📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager Retail Marketing and Visual Merchandising
🔹 Company: VF Corporation
🔹 Location: Costa Mesa, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
🔹 Category: Retail Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and driving the DTC Retail Marketing vision and strategy for stores
- Leading a team to execute marketing plans and ensure brand consistency
- Collaborating cross-functionally with various teams and external partners
- Managing large budgets and ensuring cost-effectiveness of campaigns
- Staying updated on market trends and competitor activities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop, drive, and own the DTC Retail Marketing vision and strategy for stores, brand, and all product categories to fuel business growth and brand equity across Vans’ Americas Owned & Operated Stores and Outlets.
✅ Build, drive, and monitor Americas retail marketing plans and tools related to store openings, store re-fits, traffic driving initiatives, windows, 4-wall marketing, and visual merchandising; from strategic planning to execution of key strategies/initiatives.
✅ Lead, manage, and evolve the retail marketing organization by providing the team with clear vision, coaching, and motivation to support VF/Vans values and objectives.
✅ Plan and manage Americas retail marketing and store visuals budgets to align with strategic priorities, while maximizing efficiency and return on investment.
✅ Work closely with Brand Management, Media, Digital Marketing, and Creative to ensure that campaigns, plans, and tools are aligned across all channels.
✅ Partner with Global Retail Marketing lead and EMEA/APAC Retail brand teams to leverage knowledge and share best practices globally.
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional leaders including Americas VP, Retail Operations and Senior Director, DTC Merchandising to deliver best-in-class consumer experience and achieve business goals.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of collaboration and stakeholder management, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: 10+ years of experience in Retail Store Visual Merchandising (VM) is required.
Required Skills:
- Extensive experience in Retail Store Visual Merchandising (VM)
- Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to develop and execute a comprehensive, integrated retail marketing strategy
- Data-driven decision making: Utilize data insights and analytics to make informed decisions and optimizations regarding strategies, tactics, and engagement
- Creativity and Inspiration: Passion for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving
- Exceptional written, verbal, visual communication, and presentation skills, with a high proficiency in Keynote and Microsoft Office
- Demonstrated experience with navigating multiple stakeholders and gaining alignment at the executive level
- Proven collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners
- Entrepreneurial attitude with demonstrated agility and adaptation to change in business needs or direction while staying organized and managing multiple projects/priorities
- Proven ability to manage large, multi-million-dollar budgets and maintain efficient allocation of resources and cost-effectiveness of campaigns
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of marketing professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and accountability
- Stay updated on market trends, competitor activities, and industry best practices to identify growth opportunities and maintain a competitive edge
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in global sport, lifestyle, or outdoor brands preferred
- Large fleet, vertical retail, and store opening experience preferred
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in retail marketing and visual merchandising, with a proven track record of driving business growth and brand equity.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,960.00 USD - $151,200.00 USD annually
Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k)
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on market pay data and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1899
Company Description:
- VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies
- Connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands
- Including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®
- Purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet
Company Specialties:
- footwear
- accessories
- innovation
- design
- apparel
- outdoor
- active
- sports
- fashion
- clothing
- sustainability
- corporate social responsibility
- supply chain
- brands
- and retail
Company Website: www.vfc.com
ASSUMPTION: VF Corporation is a large, global company with a diverse portfolio of brands and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Americas VP, Retail Operations
Work Arrangement: On-site, with the ability to travel 20-30% of the time
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the retail marketing organization or across other functions within VF Corporation
- Opportunities to work on global projects and collaborate with international teams
- Chance to make a significant impact on the brand and business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership and strategic skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): Costa Mesa, CA
Geographic Context:
- Costa Mesa is located in Orange County, California
- Known for its mild Mediterranean climate and coastal lifestyle
- Close proximity to beaches, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Access to a diverse range of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining options
Work Schedule: Full-time, with the ability to work flexible hours as needed
ASSUMPTION: The Costa Mesa office offers a dynamic work environment with easy access to outdoor activities and cultural attractions.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interviews with hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Budget management and financial acumen
- Industry knowledge and market trends awareness
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic, and problem-solving skills
- Research the company, its brands, and industry trends to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge
ATS Keywords: Retail Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Strategic Planning, Budget Management, Team Leadership, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Market Trends, Consumer Insights
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic, leadership, and communication skills, as well as their industry knowledge and market trends awareness.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Keynote
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Retail-specific software and platforms
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools is required, while experience with retail-specific software and project management tools is preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Powering movements of sustainable and active lifestyles
- Connecting people to the lifestyles, activities, and experiences they cherish most
- Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on results and continuous improvement
- Collaborative and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on informed decision-making and optimization
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay updated on market trends and competitor activities in the retail industry?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully led a team to execute a strategic retail marketing plan?
- How do you approach managing a large budget and ensuring cost-effectiveness of campaigns?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with VF Corporation's values and work style, with a proven track record of success in retail marketing and visual merchandising.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large team and multiple projects simultaneously
- Navigating a complex, matrixed organization with multiple stakeholders
- Adapting to changes in business needs or direction while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness
- Balancing the need for strategic, long-term planning with tactical, day-to-day execution
- Ensuring brand consistency across all consumer touchpoints in a rapidly evolving retail landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role presents significant challenges and requires a high level of adaptability, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other retail marketing roles, this position focuses specifically on the DTC retail channel and requires a deep understanding of the brand and consumer touchpoints
- This role offers a unique opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands within a large, global organization
- Career progression may involve moving into broader retail leadership or functional roles within VF Corporation
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a distinct set of challenges and opportunities compared to similar retail marketing positions, with a focus on driving business growth and brand equity within the DTC retail channel.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive retail marketing strategy for a new product launch
- Managing a store re-fit project to enhance the consumer experience and drive traffic
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and execute a global campaign that aligns with regional market needs
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and hands-on nature of the role, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the retail marketing organization?
- How does the company support the growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the company measure the success of retail marketing campaigns and initiatives?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for someone to succeed in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, allowing you to make an informed decision about your fit for the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your leadership, strategic, and problem-solving skills
- Research the company, its brands, and industry trends to demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge
- Follow up with the hiring manager 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.
