreviews; driving consistentbrand standards in all stores
• Set clear expectations and enforces accountability with allvisualmerchandisers andmanagersthrough daily/weekly email communication, touch bases, store walk throughsand market/home office calls
• Verifythe execution ofbrand standards/guide, measuring and delivering results against strategic objectivesthrough each store's visualmerchandiser
• Ensureexecution of floor plans set through partnership with store visual merchandiser and Home Office visual partners
• Driveresults by executing merchandise strategiesin alignment with long-term company vision
• Assist in themanagement of store inventory to discourage overages and shortages
• Attend bi-weekly Visual Champion conference calls with the Home Office Visual team
• Act as a communication liaison between Home Office Visual team and store visual merchandisers

Embody our values: Serve Others and Own it. You will:

• Be a team member thatServes Others, meaning you get enjoyment out of seeing other people succeed. You put the team goals first. You display strong people skills, such as empathy, selflessness and good listening.

• Be some whoOwns it, meaning you take ownership and responsibility for our shared success. You are someone whoproactive identifies and solves problems.

The Ideal Candidate will meet the following requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in visual merchandising, High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of multi-unit retail leadership experience
• Possess a strong sense of style and ability to create visually appealing displays
• Proven experience in strategic and organizational development, including the ability to attract, develop and retain best in class talent across a multi-unit environment
• Ability to read, write and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos
• Ability to write correspondence and reports
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, team members and home office executives
• Ability to effectively analyze and present information in one-on-one and group settings to customers and team members
• Proactive approach; identifies and solves problems
• Adaptability; flexible to shifting priorities and a changing environment
• Ability to safely lift up to 40lbs
• Ability to travel within market up to 80%