Visual Merchandising and Operations Manager

Visual Merchandising and Operations Manager About Varley Clothing Varley is a contemporary fashion brand for the modern woman. Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife Lara and Ben Mead, we are an international, family-run business headquartered between London, Los Angeles, and New York. We create year-round collections designed to build an elevated wardrobe for how women live and move. From knitwear and outerwear to everyday staples and active pieces, our collections blend style, function, and versatility. Varley exists to instil quiet confidence through meaningful connections that enhance everything women already are. As women’s lives evolve, so do we. Our international family-run team is 85% female, making us proud to be a brand for women, by women. We are guided by two core beliefs: the pursuit of quality in everything we do and looking after one another. Role Overview The Visual Merchandising & Operations Manager is a hands-on retail leader who supports the Store Manager in delivering commercial success, an exceptional customer experience, and consistently high visual and operational standards. They lead by example, ensuring that visual and operational activity always supports rather than compromises the customer experience. Using trading performance, customer behaviour and product insights to inform visual decisions, product placement, replenishment and operational priorities. This role is responsible for driving and executing the brand’s visual strategy while taking ownership of inventory accuracy, stockroom standards, deliveries, replenishment and operational readiness. Working closely with the Store Manager, Visual Merchandising Manager, Retail Operations, Store Operations and wider Retail teams, they ensure that: Visual execution is on brand and commercially relevant. The store is prepared for collection launches, seasonal changes and peak trading periods. Inventory is accurate, accessible and effectively managed. Store operations are delivered with consistency and excellence. FOH and BOH priorities remain closely connected. 1. Visual Merchandising & Brand Execution Execute the VM strategy in line with brand guidelines, including windows, mannequins and shop floor fixtures. Adapt displays appropriately based on customer behaviour, stock availability and product performance. Monitor and report on the commercial impact of any VM changes. Communicate clearly to the wider store team on launches, deliveries and VM priorities. Maintain a visually strong, commercially relevant and customer-ready environment. 2. Collection Launches & Product Knowledge Support the planning and execution of collection launches and campaigns, ensuring new collection is shop-floor ready ahead of launch. Deliver product training for new collections and ongoing product knowledge support. Ensure the team has access to lookbooks and product training tools. Enable confident styling advice and brand storytelling through VM displays and effective training. 3. Commercial Ownership Analyse product performance and inventory levels to inform decisions. Ensure visibility and replenishment of bestsellers and key items. Share insights and prepare regular reporting with Store Manager and VMM Represent the store in meetings and conference calls as invited. Conduct weekly walk throughs of the shop floor with the Store Manager to review product performance and adjust visual merchandising as needed. Take part in shop floor leader segments, setting clear expectations, delegating tasks and driving sales. Inspire and motivate through fair, consistent and values-led leadership. Foster a collaborative, accountable and solution-focused culture. Coach and develop the team through regular feedback, one-to-ones and in-the-moment support. Provide clear priorities during trading and non-trading periods. Own the uniform process, including styling, adherence to brand guidelines and correct processing. Build team capability through training and cross-functional development. 5. Product Flow, Inventory & Stockroom Operations Own product flow from delivery and BOH to the shop floor. Oversee replenishment across the shop floor, including shop floor storage areas. Ensure inbound and outbound stock movements, including deliveries and returns to warehouse, are processed accurately and on time. Maintain an organised and structured stockroom that supports efficient product flow and safe working practices. Anticipate stockroom capacity requirements around new collections, peak periods and seasonal changes. Ensure supplies ordering is being responsibly managed, including budget management and forecasting. Ensure daily cycle counts and stock checks are completed accurately using RFID. Investigate stock discrepancies and ensure appropriate follow-up and escalation. Ensure all stock is labelled, RFID tagged and stored correctly. Ensure damaged and faulty stock is documented and processed in line with company procedures. Maintain appropriate levels of operational supplies and packaging. 6. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner effectively with key retail and cross-functional partners. Ensure alignment across commercial, operational and visual priorities. Act as a link between the shop floor and BOH. Maintain clear communication with relevant teams regarding deliveries, transfers, cycle counts, stock discrepancies and other inventory processes. Provide feedback on product performance, VM execution and store operations. Share operational challenges and best practices to support continuous improvement. Key Skills & Experience / The Ideal Candidate Minimum 3-5 years’ retail leadership experience, with direct ownership of Visual Merchandising and Store Operations. Strong commercial and visual awareness, with the ability to connect product presentation, stock availability and trading performance. Strong understanding of store operations and inventory management. A confident people leader, able to motivate teams and maintain high standards across FOH and BOH. Highly organised, detail-oriented and solutions-focused, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment. Strong communication and collaboration skills, with confidence using POS, inventory and retail reporting systems. What Success Looks Like Consistently high Visual Merchandising, operational and store standards. Accurate inventory and seamless product flow from BOH to shop floor. Successful execution of collection launches and seasonal changes. Strong collaboration and communication across FOH, BOH, management and central teams. A capable and accountable team delivering an exceptional customer experience. Our Values We are the sum of many parts We promote diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork. Our successes and failures are shared as a team. We pursue quality in everything we do Growth comes from continuous improvement across every aspect of our business. We embrace possibility and push boundaries We encourage innovative thinking and challenge ourselves to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Data-driven decisions and purposeful actions We prioritise thoughtful analysis and informed decision making. Our brand is timeless and valuable We protect and enhance the long-term value of our brand. We never compromise our product Our product is defined by quality, not price. We respect and exceed customer expectations Our goal is to turn customers into passionate advocates. We choose partners who reflect our values We collaborate with partners who uphold the same standards we do. We grow our brand by empowering others We support the growth of those around us and build meaningful connections. Responsibility is at the core of everything we do We prioritise ethical practices and sustainability. Kindness is our guiding principle Respect, empathy, and understanding shape how we work together. The pay range for this role is: 75,000 - 75,000 USD per year (Chicago Oakbrook Store) #J-18808-Ljbffr Varley