[Hiring] Visual Merchandising Manager @Activate Talent

Role Description

The Visual Merchandising Manager/Senior Manager is responsible for concepting, designing, and executing high-impact visual merchandising programs across global retail partners, with a strong emphasis on Sephora and in-person activations. This role blends strong graphic design skills with practical production knowledge to deliver premium, on-brand retail experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute visual merchandising updates for global retail partners, including 5x7 signs, shelf strips, tables, endcaps, and other in-store touchpoints.
• Plan, design, and execute larger in-person activations and VM expressions such as windows, towers, pop-ups, and booths.
• Own end-to-end graphic design for VM assets, ensuring consistent brand expression and strong in-store impact.
• Create production-ready files that account for bleeds, dielines, material choices, finishes, and font sizes appropriate for store legibility.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Brand, Marketing, Sales, Retail) to align VM concepts with campaign objectives and commercial priorities.
• Partner with external vendors and production partners to ensure technical feasibility, quality execution, and on-time delivery.
• Apply prior Sephora and event/activation experience to navigate guidelines, timelines, and approval processes (strongly preferred).
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and quality standards.
• Proof and verify all pricing, copy, and legal text on VM assets before final release.

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of experience in visual merchandising and/or graphic design for retail, ideally in beauty, fragrance, or premium consumer brands.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating retail VM, in-store communications, and activation/event work.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
• Solid understanding of print production and fabrication, including materials, finishes, and mechanical requirements.
• Direct experience working with Sephora (required/preferred depending on level); events/experiential marketing experience is a strong plus.
• Extremely detail-oriented with the ability to work quickly and accurately under tight timelines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; comfortable working with cross-functional teams and external vendors.