Visual Merchandising Manager, North Asia

Visual Merchandising Manager, North Asia

Aesop Visual Merchandising endeavours to develop unrivalled design and creativity that challenges and excites, through concepts that resonate with local communities and honour our environment. Visual Merchandisers at Aesop curates a full sensory and spatial experience that does not concede to the mass approach; we create distinctive retail campaigns, installations, photographic sets and events that are executed with formidable artistry. We are storytellers, delivering a unique three-dimensional approach that drives intrigue and further dialogue in store that converts pedestrian to customer.

The Visual Merchandising Manager, North Asia provides support to local teams throughout North Asia and ensures that all VM activations, including retail campaigns, merchandising initiatives and customer events are installed to aesthetic code and the Global VM Guideline. The candidate must have a strong three-dimensional understanding. The candidate is expected to participate in initiatives that will enhance our brand image and advocate for the Aesop standard ensuring meticulous detail, quality and consistency are maintained across all channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively research and participate in the implementation of visual merchandising initiatives according to the marketing planners and Global VM Guideline
• Participate in the development of local initiatives that will enhance Aesop's brand image with strong visual presentation skills to communicate conceptual ideas
• Work collaboratively with Global VM to ensure the presentation of stores and counters is always in line with company standards and guidelines and consistently presented to meticulous detail and quality across all channels
• Guide Local Visual merchandisers on merchandising plans for store openings and life of store that are inherently Aesop in stone and elevate the storytelling and marketing intent.
• Review three-month rolling planners proposed by Local Visual merchandisers outlining the time to be allocated to each store, counter and project, to be shared with relevant functions in the first week of each quarter to minimise disruption during installation of new displays
• Develop a VM calendar, aligned with the marketing calendar, including VM upgrades to be performed during key periods in selected cities.
• Meet with Regional and local Marketing teams on a monthly basis to ensure alignment with the Regional marketing planner.
• Work with the Local VM teams and Retail Managers to ensure clear communication in stores and counters regarding product merchandising is maintained.
• Present monthly activation reports to Regional Marketing teams and Global VM team.
• Work closely with the Head of Marketing, Asia, Brand Curator, Asia and Global Head of VM and ensure they are kept informed of relevant developments
• Advocate and uphold Aesop's aesthetic codes and culture
• Develop each local Visual Merchandiser to ensure a strong foundation of Aesop VM principles.
• Motivate, guide and support each local Visual Merchandiser in order to achieve their yearly goals.

Key Experience, Knowledge & Skills Required

• A strong three-dimensional understanding and vocabulary.
• A creative individual with excellent conceptual skills from an architectural or product design background.
• Spatial planning skill and experience.
• Experience liaising and communicating conceptual ideas to external fabricators and evidence of an acute understanding of fabrication methods.
• Excellent organisational skills; the proven ability to take ideas from concept to completion.
• Experience and dedication in delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Good verbal, visual and written communication skills and an ability to communicate visual and conceptual ideas graphically.
• A meticulous level of detail, in all endeavours.
• A drive for perfection and a willingness to explore.
• A positive, collegial energy – one that supports the team, the vision of Visual Merchandising at Aesop and the broader business objectives.
• An ability to build good rapport with key cross functional teams.
• A degree in three-dimensional design such as architecture, interior design or product design.
• Experience in set or exhibition design would be advantageous.
• An interest in art, design and culture.
• Adobe Creative Suite and CAD software to a high level.
• 7+ years of relevant experience.