North America Visual Merchandising Senior Professional, Unite

Become a Part of the NIKE, Inc. Team

NIKE, Inc. does more than outfit the world’s best athletes. It is a place to explore potential, obliterate boundaries and push out the edges of what can be. The company looks for people who can grow, think, dream and create. Its culture thrives by embracing diversity and rewarding imagination. The brand seeks achievers, leaders and visionaries. At NIKE, Inc. it’s about each person bringing skills and passion to a challenging and constantly evolving game.

NIKE, Inc.'s storytellers, Marketing and Communication sets the brand tone. A creative force of specialists tell Nike’s stories of innovation and sport through advertising, brand strategy, digital engagement and product presentation. Using channels ranging from retail stores to social media, Marketing & Communication teams connect the science and art of Nike innovations to the hearts and minds of athletes around the world.

The Visual Merchandising (VM) function is responsible for developing and implementing inspiring, premium and elevated consumer experiences and presentations for Nike Retail in North America. The VM team works collaboratively across brand and business to develop product journeys, presentation strategies, styling direction as well as playbooks and  training modules that create a distinct point of view for the brand at retail. Additionally, the VM Team works directly with product, operations, and design functions to develop, drive and scale retail concepts across each marketplace. The VM team’s success is amplified by a connected network of world class talent across WHQ, territories, key cities and in-store.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a curious, driven and passionate leader who loves retail, collaboration, and talent development and who has a deep understanding the role visual merchandising plays in delivering the ultimate consumer experience in our retail stores. This candidate needs to be able to think strategically through both brand and business lenses and be a strong communicator with the ability to work seamlessly across multiple functions and retail disciplines. We are looking for someone who is a proven visual merchandising expert with strong influencing skills and is results driven and solution oriented. This person will work cross-functionally on multiple levels within the organization which will require them to be a creative thought partner who possesses the ability to influence decision making and drive results.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

This role plays an integral part in the development of strategies designed for Nike Retail and is directly responsible for delivering seasonal VM direction, and creating tools that enable flawless execution of in-store presentations. A typical week consists of regular cross-functional meetings focused on seasonal VM preparation, store opening readiness, and in season read & react based on the needs of the business. In this role you will work closely with Territory and City VM partners to understand the needs of Nike Value stores and to refine tools and direction as needed to make continual improvements. Additionally, you will work closely with a cross-functional team of brand and business partners to enable an accelerated growth plan for Nike.

• Develop clear VM priorities and presentation strategies that inspire consumers, elevate the in-store experience and uniquely position value stores in the marketplace.

• Act as peer mentor and coach to VM Specialists through regular connections to share learnings, ideate new ways of working and seek out innovative solutions to shared problems.

• Obsess the tools and direction needed to enable and empower the field to execute the vision. Partner regularly with territory & city to refine and modify as needed.

• Develop and foster strong and collaborative working relationships with NA Retail Marketing team and cross-functional partners in Merchandising, Design, OPS as well as the field organization.

• Support cross functional upstream seasonal strategies and planning.

WHO YOU WILL WORK WITH

In this role you will be working with a diverse set of teams and individuals across multiple brand and business functions within WHQ and field organizations. This role reports directly in to the Director Visual Merchandising for Unite/Value and is expected to build and sustain strong and collaborative working relationships with NA business leads, VM Leadership, Retail Marketing Leadership and across VM disciplines in order to meet brand and business objectives. You will also work closely with Geo, Territory & City VM functions to build a strong flow of communication and an open dialogue to understand team needs and relevant marketplace and competitive trends.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Possess a clear passion for the art and science of visual merchandising & styling.

• Passion for team and mentoring a diverse team of young talent.

• Visual background with previous experience in a vertical retail environment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Design or related field or extensive experience in Visual Merchandising.

• 5+ years of experience in retail marketing, visual merchandising, product merchandising or directly related experience.

• Demonstrated experience creating engaging and inspiring in-store displays. Footwear & apparel experience is preferred.

• Ability to create unique presentation solutions for various retail environments that inspire the consumer, drive sales and align with the Nike brand voice.

• Knowledge of current retail landscape and the latest trends and innovations for retail.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills as well as strong influencing and negotiating skills required.

• Confident presentation and computer skills with command of Outlook calendar, Excel, PowerPoint and Keynote, Mac proficiency strongly preferred.

• Ability to travel approximately 4-6 times per year.

NIKE, Inc. is a growth company that looks for team members to grow with it. Nike offers a generous total rewards package, casual work environment, a diverse and inclusive culture, and an electric atmosphere for professional development. No matter the location, or the role, every Nike employee shares one galvanizing mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.

NIKE, Inc. is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.