Job Description

Position: Visual Merchandiser
Reports to: Director of Operations
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Type: Exempt
The Visual Merchandiser will design, create and coordinate merchandising displays and layouts (both indoor and outdoor) for all retail locations, which will draw in business, showcase items, and increase sales. They will coach the store staff on merchandising techniques and share ideas throughout the organization, in addition to addressing and resolving inquiries and problems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.
• Personally assist in developing a culture that understands, demonstrates and is passionate about the vision, mission and values of the organization.
• Conceptualize and create merchandise strategies and seasonal changes for all retail locations that will create compelling presentations to engage the customer and increase sales for both indoor/outdoor selling areas.
◦ Including, but not limited to: Outdoor Living, Home and Garden Categories, Live Goods, Seasonal Items and Curb Appeal.
• Stay current in design, retail sales and advertising trends through observation, planning and research establishing up-to-date displays that allure customers.
• Coach associates on visual selling, customer service and how to create compelling displays of merchandise. Collaborate and exchange great display ideas between retail locations.
• Establish strong visual presence in all stores and effectively influence needed changes to buyers and store personnel on product placement and displays.
• Proactively communicate with store associates the upcoming changes to ensure uniformity across all retail locations, requiring follow-up and assistance as needed during regular store visits.
• Build strong relationships with all levels of internal and external resources.
• Plan and successfully execute a creative presence at various trade shows and/or other special events.
• Provide new and exciting ideas for building/store improvements with a focus on increasing a positive customer shopping experience.
• Maintain a leadership role on construction projects and assist with the setup of new/renovated retail locations.

Employment Requirements:
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years verifiable related experience and/or combination of education and experience in Interior Design, Landscape Design and Horticulture.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects, develop detailed programs, communicate effectively and lead team results through education, communication and motivation of both direct and indirect reports.
• Consistently demonstrate ability to complete & manage large detailed work load with exceptional accuracy and timeliness.
• Must have a good design sense, be creative, think visually and be able to transform vision to reality.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and/or with a team under minimal supervision.
• Proactive communicator with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels internally and externally.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, visual/design programs and plan-o-grams.
• Ability to solve practical problems.
• Carpentry and mechanical skills preferred.
• Must be or plan to be forklift certified within 3 months.
• Must have a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license, proof of insurance and a clean driving record.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently required to sit and stand; reach with hands and arms; walk and talk or hear. The associate is occasionally required to; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.