WHO WE ARE LOOKING FORWe are looking for a curious, driven and passionate Director, Visual Merchandising who loves retail, collaboration and talent development and who has a deep understanding of the role visual merchandising and styling play in developing and delivering the ultimate consumer experience at retail. This candidate must be able to think strategically through both brand and business lenses while inspiring, coaching and leading a team of VMS managers and specialists.
We are looking for someone who is a proven people leader and talent developer, has strong communication and influencing skills, and is results and solution oriented. This person will work across multiple functions and levels within the organization, requiring them to be a trusted thought partner who can effectively influence decision making at both strategic and operational levels.
The ideal candidate possesses an exceptional eye for product presentation, styling and visual storytelling, with elevated taste and strong aesthetic judgment. They have a proven ability to translate consumer, cultural and marketplace insights into compelling retail experiences that inspire consumers, elevate brand perception and create a distinct point of view for Nike across the marketplace.
WHAT YOU WILL WORK ONThis role plays an integral part in the development of retail concepts and is directly responsible for delivering seasonal VMS presentation strategies, styling direction, tools and standards that set brand expectations and enable flawless execution across our fleet of Factory Retail stores.
A typical week consists of regular brand and business cross-functional meetings focused on the development of retail concepts, new door opening readiness, seasonal VMS planning, and in-season read and react activities based on the needs of the business. In this role, you will work closely with Territory and City VMS partners to understand marketplace needs and continuously refine tools and direction to drive continual improvement. Additionally, you will work closely with a broad cross-functional network of brand and business partners to enable door opening teams and processes that fuel retail expansion plans for the brand.
Key Responsibilities- Develop clear VMS priorities, styling direction and presentation strategies that inspire consumers, elevate the in-store experience and position Nike as a leader in the Factory marketplace.
- Champion elevated taste, premium presentation standards and a distinct visual point of view that brings the Nike brand to life across all consumer touchpoints.
- Directly coach, lead and develop a high-performing team of VMS Managers and Specialists by setting ambitious goals aligned to overall brand and business priorities. This includes coaching, development planning, hiring decisions, performance management, succession planning and recognition.
- Foster a culture of creativity, accountability, inclusivity and continuous growth while developing future leaders within the VMS organization.
- Develop and foster strong, collaborative working relationships with Global and Geo CDM functions, Merchandising, Design, Operations and additional cross-functional partners to drive alignment and impact.
- Partner with Territory and City teams to ensure VMS tools, direction and standards are clear, executable and enable flawless execution across the marketplace.
- Leverage consumer, trend and marketplace insights to shape presentation strategies and styling solutions that drive engagement, brand distinction and business results.
WHAT YOU BRING- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field or extensive experience in Visual Merchandising. Will accept any suitable combination of education and experience, and training.
- 10+ years of experience in retail marketing, visual merchandising, product merchandising or directly related experience.
- Possess a clear passion for the art and science of visual merchandising and styling.
- Passion for team leadership, people development, coaching and mentoring a diverse team of talent.
- Demonstrated experience building, developing and leading high-performing teams while creating an environment that encourages collaboration, growth and accountability.
- Extensive visual background with previous experience in a large-scale vertical retail environment and an understanding of how to drive impact at scale and pace.
- Strong aesthetic sensibility and demonstrated ability to set and uphold a high standard for styling, visual presentation and retail storytelling.
- Deep understanding of fashion, product presentation, consumer trends and premium retail experiences, with the ability to translate insights into compelling visual strategies.
- Deep experience working with senior leadership to influence decisions and drive change at scale.
- Demonstrated experience creating engaging and inspiring in-store displays, styling solutions and visual narratives that drive consumer engagement and reinforce brand distinction.
- Ability to create unique presentation solutions for various retail environments that inspire consumers, drive sales and align with the Nike brand voice.
- Knowledge of the current retail landscape and the latest trends and innovations in retail, particularly within the Factory and Outlet environment.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, along with strong influencing, negotiation and cross-functional partnership skills.
- Confident presentation and computer skills with command of Outlook Calendar, Excel, PowerPoint and Keynote; Mac proficiency strongly preferred.
- Ability to travel approximately 4-6 times per year.
We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.
