Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Regional Visual Leader
REPORTS TO: Sr. Regional Visual Leader
STATUS: Full Time Exempt
SUPERVISES: N/A

The Regional Visual Leader is responsible for bringing the brand vision to life across the field, translating it into effective strategies that align with business objectives and ensure consistency in floorset execution to enhance the customer experience. This leader oversees and is accountable for a team of Visual Training Managers and New Store Project Managers, setting priorities and driving performance across the region. They provide strategic direction, coaching, and development to elevate visual capability and build a strong leadership bench. As a key partner to Regional Directors (RD) and District Team Leaders (DTL), they deliver training and guidance to strengthen visual acumen and advance merchandising strategy. Working closely with Field Leadership, the Regional Visual Leader upholds visual merchandising and marketing standards, while identifying opportunities and collaborating cross-functionally to improve tools, execution, and overall business performance. They also partner with the Sr. Manager, New Store Openings to support successful store launches and ensure visual excellence from day one. As the Regional Visual Leader, you will embody our values by fostering a positive and productive workplace culture while serving as a role model for all associates.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and drive regional execution of visual merchandising strategy, ensuring alignment with brand standards and business priorities while elevating the customer experience.
• Partner with Field Leadership to identify opportunities, prioritize support, and influence merchandising decisions using KPIs and field insights.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Visual Training Managers and New Store Project Managers, building visual capability and bench strength across Field Leadership.
• Design and deliver scalable training strategies that elevate visual execution, consistency, and field performance.
• Conduct regular market visits to assess performance, identify gaps, and implement both immediate and long-term improvements.
• Serve as a strategic liaison between field and home office, influencing tools, processes, and merchandising strategies through actionable feedback.
• Partner cross-functionally to align on key initiatives and drive results, leading and participating in Visual DOR to enhance visual merchandising tools, resources, and processes.
• Provide end-to-end oversight of new store openings and remodels, ensuring alignment to timelines, budgets, and brand standards from planning through post-opening sustainment.
• Monitor post-opening performance, partnering with Field Leadership to address gaps and ensure ongoing brand and operational compliance.
• Provide strategic oversight of space optimization opportunities to enhance store presentation and business performance.
• Actively participates on weekly Field Visual and Regional calls providing valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Demonstrate strong executive presence, lead with a growth mindset, and influence decision-making while balancing strategy and execution.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Merchandising or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of visual merchandising experience required; 8+ years of retail experience or similar roles preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in building, leading, and motivating teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in coaching, offering feedback, and driving collaboration with diverse teams in a fast moving environment.
• Ability to thrive in diverse environments and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong experience in training and talent development.
• Proficient computer skills- Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other technology preferred.
• Strong prioritization, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, planning and project management skills.
• Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex and competing priorities.
• Frequent domestic travel and occasional international travel required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Climbing ladders to re-stock and obtain merchandise
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to continually walk, frequently push/pull, occasionally bend/stoop/crawl/reach above shoulders/ kneel

Get to Know AEO
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.
At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO
We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here
AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal and provincial equal employment opportunity and human rights laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, a conviction for which a pardon has been granted or any other ground protected by applicable human rights legislation. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. For Brand Ambassador and Stock positions, hiring will be based on need – however, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and there may not be an opening immediately available when you apply. For all other jobs, applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable); but may be extended based on applicant volume.