Designer, Visual Merchandising and Store Design

Overview

Position Overview

Join this major beauty brand’s Store Design and Visual Merchandising team to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our in-store experience. As a Freelance Designer within the VMSD Innovation team, you will be instrumental in creating innovative visual concepts and retail design solutions that vibrantly bring the brand to life across all global retail channels.

This role is focused on developing new in-store concepts. You will champion creativity, scalability, and efficiency while working closely with the Design Director and the broader team to evolve the major beauty brand’s retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Development & Execution: Support the development and execution of innovative design solutions aligned with the Global Brand Strategy and the design intent of the Executive Director of SDVM. Manage multiple project phases—from concepting and design stages to obtaining approvals and seeing projects through to completion—under the guidance of the Design Director.
• Concept Generation: Participate in the creation and development of spatial design concepts across Free Standing Stores (FSS), Specialty Multi-Channel (SMC), and Department Store (DS) 360 environments.
• Documentation & Guidelines: Execute the development of detailed merchandising and technical guidelines for reference by regional design teams, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Technical Review: Review fixture/unit shop drawings and vendor flows to ensure all design details are accurate, adhere to Global Brand standards, and reflect an understanding of materials, cost, and time requirements.
• Research & Trend Spotting: Actively research current global culture, retail design, fashion, and art trends. Bring inspirational contributions and design ideas to weekly brainstorm sessions.
• Field Knowledge: Participate in seasonal store visits in the home region to maintain knowledge of new and trending store experiences.
• Team Support: Be open to flexing to support other areas of the team as needed (e.g., VM 360, events, etc.).

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in industrial design, visual merchandising, store planning/design, event design, or a related field.
• Design Skills: Strong ability to conceptualize spatial designs and translate design direction into compelling retail environments. Familiarity with design and execution in FSS, DS, Open Sell, and SMC environments.
• Technical Proficiency: Highly proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Illustrator. Experience with a 3D modeling/rendering program of choice is required.
• Project Management: Demonstrated understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, cost, and time requirements for projects. Strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively multi-task in a fast-paced setting.
• Collaboration: Must thrive in a collaborative environment, work both independently and closely under the management of the Design Director, and be able to receive input, discuss/defend design solutions, and remain flexible in finding optimal solutions.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to ensure alignment with the greater team and Operations.