📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Field Visual Storytelling & Brand Experience
🔹 Company: Gap Inc.
🔹 Location: San Francisco, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Retail
🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the execution of visual strategy across stores to enhance customer connection
- Collaborating with various teams to ensure cohesive in-store experiences
- Supporting regional visual leaders and serving as a key connector between HQ and the field
- Translating creative direction into actionable tools and directives for regional visual teams and stores
- Traveling regularly to stores to evaluate execution, support key moments, and provide hands-on leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, leadership, and collaboration to bring the brand to life across multiple stores and regions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Execute seasonal field visual merchandising strategies that bring the brand to life through storytelling, styling, and elevated product presentations
✅ Translate creative direction into actionable tools, directives, and standards for regional visual teams and stores
✅ Ensure windows are executed consistently across stores, aligning with seasonal campaigns and brand priorities
✅ Partner with the Head of Visual to ensure alignment on executional priorities and brand presentation
✅ Build strong relationships with District Managers and Regional Directors, supporting visual education and helping align on seasonal strategies
✅ Coach and develop regional visual teams to maintain visual standards and support local needs with creativity and consistency
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams including merchandising, marketing, and store operations to deliver cohesive in-store experiences
✅ Provide feedback to HQ partners on field execution, customer response, and competitive insights to help refine future strategies
✅ Travel regularly to stores to evaluate execution, support key moments, and provide hands-on leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of experience design, storytelling, and visual strategy, as well as the ability to translate creative vision into executional clarity.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Design, Merchandising, or a related discipline) or equivalent experience
Experience: 7+ years in field visual merchandising, including multi-store or regional oversight
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in field visual merchandising, including multi-store or regional oversight
- Passion for the customer journey, with a strong understanding of experience design, storytelling, and visual strategy
- Highly collaborative, with a proven ability to build strong partnerships across store leadership and HQ teams
- Skilled in creating and executing clear, actionable visual tools and direction
- Experienced in window execution and campaign rollouts, ideally within a premium or lifestyle retail brand
- A strong communicator who can translate creative vision into executional clarity
- Excited to travel, lead in the field, and be hands-on in bringing the brand to life
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with visual merchandising software and tools
- Fluency in additional languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing their visual storytelling and brand experience skills.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Director-level role in retail with 7+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Generous merchandise discount
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, with regular travel to stores. Some evening and weekend work may be required to support key moments and events.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Gap Inc. operates in the retail industry, specifically in the fashion and apparel sector. The company is known for its iconic brands, including Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta.
Company Size: Gap Inc. is a large company with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for ample opportunities for growth and career advancement within the organization.
Founded: Gap Inc. was founded in 1969 and has since grown to become one of the largest specialty apparel companies in the United States.
Company Description:
- Gap Inc. is a house of iconic brands, offering clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women, and children
- The company is committed to creating products and experiences that shape culture while doing right by employees, communities, and the planet
- Gap Inc. products are available worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites
Company Specialties:
- Fashion & Apparel
- IT/E-Commerce
- Retail
- Supply Chain
- Inventory Management
- Design & Merchandising
Company Website: jobs.gapinc.com
ASSUMPTION: Gap Inc. is a well-established company with a strong brand presence and a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the Director level, indicating a high level of responsibility and leadership within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The Director, Field Visual Storytelling & Brand Experience will report directly to the Head of Visual and will oversee regional visual leaders and teams.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with regular travel to stores required. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary to support key moments and events.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Vice President or Senior Director role within the visual merchandising or retail divisions
- Opportunities to work on special projects or initiatives that may expand the candidate's skillset and exposure within the organization
- Possibility to transition into a different division or brand within the Gap Inc. family, such as Old Navy, Banana Republic, or Athleta
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, given Gap Inc.'s large size and diverse brand portfolio.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Gap Inc.'s headquarters is located in San Francisco, CA, with a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 2 Folsom, San Francisco, CA 94105, US
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a thriving cultural scene
- The city is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, with cool summers and mild winters
- San Francisco offers a high cost of living, with median home prices and rental costs among the highest in the United States
Work Schedule: Full-time, with regular travel to stores. Some evening and weekend work may be required to support key moments and events.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Gap Inc. is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- Virtual or in-person interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Case study or presentation, depending on the role
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creativity and visual storytelling skills
- Leadership and management abilities
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Understanding of the retail industry and Gap Inc.'s brand
Application Tips:
- Highlight your experience in field visual merchandising and regional oversight
- Include a portfolio showcasing your visual storytelling and brand experience skills
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for this specific role and company
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Field Visual Storytelling, Brand Experience, Visual Merchandising, Retail, Leadership, Collaboration, Customer Journey, Experience Design, Storytelling, Visual Strategy, Window Execution, Campaign Rollouts, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Feedback Provision, Travel, Styling, Product Presentation
ASSUMPTION: Gap Inc. uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen and rank resumes based on relevant keywords. Including these keywords in your application materials can increase your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Visual merchandising software and tools (e.g., Planogram software, Visual Merchandising Platforms)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with visual merchandising software and tools, as well as design software, is beneficial for this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Act with Integrity
- Innovate and Improve
- Respect and Value Each Other
- Do the Right Thing
- Win Together
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Innovative and creative
- Results-driven and focused on execution
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I align with Gap Inc.'s company values, particularly in acting with integrity and respecting and valuing others?
- Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with a strong focus on innovation and execution?
- Do I have a proven track record of success in field visual merchandising and regional oversight, with a passion for the customer journey and visual storytelling?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Gap Inc.'s company values and work style are more likely to be successful in this role and within the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large team of regional visual leaders and supporting their development and growth
- Balancing the needs of multiple stores and regions, ensuring consistency in visual presentation while also accommodating local needs and preferences
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the retail industry and adapting to changes in trends, customer preferences, and competitive landscape
- Traveling regularly to stores, which may require some flexibility in work schedule and time away from home
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, collaboration, and adaptability, as well as a deep understanding of the customer journey and visual storytelling.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Visual Merchandising Manager or Director of Visual Merchandising in other retail organizations, but with a specific focus on field execution and storytelling
- In comparison to other retail roles, this position requires a strong understanding of experience design and the ability to translate creative vision into actionable plans
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to a Vice President or Senior Director role within the visual merchandising or retail divisions, or transitioning to a different brand or division within the Gap Inc. family
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development within the visual merchandising and retail fields, as well as the potential to expand into other areas of the business.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a seasonal visual merchandising strategy that enhances the customer journey and drives sales
- Creating and implementing actionable visual tools and directives for regional visual teams and stores
- Coaching and developing regional visual teams to maintain visual standards and support local needs with creativity and consistency
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the key responsibilities and required skills for this role, highlighting the importance of creativity, leadership, and collaboration in bringing the brand to life across multiple stores and regions.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's approach to visual storytelling and how this role fits into that strategy?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its visual merchandising team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company measure the success of its visual merchandising strategies, and how will my performance be evaluated in this role?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the visual merchandising team currently, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in field visual merchandising, regional oversight, and visual storytelling
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your visual storytelling and brand experience skills
- Follow up with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
