Director, Visual Merchandising

Job Summary

The Director, Visual Merchandising, is a newly created role aimed at enhancing the in-store customer journey by overseeing visual merchandising, product placement, promotion execution, fixtures, signage and store design. This role requires a strategic leader who can integrate these aspects to create a cohesive and compelling in-store experience that aligns with our brand, values, and customer expectations. This role will partner closely with the merchant teams and space planners as well as partner with key cross-functional stakeholders including store operations, marketing, inventory, safety and finance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver innovative merchandising strategies to attract, engage and educate the consumer across product categories that clearly communicate product differentiation and complement the experience
• Lead cutting edge future retail concept design/experience that build brand differentiation
• Develop and implement comprehensive strategies to enhance the in-store experience and drive customer engagement and loyalty
• Collaborate with senior management to align store experience initiatives with overall company goals and objectives
• Seek feedback from leaders across omni merchandising, field merchandising and store operations to drive continuous improvement
• Monitor competitor activities, trends, innovations and best practices to identify opportunities for improvement and maintain a competitive edge in the market
• Responsible for the design of store layouts, planograms, signage, presentation, fixtures and visual merchandising of the store that provides the next generation tool shopping experience
• Influence and give direction for how to place merchandise on the sales floor for best visual, operational, and financial advantage
• Build and initiate long term partnerships with cross-functional stakeholders in support of objectives including merchant teams, store operations, marketing, inventory, safety and finance
• Utilize analytics when setting store layouts, planograms and in-store promotions to identify areas of continuous improvement and implement enhancements
• Develop strategies and creative implementation to drive sales in-store and step customers up to higher price point products
• Understand current space usage, available space and plan for future limitations
• Deliver strong leadership skills and practices through the hiring, development, coaching, and mentoring of associates with a focus on associate’s business acumen; their ability to deliver on key responsibilities by role and personal development plans
• Challenges status quo with creative problem-solving and a passion for innovation and excellence in customer service
• Other duties as assigned by manager

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: Yes
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Flex Designation: Onsite 2-3 days per week in Camarillo, CA

Education and Experience

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field, preferred

Years of Experience

• 10 years of store environment, space planning and analytical experience in the retail environment preferred

Skills

• Highly collaborative and able to maintain and develop internal and external relationships
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and demonstrates flexibility to adapt with change
• Effective speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to absorb technical information and translate into actionable results
• Knowledge to handle complex situations that require a quick response for issue resolution
• High proficiency in computer applications including: Microsoft – Access, Excel, Word, Power point, Apollo and other space planning software solutions
• Excellent leadership, negotiating, and planning skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Physical Requirements

Corporate - Remote - General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing.
• Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 15 lbs.

Safety

Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $178,000 – $222,000 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

About Harbor Freight Tools

We’re a family-owned business with over 45 years as a national tool retailer, and with the energy, enthusiasm, and growth potential of a start-up. We are a $7 billion company with over 1,500 stores in 48 states, 27,000+ Associates, and one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country.