About Matalan From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.
We know as a team, we are stronger together we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.
We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please dont hesitate to let us know.
In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.
About the role The Head of Visual Merchandising is responsible for developing and executing innovative, brand-aligned visual strategies that enhance the customer experience and drive sales across all retail locations and digital platforms. This leader will oversee the design and implementation of in-store displays, seasonal floor sets, and visual storytelling across multiple channels, ensuring brand consistency and market competitiveness.
This role is key in driving revenue growth and profitability through creative ideation, conceptual design and best in class customer experience. We're looking for a creative innovative and customer-centric thinker, with retail know-how.
Key Responsibilities
Create and implement innovative visual merchandising strategies that align with brand identity, seasonal campaigns, and business objectives.
Ensure consistent brand representation across all retail environments (stores, showrooms, and online) through cohesive visual execution.
Manage and mentor regional and in-store VM teams, providing creative direction, training, and performance management.
Direct the design and execution of store layouts, window displays, floor plans, fixture placement, and in-store navigation to optimise customer flow and product exposure.
Work closely with marketing, buying, planning, and store operations teams to synchronize messaging, promotional events, and product launches.
Plan and execute seasonal visual updates, including floor sets, product rotations, and campaign rollouts across all retail locations.
Stay ahead of industry trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape to keep visual merchandising strategies fresh and relevant.
Develop visual merchandising manuals, to upskill with clear visual principles that can be adapted across a variety of estate size/age/formats, this will be via training tools to ensure clear execution of brand standards across all teams and stores.
Analyse sales data, customer feedback, and visual KPIs to assess the impact of merchandising efforts and identify areas for improvement.
Oversee the visual merchandising budget, ensuring cost-effective execution without compromising design quality or brand integrity.
Lead visual planning and execution for new store openings, remodels, and pop-up events, ensuring a seamless and impactful brand experience. Create a scalable store design strategy and roll out model for refits.
Deliver a compelling and visually exciting in-store experience to support the elevation strategy and a profitable growth business model.
Develop and launch industry leading retail concepts.
Create an online visual merchandising training programme covering the basics from windows and standards to product and POS placement.
Responsible for design and delivery of VM training to colleagues to ensure VM capability and execution.
About You Creative vision and attention to detail with the ability to bring creative concepts to life through innovative store displays and presentations.
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, this role will manage both central & field VM teams, so multi-site leadership experience is crucial.
Ability to align visual merchandising efforts with broader company goals and marketing campaigns.
Extensive experience in retail or visual merchandising, with a background in design or fashion being an advantage with knowledge of retail operations, consumer behaviour, and market trends.
Strong organizational and project management skills to ensure timely execution of store layouts, promotions, and visual campaigns. Ability to handle multiple projects at once and prioritize tasks effectively.
Familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and visual merchandising technologies. Experience with 3D modelling, virtual displays, and interactive technology is a plus.
Benefits In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:
20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
Thrive Recognition Scheme
Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
Life Assurance
Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
Pension Scheme
Access to a wide range of career development
Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business
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