Manager, VM Development at Estee Lauder in New York, NY

Description

Overview:

The visual merchandising development position requires experience in point-of-sale display manufacturing techniques and an understanding of design engineering for the retailing of prestige cosmetics.

It entails supporting the development process for the production and updating of three-dimensional, high quality VM systems (for Sephora, Ulta, Shoppers Drug Mart, etc). The selected candidate will liaison with the designers within each brand, a NA Project Manager, selected production vendors and an Indirect Procurement person.

This position requires assisting in the timely development of innovative Visual Merchandise systems for use at prestige cosmetic counters based on customer requirements, manufacturability, and marketing objectives. Position includes development of Open Sell displays as well as counter-top (Visual Merchandising) displays.

Selected candidate will not be designing displays. Position would report to the RDDC, NA Director of Development.

Responsibilities:

• Review VM design renderings from brand designers and partner with team members (Program Manager and Indirect Procurement) regarding selection of vendor to help ensure the system and their updates are cost effective, sustainable and easy for customers to install.
• Evaluate design intent, conduct technical analysis, consider material and manufacturing processes, conceptualize mechanical and material ideas for production to achieve brand design.
• Liaison with selected vendor to assess design intent, material selection, sustainable solutions and discuss potential engineering alternatives.
• Review / correct / approve vendors’ engineering proposals.
• Value engineer parts for cost savings. Record cost savings.
• Provide clear direction and technical recommendations and choices based on cost target, regulatory requirements, environmental legislation, consumer safety and quality/aesthetic needs.
• Manage the vendor’s development process (timetable) to ensure the quality of the primary display structure, the secondary printed parts and the outer protective packaging for distribution.
• Under the direction of the RDDC, NA Group Executive Director of Development, approve or amend (vendor- submitted) engineering drawings, prototypes, pre-production samples, pack-outs, decoration and final (“first”) production. Work with the Program Mangers to manage the delivery date of the first-off in time to meet the ultimate launch dates.
• Review all testing protocols and test results to ensure the durability and quality of the unit for the duration of its in-store lifespan.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Visual Merchandising construction and development methods preferably within
• prestige cosmetics such as: - Injection Molding - Vacuum-Forming - Acrylic Fabrication - Metal Fabrication - Decoration Process - Use of LED lighting
• Ability to read and provide direction on Technical/Engineering drawings necessary
• Must be an excellent team player with strong analytical, negotiating and communication skills and have an ability to work with multiple departments with excellent follow up and organizational skills.
• Must possess the ability to multi-task, think outside of the box and establish priorities yet be flexible in an ever-changing environment.
• Work with vendors to develop progressive, sustainable solutions.
• Value engineer with vendor engineers for cost effective solutions within brand budgets.
• Decision making abilities and self-reliance.
• Ability to sketch a plus
• 5 years in Display Industry preferred
• 0-5% Travel
• Ideally, education in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design