Visual Operations Manager - Katy

About the Company

Founded in 2002, AKIRA began as a single women's clothing boutique in Chicago and has since expanded to over 40 stores nationwide, alongside a thriving eCommerce platform (shopAKIRA.com). The company is positioned for sustained growth as it builds a nationally recognized brand. AKIRA's culture is defined by "Other-Worldly Customer Service" and a fanatical, obsessive attention to consumer needs and desires. The core principle for all employees is to "Act and Think Like an Owner," a belief reflected across all areas of the company.

About the Role

As a Visual Operations Manager, you will oversee all visual and operational aspects of the store, leading a team of 4 to 20 individuals depending on store size. This role blends creativity and strategy—you will interpret sales data, design impactful displays, and craft visual stories that drive results. Success requires balancing artistry with analysis, taking decisive action through strategic merchandising to ensure both aesthetic appeal and sales performance.

Responsibilities

• Independently prioritize in-store merchandising tasks daily by assessing aesthetic needs and analyzing weekly selling data.
• Execute all in-store merchandising tasks according to company guidelines, including floor layout adjustments, floor moves, rack merchandising, table displays, wall displays, accessory displays, sales floor and window mannequin styling, and promotional displays.
• Communicate regularly with store management to ensure merchandising aligns with business needs and supports sales.
• Partner with the leadership team to maintain store standards, teach and participate in all tasks, and complete cleaning tasks (e.g., waxing racks, dusting tables, adjusting lighting).
• Complete daily and weekly visual and operations evaluations, summarizing merchandising tasks and planning next steps to drive business forward.
• Elevate the customer experience through store environment and by supporting sales—connect customers to stylists, run the floor, manage the cash wrap and fitting rooms to minimize wait times, and ensure a positive experience.
• Support the leadership team in talent recruitment and performance management, and participate in all business functions.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in visual merchandising.
• Strong knowledge of fashion and current trends.
• Ability to work efficiently and quickly, both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work early mornings and/or occasional late nights.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Flexible with scheduling, including extended hours when needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move product, supplies, and/or boxes repetitively; push, pull, and lift up to 50 lbs. based on role needs.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods, including 10-12 hour shifts.

Travel

Open to occasional travel to support other stores.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA).
• Flex Transit (CTA) benefits.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous employee discount.
• Internal growth opportunities, including meaningful development and career advancement.

Job Type

Full-Time