Visual Merchandising Specialist (West coast)

Position Summary

This position supports wholesale and DTC sales and brand consistency (approximately 50/50 split). The successful incumbent will coordinate freelance visual merchandising teams, monitor DTC visual workstreams, develop scalable training and visual directives, and partner cross-functionally to help deliver cohesive EILEEN FISHER brand experiences across wholesale and direct channels.

This role uses business analytics and field insights to prioritize market support, optimize in-store presentation, and educate partners to grow sales and strengthen the brand in-market.

Key Responsibilities

• Visual Presentation
• Support creation and execution of seasonal Visual Merchandising Directives (VMDs) and in-store photo shoots (three seasonal cycles)
• Develop account- and store-specific styling and floor presentation recommendations by reviewing buys/assortments with Sales and Merchandising
• Maintain imagery/assets in Figma and shared platforms for cross-functional access
• Advise on directives, signage, and visual merchandising strategies to promote consistent brand presentation
• Freelance Team Coordination & Field Strategy
• Coordinate with and assign freelance visual merchandising partners across priority markets and wholesale accounts; support onboarding and day-to-day communication
• Recommend visit cadence and territory assignments based on sales performance, store conditions, and strategic opportunity, in partnership with Account teams
• Facilitate schedules and communication between freelancers, Account Executives, store teams, and corporate partners; track timely submission of field reports, recaps, and imagery
• Use internal reporting and other analytics to monitor field effectiveness and flag markets needing additional support
• DTC Store Oversight & Support
• Visit West Coast DTC stores to verify alignment with brand standards, provide trainings, and review floor set execution via pictures
• Provide actionable feedback to store teams and integrate DTC learnings into broader visual directives and training materials
• Support DTC visual initiatives and help ensure synergies between wholesale and direct retail presentation
• Absenteeism may be required for store openings and renovations (up to 4 annually)
• Communication & Relationship Management
• Serve as a liaison between freelance field teams and internal stakeholders; maintain regular communication to support alignment on seasonal priorities, visual standards, product initiatives, and operational issues
• Build and maintain relationships with district executives, store leadership, specialists, personal shoppers, visual teams, and account partners
• Produce weekly/monthly business recaps and field summaries highlighting product feedback, visual opportunities, staffing concerns, customer trends, and competitive insights for Sales, Buying, Planning, Marketing, and Visual teams
• Education, Training & Events
• Develop scalable training templates, visual tools, and resources for field teams, Company Stores, and wholesale partners
• Plan and deliver brand education programs, seasonal seminars, floor sets, and product trainings (virtual and in-person); comfortable presenting to groups
• Support major wholesale events, including Atlanta Market (three times annually), with showroom setup, visual execution, appointment prep, and collaboration with Account Executives
• Business Strategy & Insights
• Monitor business performance vs. goals; use sales reporting, ISD data, and market feedback to recommend and prioritize field support, assortment adjustments, staffing, and visual initiatives across wholesale and DTC channels
• Synthesize field feedback into actionable recommendations for cross-functional teams and corporate leadership to improve execution and support growth
• Regularly evaluate competitors and market trends; compile insights to inform strategy and merchandising decisions

Required Experience

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Required Experience:
• 5+ years experience in visual merchandising, retail operations, or wholesale/DTC retail; experience coordinating freelance/field teams preferred
• Strong presentation, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Proficient with visual asset platforms (e.g., Figma, etc.) and comfortable using Excel to inform recommendations
• Ability to travel regularly, mainly for West Coast store visits and market events
• PREFERRED: Experience in wholesale retail or lifestyle/apparel brands and supporting large-scale training or seminars
• Must have current driver’s license or ability to travel overnight
• Ability to climb ladders and lift 50 pounds