Sr. Manager, Visual Merchandising

Position Overview

Duluth Trading Company is a solution-driven workwear Company for get-it-done guys and gals. Duluth Trading Company’s growth continues to outpace the industry, and we value the entrepreneurial spirit that brings out the best in our employees. We are seeking an individual with a get-it-done spirit to lead our visual merchandising team.

The Senior Manager of Visual Merchandising is responsible for overseeing the visual merchandising team to create compelling store layouts that align with key business strategies.  This individual will manage all directives, seasonal and regional merchandising updates, new product launches, and promotional support for the retail division. This position reports into the merchandising organization and partners with the Creative Execution teams to support pre-planning through execution of retail floorsets, remodels, and concept stores. This role bridges the gap between the merchandising strategy and creative execution.

Position Details

Work Environment:

At Duluth Trading Company, we value face-to-face interactions that foster our culture of learning, creativity, and teamwork. The role is based at our headquarters near Madison, WI. You will work in the office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Fridays if you prefer. Relocation assistance is available for candidates located outside of commuting distance to the headquarters office. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Ensure a compelling customer experience by continually improving the visual merchandising for the brand
• Highly Collaborative role works closely with Marketing, Product, Merchandising, Inventory, Creative and Operations to set goals, prioritize spend, and to support each seasonal reset within all new store, comp store, and concept locations
• Work hand in hand with Merchandising to build Retail assortments that align to brand strategy and are scalable for varying store formats and sizes
• Partner with Creative Execution team on Retail graphics needs including the use of the online signage ordering platform (SGMS)
• Manage the use and efficiency of the Visual Lab
• Partner with Creative Execution on Visual Lab sample needs
• Ensure projects are within approved budgets, meet scheduled completion dates, and adheres to Duluth’s expectations of quality and excellence
• Leads the Visual Merchandising team directing work, assigning tasks, prioritizing projects, ensuring all Visual Merchandising direction is clear and effective
• Create new and unexpected visual merchandising experiences in key doors, providing comprehensive plans, and on-site training to support maximum impact at retail
• Provide direction to Retail leadership on reinforced visual standards, training curriculum, new store set-ups, and regional and seasonal VM Bootcamps
• Responsible for updating and maintaining the seasonal Visual & Signage guide providing clear merchandising direction to the field staff
• Initiates concepting and partners with Environmental Design on planning for fixtures, mannequins, displays, and found objects to support key campaigns and brand looks
• Responsible for creating & presenting presentations to Executives and External Partners of Seasonal Resets and Visual Tests
• Familiar with competitive landscape, conducts seasonal comparison shop for inspirational and aspirational trends, identifying opportunities for Duluth Trading Stores to drive sales through visual enhancements
• Process-oriented, with ability to flex from high-level strategy to fine attention to detail
• Ability to influence and develop relationships with partners at all levels including executive and senior leadership
• Develop team through regular check-ins, goal review, recognition, and coaching to build bench strength and succession planning
• Work with 3rd Party Vendor suppliers as needed

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field - Equivalent work experience will be considered
• 7+ Years of experience 
• 3+ Years of management experience 
• Demonstrated experience in visual merchandising and leadership in omni channel retail
• Strong understanding of what it means to be a Brand and how to bring that to life in retail
• Fluent in contemporary environmental and experiential visual merchandising trends
• Focus and drive delivery – have a strong track record of identifying problems, improving techniques, meeting objectives, and producing high quality work
• Strong organizational skills with ability to lead complex, multifaceted projects while exhibiting financial stewardship, and able to identify workflow gaps and provide possible resolutions
• Expert knowledge of capacity management, planograms, floor planning and space planning
• Must demonstrate a capacity to operate successfully in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• High energy and stamina with flexibility in working non-traditional hours as needed (some nights and weekends)
• Demonstrated ability to effectively convey ideas and concepts visually
• Strong understanding of special design, planning and the new store design process
• Deep knowledge of Omni-channel Branding, Creative Campaigns and Visual Merchandising strategies and the critical interdependencies between the functions
• Knowledge in development of space plans, building plans, preliminary layouts, fixture plans, construction documents and specifications
• Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment
• Solid communication, coordination and organization skills
• Able to meet deadlines in a very demanding and dynamic environment
• Troubleshooter who takes pride in resolving issues
• Strong presentation skills with experience using Keynote, Powerpoint, Google Docs/Slides, or similar software
• Proficient in Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, or similar software
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship

Physical Environment & Travel Expectations:

• Travel is required for less than 10% of company-related meetings, programs, and/or events
• Sitting is required for 90% of working hours
• Standing is required for 10% of working hours
• Continuous arm, hand, and wrist movement (ie: typing)
• Occasional reaching, twisting, and bending
• Noise level no greater than casual conversation
• Ability to perform work in cubicle workstations or an office setting
• Work in temperatures ranging from 65 - 75 degrees

Duluth Headquarters Benefits and Perks

Our pursuit of a better way isn't just about our products—it's about our people too.  That's why our Dam Good Crew enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support their well-being and success.

• Multiple Medical plan options 

• Dental & Vision plans 

• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Health Savings Account including company contributions  

• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D

• Company paid Short-Term Disability

• Other various voluntary benefits including: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Long-Term Disability and Supplemental Life Insurance

• 401(k) Employer Match 

• Parental Leave

• Paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day

• Paid Time Off: take it as you need it policy for exempt employees

• Daily pay available  

• 40% Employee Discount 

• Flexible Fridays 

• Onsite fitness center

Position Compensation Outline 

Compensation Range: $85,000 - $117,000/year 

This position is eligible to participate in the company bonus program. 

Compensation listed is for the full-time position at this specific location and is based on several factors, including experience, and qualifications. Benefits and perks may have eligibility requirements and are subject to change.

#LIONSITE

The responsibilities outlined in this position description are a guideline for the general duties of the position and are not exhaustive of all duties inherent in the job. Duluth Trading Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

About Duluth Trading Company

Started in 1989, Duluth Trading Company exists to enable hard-working individuals to take on life with their own two hands. Folks that revel in doing it the hard way and celebrate finding a better way. We seek talented individuals who share these beliefs and are excited to further the Duluth Trading legacy with a digital-first mindset, always moving forward and always innovating.

From ingenious Duluth workwear, to comfortably capable Buck Naked Underwear, to outside-embracing AKHG, it’s all about the innovative gear and gadgets that equip customers for a more hands-on way of life.

Top-notch quality, immersive storytelling, outstanding customer service, and the shared belief that the go-all-in-and-dig-deep spirit exists with everyone are what sets Duluth Trading Co. apart. We seek talented folks looking to be part of a can-do team that’s hellbent on helping the world to gear up, get its hands dirty, and do.