Overview
The Director of Visual Merchandising manages the understanding and accountabilities of product presentation and is knowledgeable of key data that assists in the achievement of our company merchandising and sales goals. This position oversees the new product introduction process and product exit strategies through the creation and maintenance of merchandising direction. The Director of Visual Merchandising manages our Visual Merchandisers and their collaborative partnership with our Buying teams regarding the strategic placement of product and supportive presentation elements. This position is key to our forward-thinking merchandising execution in support of our brand while balancing the operational objectives to bring about greater efficiencies and maximized results. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.
Position Reports To
Chief Merchandising Officer
Founded in 1978 and based in Coppell, Texas, The Container Store is the nation’s original and leading retailer of storage and organization products, offering innovative and multifunctional solutions designed to simplify customers’ lives, save space and, ultimately, save time. The Container Store has locations from coast to coast and a thriving online business.
What We Stand For What you do matters. Experience The Container Store’s employee-first culture where you are appreciated, valued, and empowered to work together for a higher purpose. We create exceptional customer service experiences while fulfilling our customer’s storage and organization needs. Living out our 7 Foundation Principles has landed us on FORTUNE magazine’s list of 'Best Companies to Work for' year after year.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Collaborates with Chief Merchandising Officer and Divisional Directors within Buying to define merchandising priorities and presentations specific to each department represented in our stores
- Directs the creation and maintenance of store photograms and planograms for all store formats, overseeing new and existing product merchandising and presentation direction
- Directs communication of all product entry and exit strategies and section reworks including partnering with Visual Merchandising and Presentation to identify prop, sign and graphic opportunities
- Leads our Visual Merchandisers’ actions in support of our business goals and supports and develops their individual professional growth
- Solicits insight, feedback and opportunity to enhance individual store presentation from our Area Managers, District Directors and Regional Directors, serving as point of contact for all merchandising suggestions from the field
- Responsible for the forecasting, planning and accountabilities of expense budgets associated with everyday product presentation
- Supports the Chief Merchandising Officer in the management of priorities and allocation of resources to implement company directives and initiatives
- Works with Store Planning on the refinement of the layouts and merchandising aspects of new stores and remodels
- Acts as a key member of cross-functional teams to develop and execute continuous improvement initiatives
- Communicates and demonstrates company standards as they relate to merchandising and presentation best practices/guidelines, and champions the importance of Visual Merchandising to our selling efforts and service expectations
- Stays current on all product information, merchandising memos/directives and company communication
- Maintains a current and thorough understanding of best practices and trends in visual merchandising, presentation and décor
- Proactively identifies operational improvements and works to formulate, propose and implement necessary change
- Works in stores as needed to stay current with challenges regarding compliance of visual direction and overall scope of our campaigns in terms of the visual look as well as the selling and process priorities
- Travels to stores as needed/appropriate to ensure that our products are being visually merchandised in a consistent and compelling way
- Consistently arrives promptly to work the assigned schedule
- Responsible for maintaining discretion related to all confidential/sensitive company and customer information
We believe in taking care of our team. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance (though we've got that covered too!). Here at The Container Store, we're passionate about helping you contain your health, grow your career, and find balance in your life.
Here's a peek at what you can expect:
- Competitive health, dental, and vision plans to keep you and your loved ones well.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with optional investment guidance and assistance offered through Fidelity.
- Unique "1equals3" website for easy access to your benefits information and company updates.
- We've got your back! Competitive sick pay and PTO plan to ensure you can take time off to recharge and come back feeling your best.
For our full-time associates, we offer even more:
- Peace-of-mind benefits: Basic life insurance, disability insurance options, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance and flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
- Family-focused support: Considerate parental leave policies, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and fertility & maternity support program.
- Work-life balance boosters: Paid holidays, gym membership discounts, and a qualified transportation benefits program to save on commutes.
- Discounts galore: Enjoy a hefty discount on our amazing products, including merchandise, custom spaces, and services, gift cards, and pet insurance (because fur-babies matter!).
- Recognition you deserve: We honor our employees with service awards and retirement gifts, celebrate those who exemplify our core principles, and recognize exceptional daily contributions.
- Thriving with diversity: Participate in our Employee Resource and Affinity Groups and help guide how we give back to the community, while having a space to connect, support one another, and celebrate cultural heritages.
But that's not all! We offer a fun and collaborative work environment where you can learn, grow, and make a real difference.
Experience and Skills Required
- College degree preferred
- 7+ years of management and leadership with corporate Visual Merchandising and/or Store Design team
- Experience with hardline merchandise is a plus
- Ability to execute our brand vision through presentation within the context of company goals and team
- Passion for knowledge including latest technologies, techniques, materials and trends in retail, creative and visual merchandising
- Excellent business, planning and expense management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
- Existing proficiency or ability to learn other software including, but not limited to, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Blue Yonder Space Planning
- Experience managing others including career development, directing and evaluating work
- Ability to direct and motivate creative people while thinking objectively, clearly and quickly
- Based in Dallas/Ft Worth area on a hybrid schedule
- Ability to travel 30%-50% a year, based on business needs
- Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and a safe manner
- Is committed to working scheduled hours and has the flexibility to work additional hours based on changing business needs
- Knowledge of industry business and passion for following trends in the industry
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a professional manner, both orally and in writing, at all levels within and outside the organization
- Ability to quickly separate the mission-critical tasks from the lower priority tasks; focuses on the most value-added projects of the day or week
- Flexible, with a positive attitude and passion for knowledge
- Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects at once
- Possesses focused attention to detail while working quickly and accurately under pressure
- Makes strategic and effective decisions in the best interest of our customers and our company, taking care to objectively process information
- Ability to work within and exemplify The Container Store brand which we describe as matchless, fun, authentic, team-focused and life-changing
- Must be at least 18 years of age
The Container Store promotes a smoke-free, drug-free environment.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Distribution Center Physical Requirements
State Specific Notices
