Visual Merchandising Manager, Retail EMEA at New Balance · DTC Office

JOB MISSION:

The Field Visual Merchandising Manager is the operational leader responsible for all in‑season visual merchandising execution across the EMEA retail fleet. This role brings the seasonal VM strategy to life in stores, ensuring that every execution is brand‑aligned, commercially effective, and operationally realistic.

This role is responsible for the “store reality” perspective within the VM function. They translate seasonal guidelines into actionable, high‑quality execution and ensure that stores deliver compelling product presentations that resonate with local consumers. Leading a team of Regional Visual Merchandisers, the Field VM Manager drives consistency, builds field capability, and ensures that stores receive the support, clarity, and partnership needed to make informed merchandising decisions and successfully own visual execution.

Serving as the main VM collaborator for store teams and cross-functional customers, this leader builds positive relationships across Retail Operations, Merchandising, and the broader VM organization. They provide critical feedback to regional stakeholders and global partners, ensuring that future guidelines and strategies reflect operational feasibility and the realities of EMEA retail environments.

With a deep understanding of store operations, product performance, and customer behaviour, the Field VM Manager champions operational excellence and ensures that VM execution enhances the customer experience while driving commercial results.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

In‑Season Execution & Operational Excellence

• Lead all in-season VM execution across EMEA, ensuring consistency, quality, commercial impact, and continued development of store-level VM capability.

• Ensure stores deliver visual experiences that align with brand guidelines while reflecting local consumer needs and store realities.

• Own the operational rollout of seasonal floor sets, product launches, and key brand moments.

• Conduct regular store visits and virtual reviews to assess execution quality and identify opportunities for improvement.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, mentor, and develop a group of Regional Visual Merchandisers responsible for in‑store execution.

• Set clear expectations, provide ongoing training, and develop a culture of accountability and excellence.

• Ensure the team acts as trusted partners to store leadership, providing coaching, feedback, and support that builds store capability and ownership.

Store Partnership & Support

• Serve as the primary VM partner for store teams. Ensure they have the tools, clarity, support, and capability needed to complete tasks effectively. Help them make well-grounded merchandising choices.

• Build positive relationships with store leaders and Regional Area Managers to drive alignment and elevate store performance.

• Gather insights from stores to inform future VM strategies, guidelines, and operational improvements.

• Support the development of store ownership by enabling Store Managers and VM Coordinators to make informed merchandising decisions within defined brand standards and guidelines.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Retail Operations, Merchandising, Marketing, and the Senior VM Manager to ensure VM execution supports broader business priorities.

• Provide feedback on guideline clarity, operational feasibility, product challenges, and opportunities to increase store ownership based on field insights.

• Contribute to cross‑functional planning for seasonal launches and commercial moments.

Commercial & Consumer Focus

• Ensure VM execution supports product visibility, storytelling, and sell‑through.

• Use store insights, product efficiency, and customer behavior to guide in-season adjustments and support data-informed merchandising decisions.

• Find opportunities to improve commercial impact through layout, product placement, and visual presentation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Proven experience in Visual Merchandising, including field or multi‑store leadership.

• Strong understanding of retail operations, store processes, and consumer behaviour.

• Proven ability to lead and develop field teams, influence stakeholders, and build capability across a multi-store environment.

• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with both store teams and corporate partners.

• Ability to balance brand standards with commercial and operational realities.

• Highly organized, solution‑oriented, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced retail environment.

• Experience in EMEA markets preferred.

Approximately 40% travel required to support business needs.