Assistant Manager - Visual Merchandising

Founded in 1906 as a manufacturer of writing instruments, MONTBLANC today creates  exclusive products including watches, jewelry, writing instruments and leather goods which reflect our high demands with respect to culture, quality, design, tradition and craftsmanship. With more than 25 subsidiaries and 600 boutiques MONTBLANC is present all over the world.

The profile is responsible for executing and maintaining visual merchandising across all brand points of sale including Retail, Wholesale and Travel Retail according to the guidelines set by MTB HQ. The candidate should be a pro-active team player, leveraging Visual Merchandising to increase sales and create and implement attractive, impactful and engaging Visual Merchandising concepts for all brand touchpoints.

The role involves close collaboration with the regional headquarters team in Dubai and central guidance of HQ in Hamburg to execute all VM related concepts (Windows, in-store display).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1: Execute General Visual Merchandising Strategy

• Implement central VM strategy in accordance with set guidelines from MTB HQ
• Execute a yearly window/VM calendar in accordance with global and local campaigns
• Translate all Visual Merchandising guidance into practical solutions adapted to each boutique’s stock availability and local specifications (from external windows to interior displays)

2: Conduct Local Visual Merchandising Actions

- Windows

• Work closely with the region and HQ to create and implement windows for key local moments (Diwali)
• Creation of orders related to all window deco material
• Competitive analysis and continuous market research to stay updated on Visual Merchandising concept evolution for key luxury brands
• Regular reporting as required

-In-Store Displays

• Implement in-store smart zoning for each boutique according to boutique specificities and model stock (number of counters, traffic flow, local client profiles, business objectives…)
• Maintain POSM and packaging across all points of sale, be responsible for ordering stock and maintaining inventory
• Regular visits to boutiques across India to update overall VM and specifically for key window campaign executions

3: Budgets & Vendor Management

• Manage and maintain the defined VM budget for the year (RTL+WHS)
• Areas covered include Window deco, POSM, Packaging material and all local production
• Co-ordinate, communicate and effectively manage all stakeholders for Montblanc (internal and external)

4: Work on Boutique Renovations and New Openings

• Work closely with the Store Design Team to detail out the VM needs for all projects (openings, renovations)
• Evaluate and define the display capacity for new projects

5: Train the Retail/WHS Team

• Work closely with RTL and WHS stakeholders and managers to understand business requirements and provide VM support accordingly
• Identify and train a sales ambassador per boutique to act as a VM champ to execute and manage VM daily
• Responsible for VM training of the retail/WHS teams as and when new guidance is received from HQ

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education:

Graduate or Post-Graduate Degree

Qualification in Design can be a plus

Required Experience:

Between 4- 8 years of experience in visual merchandising and experience in luxury retail is a plus.

Technical Skills / Abilities / Personal Skills

• Creative with a keen aesthetic sense

• Eye for detail

• Methodical, rigorous, and precise

• People-oriented

• Knowledge of basic design software(s)

• Good presentation skills

• MS Office skills (Excel, word etc)