Project Manager of Global Visual Merchandising

Our client, a global visual merchandising is seeking a Project Manager.  The Project Manager is responsible for managing the development, production and implementation process for new displays and visual merchandising initiatives for a leading cosmetic brand. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong project management and organizational skills with experience in beauty/cosmetic merchandising displays, development, artwork production and vendor management.

Please note: This position is not a design/creative role.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for Global VM initiatives, including new product launches, seasonal updates, and maintenance, marketing events and special activations for US and Int’l markets
• Implement and manage End-to-End 2D and VMSD Global Design Development process, including brief intake, timelines, estimates, supplier management, reviews, approvals, production and distribution
• Manage workflow for VMSD design team, ensuring milestones and deliverables are clearly communicated and fulfilled
• Manage and conduct regular cross-functional and or channel-specific touch base meetings for Global VMSD Projects, together with Sr. Art Director of VM
• Contribute materially to the performance of the business through the development and implementation of the VM Strategy
• Ensure scope for each merchandising project is captured during project initiation and fully communicated to cross-functional teams; including budget, design variants, on-counter dates
• identify gaps in workflow and technology and identify solutions, optimizing resources, processes, and technology involved in creative work
• Support Sr. Art Director with management of budgets, purchase orders and invoices
• Oversee files sharing and production of artwork mechanicals, manage asset use and expirations, route proofs for approvals. Organize and maintain project specific details, catalogs, artwork files and production documents
• Work closely with Global Marketing, International Marketing, Channel Marketing and US Merchant teams to ensure that VM strategy is aligned collectively
• Partner with Channel and International Marketing and/or affiliate teams to ensure on-time and accurate delivery against brand briefs, reflecting on-counter dates, product assortments and fixture capacity
• Partner with Creative Operations and Global Marketing for asset deliverable timelines for global campaign initiatives
• Manage VMSD fixture and print vendors and handle daily communications during design and execution phases
• Work with Procurement to manage bid process, purchase orders and invoices
• Liaise with and drive agency timelines and deliverables

Qualifications:

• Must have experience managing retail fixtures and environments inclusive of beauty gondolas/walls, shop in shops, pop-ups and activations for cosmetic brand(s), multi-location retail business, including specialty retail, open-sell environments, owned boutiques
• 5-7 years experience, with 3-5+ years in Project Management and/or Visual Merchandising for beauty/cosmetic brands
• Ability to prioritize and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Highly driven; proactive; takes initiative
• Highly organized with ability to maintain process systems, documentation and support tools
• Team player with strong communication (written, oral, presentation) and interpersonal skills; able to build effective relationships with multiple brand stakeholders, cross-functional partners and vendors
• Detail-oriented and able to spearhead administrative aspects of VM
• Proficient in PC/Office applications, including Microsoft Office, Asana, SmartSheets, DAM tools
• Experience in prestige beauty across multiple channels is required (department store, open sell, boutique)

Employer Details:

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.