The Visual Merchandising & Styling (VMS) function is responsible for developing and implementing inspiring, premium and elevated consumer experiences and presentations for Nike Retail in North America. The VMS team works collaboratively across brand and business to develop product journeys, presentation strategies, styling direction as well as playbooks and training modules that create a distinct point of view for the brand at retail. Additionally, the VMS Team works directly with product, operations, and design functions to develop, drive and scale retail concepts across each marketplace. The VMS team’s success is amplified by a connected network of world class talent across WHQ, territories, key cities and in-store.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a curious, driven and passionate leader who loves retail, collaboration, and talent development and who has a deep understanding the role visual merchandising plays in delivering the ultimate consumer experience in our retail stores. This candidate needs to be able to think strategically through both brand and business lenses and be a strong communicator with the ability to work seamlessly across multiple functions and retail disciplines. We are looking for someone who is a proven visual merchandising expert with strong influencing skills and is results driven and solution oriented. This person will work cross-functionally on multiple levels within the organization which will require them to be a creative thought partner who possesses the ability to influence decision making and drive results.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

This role plays an integral part in the development of strategies designed for Nike Retail and is directly responsible for delivering seasonal VMS direction, and creating tools that enable flawless execution of in-store presentations. A typical week consists of regular cross-functional meetings focused on seasonal VMS preparation, store opening readiness, and in season read & react based on the needs of the business. In this role you will work closely with Territory and City VMS partners to understand the needs of Nike Retail, inclusive of Inline Doors and Partner Accounts, and to refine tools and direction as needed to make continual improvements. Additionally, you will work closely with a cross-functional team of brand and business partners to enable an accelerated growth plan for Nike.

• Develop clear VMS priorities and presentation strategies that inspire consumers, elevate the in-store experience and uniquely position Nike Retail in the marketplace.

• Act as peer mentor and coach to VMS Specialists through regular connections to share learnings, ideate new ways of working and seek out innovative solutions to shared problems.

• Obsess the tools and direction needed to enable and empower the field to execute the vision. Partner regularly with territory & city to refine and modify as needed.

• Develop and foster strong and collaborative working relationships with NA Retail Marketing team and cross-functional partners in Merchandising, Design, OPS as well as the field organization.

• Support cross functional upstream seasonal strategies and planning.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

In this role you will be working with a diverse set of teams and individuals across multiple brand and business functions within WHQ and field organizations. This role reports directly in to the Senior Manager Visual Merchandising for Kids and is expected to build and sustain strong and collaborative working relationships with NA business leads, VMS Leadership, Retail Marketing Leadership and across VMS disciplines in order to meet brand and business objectives. You will also work closely with Geo, Territory & City VMS functions to build a strong flow of communication and an open dialogue to understand team needs and relevant marketplace and competitive trends.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Possess a clear passion for the art and science of visual merchandising & styling.

• Passion for team and mentoring a diverse team of young talent.

• Visual background with previous experience in a vertical retail environment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field or extensive experience in Visual Merchandising.

• 5+ years of experience in retail marketing, visual merchandising, product merchandising or directly related experience.

• Demonstrated experience creating engaging and inspiring in-store displays. Footwear & apparel experience is preferred.

• Ability to create unique presentation solutions for various retail environments that inspire the consumer, drive sales and align with the Nike brand voice.

• Knowledge of current retail landscape and the latest trends and innovations for retail.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills as well as strong influencing and negotiating skills required.

• 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.