VP, Store Design & Visual Merchandising

Reporting to the CMO, the VP, Store Design & Visual Merchandising will focus on marrying commercial viability with desirability and brand presence. This highly collaborative, equal parts creative and operational role will lead concept end-to-end across several store and merchandising types to ensure a cohesive, high-touch, and saleable experience reflecting our brand ethos across every consumer touchpoint. Responsibilities Evolve and document Westman Atelier’s physical footprint in collaboration with relevant cross‑functional partners, ensuring every touchpoint marries shoppability with high‑touch luxury aesthetic. Partner with regions to ensure global brand guidelines and quality standards are executed in a way that protects Westman Atelier’s prestige positioning while allowing for local market nuances. Partner closely with the Creative & Content teams to design immersive, cohesive consumer journeys that seamlessly translate online brand stories into tangible in‑store experiences. Design and develop fixtures and modular merchandising systems tailored to revenue objectives. Ensure all installations are optimized for up‑selling, high‑traffic engagement, increased conversion rates, and profitability. Partner with Brand Marketing on high impact print and physical activations such as mailers, collateral, and IRL eventing. Conduct quarterly competitive analysis across VM types to ensure we stay ahead of the landscape. Curate and optimize a database of global suppliers and production partners. Focus on maintaining high‑quality manufacturing while utilizing value‑engineering to ensure scalability and cost‑efficiency. Manage overall budget and project forecasting. Partner with finance and sales teams on annual budget, reforecasts and to ensure design initiatives are aligned with P & L goals. Lead and mentor a high‑performing global team across store design, VM, and project management. Foster a culture of creativity, agility, flexibility, and cross‑functional collaboration. Partner closely with product marketing and events and education to create a brand right toolkit for evergreen and tier A launches. Partner closely with Sales to understand store‑specific performance data and traffic patterns, adjusting VM and design strategies to maximize the productivity of every square foot. Establish an agile design framework that allows the team to pivot quickly in response to shifting global retail landscapes, supply chain disruptions, or localized market opportunities. Standardize the project management lifecycle for all installations, ensuring clear communication, streamlined workflows, and accountability across all global regional partners. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Store Design, Visual Merchandising or related creative field; Master’s preferred. 10‑15 years of demonstrated work experience in the luxury/beauty industry. 5+ years of demonstrated work experience managing teams, building a culture of accountability. Proven experience managing design & VM operations across multiple global regions (US, EMEA, APAC). Demonstrated success in building and scaling high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary teams. Ability to foster a culture of accountability, mentorship, and creative excellence. Proven track record of managing multi‑million dollar capex budgets, including vendor contract negotiation, value engineering and project forecasting. Demonstrated ability to partner with Sales and Finance teams to translate retail performance data into design strategies that drive conversion and traffic. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence C‑suite leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders. Expert ability to direct and curate the brand’s visual identity across 360‑degree environments. Deep understanding of architectural and regulatory standards. A visionary approach to integrating retail technology and sustainability into store design without compromising the luxury aesthetic. Demonstrated experience with drafting and structural techniques, engineering, drawing, CAD/graphics, and reading of comprehensive shop drawings. Ability to lead multiple global projects across disciplines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment. Ability to travel as required. Benefits Westman Atelier offers a holistic total compensation package designed to support employees in all aspects of life, including a robust suite of health benefits, wellness perks, 401(k), and paid parental leave. The base salary for this position will range from $200,000—$220,000. Exact compensation may vary based on job‑related skills, experience, and location. #J-18808-Ljbffr Westman Atelier, LLC