The Visual Merchandising (VM) function is responsible for developing and implementing inspiring, premium and elevated consumer experiences and presentations for Nike. The VM team works collaboratively across brand and business partners to develop product journeys, presentation strategies and playbooks & training modules that create a distinct point of view for the brand at retail. Additionally, the VM Team works directly with business, operations and design functions to develop, drive and scale new concepts / retail expansion for the Nike brand across the marketplace. The VM team’s success is amplified by a connected network of world class talent across APLA (Asia Pacific Latin America) HQ, territories & stores.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a curious, driven, and passionate leader who loves retail and has a deep understanding of the role Visual Merchandising plays in delivering the ultimate consumer experience at retail. This individual must bring proven VM expertise, think strategically across dimensions of the organization, and is a strong collaborator that can work seamlessly across functions. This requires them to be an effective communicator and creative thought-partner who possesses the ability to influence decision-making across the organization. The ideal candidate loves working in a fast-paced, ever-evolving, and collaborative environment. 

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

The VM Director in APLA will develop (geo specific), adapt/enhance (global direction) and implement inspiring and premium presentation strategies and direction for the Nike brand across the marketplace. You will work collaboratively across retail, consumer, merchandising & brand teams to create and execute a distinct point of view for the brand at retail. You will lead the creation of seasonal playbooks & tools that enable territories/leagues and store team to execute the vision at scale. 

·       Develop a marketplace VM strategy that sets an elevated retail brand foundation and delivers against commercial priorities.

·       Lead strong partnership with merchandising teams to drive powerful journeys and product destinations that create distinction for the brand.

·       Adopt & adapt global presentation tools to serve the unique needs of the APLA territories.

·       Partner with Retail Brand on the development of seasonal plans to land the big ideas with impact in our most important doors.

·       Build and connect the VM network across territories, key cities & stores.

·       Develop, lead and inspire a diverse and creative team of direct and indirect reports.

·       Mine for industry style and trend insights to deliver inspirational and aspirational consumer experiences.

·       Deliver against the functional game plan process to impact the end in mind vision.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

In this role, you will work with a diverse set of teams, and functions across Global, Geography & Territory organizations. This role reports directly to the Sr Director, Retail Marketing APLA and will build and foster strong relationships with Brand Management, Retail Marketing, Merchandising, Design & Marketplace. You will work across these teams to provide critical functional inputs & direction and to gain a deep understanding of the brand and marketplace needs & competitive trends.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Breadth and depth of functional expertise in the visual merchandising space & brand management/marketing (building & implementing strategies) that allow you to immediately build credibility as an inspiring leader in VM for Nike in APLA. 

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

• Deep experience developing and driving inspiring consumer journeys and product presentation strategies.

• Passion for team leadership, people development and coaching & mentoring a diverse team of young talent.

• Extensive visual background with previous experience in large scale vertical and multi-brand retail environments.

• Proven experience working with Sr Leadership to influence decisions and drive change at scale.

• Can-do demeanor with the shown ability to adapt to changes in business needs or direction.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field or combination of relevant education and experience in Visual Merchandising.

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

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

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

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.