Regional Visual Merchandising Assistant Manager, Travel Retail APAC

THE CONTEXT _________

Since 1947, the men and women of Parfums Christian Dior have embodied the founding "couturier-perfumer's" unique spirit of excellence, creativity and expertise, both in France and throughout the world. Our House is an open and highly-focused collective, a leader that thrives on the creativity of all its stakeholders. Our collective passion and our heritage, full of authenticity and dream, make us move forward and reinvent ourselves.

By revolutionizing the codes of French style and luxury through perfumes, and combining tradition with daring makeup and innovative skincare, we are reinventing every day the Dior style and its compelling, joyful and absolute beauty. Our stimulating missions give our employees the opportunity to develop new skills, overcome spectacular challenges and reveal their talent.

To go further, with Dior. 

YOUR MISSION  _________

Part of the VM and Design Team, The Regional Assistant Visual Merchandising Manager will support the APAC markets in both the execution of their VM initiatives and conceptualizing engaging SPP/HPP/Mega events. This role will support the markets in translating marketing plans into effective Visual Merchandising executions by overseeing VM implementation for new store openings, new concepts and eventful animations. You will ensure perfect follow up of the VM and design updates by issuing clear guidelines & building strong relationships with local VM teams.

Job Description

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES _________

REGIONAL VISUAL MERCHANDISING GUIDELINES

• Act as a brand guardian, make sure the brand standard will be followed in the very best way possible throughout.
• Orchestrate and maximize Visual Merchandising impact across Dior’s marketing launches and architectural projects.
• Collaborate closely with the Central VM, Regional Retail Design, and Marketing teams to develop Regional Soft Merchandising Guidelines.
• Guide and support local VM teams in adapting relevant guidelines to the APAC markets, in line with local business and sales objectives.
• Partner with local VM teams to ensure timely implementation and consistently high VM execution standards across all counters.

PLANOGRAMS & IN-STORE COMM

• Ensure the brand vision and marketing strategy are translated into high-quality Visual Merchandising execution across all touchpoints within the counters.
• Achieve the right balance between business objective, budget and visual/brand impact achievements.
• Release planograms and Visual Merchandising guidelines on a monthly basis, aligned with the launches specified in the marketing calendar.
• Review and validate the visual update plans for key doors proposed by local VM teams.
• Ensure all technical information required for local execution is provided by the Central VM team. For Travel Retail-related touchpoints, develop and share the relevant technical information regionally.
• Support local VM teams in the regional production of common VM elements and guide them in achieving a high-quality and consistent in-store presentation across the region.
• Collect counter pictures from local VM teams and provide post-launch reports highlighting best practices and areas for improvement after each VM update rollout.
• Conduct market visit in order to experience the execution and VM strategy and evaluate competition

FORECAST VM ELEMENTS & BUDGET MANAGEMENT

• Develop tentative VM guidelines by VM touchpoint and forecast novelty POSM requirements based on the POS database and VM calendar. Review and validate novelty POSM forecasts with local VM teams.
• Review and validate Basic POSM forecasts submitted by local VM teams to ensure they are reasonable and aligned with actual consumption needs. Track consumption rates on a quarterly basis and coordinate with the Forecast and Supply teams to effectively manage physical stock levels.
• Maintain and update VM element information and forecasts on the InDior App, and communicate closely with Forecasters regarding any updates or changes.
• Maintain and update budget files in line with forecasted requirements for both Basic and Novelty POSM.

NEW COUNTER OPENINGS

• Collaborate closely with Retail Design teams throughout new counter openings and renovations.
• Review and validate opening planograms for new and renovated counters proposed by local VM teams.
• Optimize and adapt Central VM guidelines to regional and channel-specific requirements.
• Work closely with local VM teams to support proper implementation and provide constructive feedback.
• Act as a gatekeeper to ensure consistency across counter configurations, prevent unnecessary variations, and optimize existing configurations.

EVENT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

• Translate global central brand guidelines and local VM briefs into localized and adapted designs for eventful pop-ups, HPP animations – enhancing the consumer journey and elevating the brand image.
• Collaborate with local VM teams on the development and production of their trade animations (HPP, pop-ups), follow-up on execution and implementation.
• Create technical drawings for finalized podium designs, including planograms for tester bars and display.
• Collaborate closely & liaise with Paris Headquarters team on design and technical issues for mega event and high priority projects.
• Collaborate closely with Trade marketing team to understand specs & market requirements

OTHER TASKS

• Maintain and regularly update the Regional POS database.
• Conduct market visits / collect and review their key counter pictures from local VM teams to ensure VM excellence across the region.
• Support and drive the VM community across markets by fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and encouraging knowledge exchange.

Qualifications

WHO YOU ARE  _________

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Visual Merchandising, preferably within the Cosmetics or Retail industry.
• Strong appreciation and understanding of local VM market needs and experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator) and Microsoft Office, with the ability to understand technical drawings and strong project management skills.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software (Sketchup or 3Ds max)
• Strong budgeting awareness and ability to manage costs effectively.
• Proactive and solution-oriented, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Creative, passionate, and highly attentive to visual details.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across different teams and markets.
• Adaptable, positive-minded, and a strong team player.
• Experienced in fast-paced environments requiring strong organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and tasks.

So, How Far Will You Take Dior?