Director, Visual Merchandising - Guitar Center
Westlake Village, CA 91362
About the Job
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Visual Merchandising is responsible for developing and implementing visual merchandising strategies that drive sales and enhance the customer experience across the Guitar Center Retail Stores organization. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of retail trends, consumer behavior, and visual design principles. The Director will lead a team of visual merchandisers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure a winning, compelling, and consistent brand presentation.
Responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:
* Strategy Development:
* Work cross functionally to develop and implement visual merchandising strategies for Guitar Center stores based on key business objectives.
* Deliver a consistent and engaging customer experience across the chain.
* Align visual merchandising plans with the overall brand strategy and omni channel business objectives.
* Stay abreast of industry and customer trends and competitive landscape to inform strategy.
* Visual Merchandising Execution:
* Oversee the design and execution of in-store merchandising interpreting the Merchants’ vision by optimizing window displays, in-store displays, and online visual content.
* Create brand standards and ensure visual merchandising guidelines are adhered to across all channels.
* Coordinate with marketing, product, and sales teams to support promotions, product launches, and seasonal campaigns.
* Negotiate with vendors to procure the best cost/quality proposition.
* Team Leadership:
* Lead, mentor, and develop a team of visual merchandisers.
* Provide clear direction and feedback to ensure high standards of visual presentation.
* Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture.
* Collaboration and Communication:
* Work closely with the Guitar Center Marketing, Merchandising, eCommerce, and Retail teams to ensure cohesive and effective visual presentation.
* Communicate visual merchandising plans and updates to stakeholders.
* Partner with store operations and online teams to implement visual merchandising strategies.
* Performance Analysis:
* Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of visual merchandising initiatives.
* Utilize sales data, customer feedback, and other metrics to refine strategies.
* Report on visual merchandising performance and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.
Professional Experience & Requirements:
* Bachelor’s degree in Visual Merchandising, Marketing, Design, or a related field; or a combination of relevant education and experience.
* Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in visual merchandising, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
* Experience in an omnichannel retail environment preferred.
* Strong visual and design sensibility with a keen eye for detail.
* Excellent leadership and team management skills.
* Proficiency in visual merchandising software and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
* Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
* Creative thinker with a passion for retail and customer experience.
* Results-oriented with a strategic mindset.
* Strong analytical skills and data-driven approach.
* Adaptable and open to feedback and continuous improvement.
Why Guitar Center? Here's just some of the rewards:
For our employees who are musicians we offer the unique opportunity of gig leave--take time off to share your music with the world and return to your job after your tour! Guitar Center offers robust benefits and perks, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K plus company match, mental health support, paid sick/holiday/vacation time, employee discount program, and tuition reimbursement options.
Pay Rate: $180,000 - $195,000/yr depending on background and experience.
This position is eligible to participate in the Guitar Center Company bonus program based on Company performance
The job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on actual experience, education, and other factors. The pay range(s) listed are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center embodies the world of creativity and music by encouraging our teammates to find their own individual sound. We strive to craft lifelong musicians and make a difference in the world by enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to experience the almost indescribable happiness that comes from playing an instrument. We believe in putting our customers first, engaging with respect and integrity and fulfilling our mission with passion.
Why join us?
With a career at Guitar Center, you become part of the world's largest multichannel musical instrument retailer. Whether at our Stores, Contact Centers, Distribution Centers, or Support Center, Guitar Center employees have a common goal: to help people find their sound and fill the world with more music.
Love this gig and want to apply?
Send your resume and cover letter today along with salary expectations!
Guitar Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides fair and equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status prohibited under Federal, State, or local laws. All employment decisions are based on valid job‐related requirements.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to recruiting@guitarcenter.com.
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