Manager of Visual Merchandising – Programmable and In-Store Activations

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams.  We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve.

If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world’s greatest sports team, apply to join our team today!

OVERVIEW:

Responsible for overall visual merchandising strategies and project management for the programmable areas which are off pad spaces dedicated to brand activations and events for the fashion show, collab, power aisle and front-end spaces that drives sales, margin, turn, and provides our athletes with a great in-store experience. This position will be involved with project management of brand spaces from concept to execution, all visual merchandising initiatives, and ensuring continued improvement of all visual merchandising communication and planning processes. This role partners with Director of Visual Merchandising (DVM), merchants and PAR to strategize and develop communication and documentation to support key merchandising ideas and store specific initiatives.

Strategic Development:

• Partner with external and internal brands to develop rotational activations for Fieldhouse stores within the collab and fashion show spaces.  Project manages the design, merchandise planning, production and installation.

• Lead the visual team in developing visual merchandising ‘events’ for the Power Aisle and Front End in-store areas from conception to implementation.

• Provide strong creative concepts for each in-store event, partnering with marketing and merchandising to ensure all key buys and marketing ideas are incorporated.

• Initiates strategic meetings with the merchants including GMM, DMM and Buyers also including the visual team to understand the goals and objectives of merchandising projects including fixture needs, programmable spaces placement and other new initiatives.   

•  Lead strategy and design discussions of all innovation / new store initiative-led projects to determine need/risks for Programmable Areas (Collab/Fashion Show/Front End/Power Aisle) are met or addressed.   Read and provide store plan updates when needed. 

• Provides hands on visual merchandising in partnership with DVM during all programmable floor sets. 

• Collaborate and strategize with internal partners to ensure seamless approach is taken and ensure product strategies are implemented across multiple locations.

Team Oversight & Development:

• Assist in identifying opportunities for improvement in defined categories and for the global department including: documents for future application, workback schedules, presentations, signage, merchandise opportunities, etc.

• Defines team vision and direction and guides team to meet objectives

• Ensures all project deliverables and deadlines are met in partnership with Director of Visual Merchandising.

• Manages all Gameplans, updates and standards to be approved by Director of Visual Merchandising. Develops and communicates the planning schedule for all walk-throughs. Partners with peers to ensure plans reflect global floor sets (adjacent businesses, etc.)

• Understand and analyze merchandise receipts and replenishment for floor sets and sell through

Field Communication and Training:

• Manages communication to field organization for kick off meetings as they relate to power aisle updates Able to present Gameplan direction to field team members for discussion and idea sharing.

• Manages programmable calendar with Visual Directors and cross functional leaders and communicates dates/changes with Store Communications to ensure direction is consistent, actionable and timely.

• Manages the Visual communication process for all areas of responsibility (Gameplans, Planograms, Visual Standards Manual and all updates) from development to completion.

• Manages the creation of Gameplans including overall strategies, merchandising details, layouts, instruction, signing and visual presentation elements needed for proper execution at store level.

• Manages the coordination of floor set build at Lab Stores for product, marketing needs and overall support.

Leadership Responsibility:

• Oversees daily workflow and time management for direct reports.

• Trains direct reports in established protocol for file library maintenance.

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with ability to work cross functionally between departments, external providers and remote teams

• Challenges staff on an ongoing basis for career development purposes

• Coach teammates on effective communication and taking a solution first approach on daily tasks

• Provides timely feedback to teammates and ensures teammates understand their role and points of accountability

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5-7 years of total experience where 5+ years of that experience should be in corporate visual merchandising roles or serving as a District/Regional Visual Manager

• Must have strong visual merchandising skills with attention to detail, as well as organizational and multi-tasking skills

• Knowledge of apparel merchandising and visual merchandising required

• Must have strong communication skills both verbal and in writing specifically in writing store directives/communication

• Experience utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe InDesign & Photoshop, CAD and Space Planning programs (JDA preferred)

• Ability to mentor team members through personal training interaction in office and in stores

• Ability to build constructive relationships with merchants, vendors and team members in a corporate environment.

• Ability to travel potentially up to 25%

#LI-BB2

VIRTUAL REQUIREMENTS:

At DICK’S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments.

To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following:

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.

• AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process.

• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification.

If you have any questions or need accommodations, we’re here to help. Thanks for helping us keep the process fair and secure for everyone!