Position Location
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN but the position is remote.
Company Overview
Vera Bradley is an American luggage and handbag design company founded by Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia Miller in 1982. We produce cotton bags along with fashion and home accessories, office supplies, and gifts. We own the Vera Bradley factory and full-line stores, as well. Pura Vida Bracelets is also part of the “VRA” umbrella. www.verabradley.com
Position Overview
Lead the development and implementation of new brand experiences and merchandise presentation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Note: Other duties may be assigned
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Spearhead the conception and flawless execution of innovative retail experiences, including exclusive pop-up installations and innovative brand activations, in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Partner closely with the Retail Brand Experience (RBE) Director to ideate and craft exquisite go-to-market creative strategies that tell the overarching seasonal narratives
Lead the development and implementation of creative merchandising concepts that enhance product storytelling and provide an elevated shopping experience
Drive the direction and execution of seasonal showrooms, meticulously curating environments that personify Vera Bradley as the Joy Catalyst
Strategically engage with District Managers to reinforce our company's aspirational objectives in merchandise presentation, ensuring that every touchpoint projects personal expression and choice, with the customer at the center of every decision.
Deliver comprehensive visual training, tailored feedback, and on-the-ground support to Vera Bradley's store managers and wholesale partners.
Continuously refine processes and recommend best practices to uphold impeccable visual brand standards, setting the benchmark for retail excellence.
Read and react to business needs ensuring improved KPI’s and maximized sales
Provide timely and insightful feedback to our RBE Advisory team, District Managers, Area Managers, and Store Managers, ensuring a cohesive and consistently elevated visual experience across all touchpoints.
Lead quarterly new manager visual trainings, nurturing a culture of excellence and sophistication from the outset of their journey with Vera Bradley.
Other duties as needed
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in retail, marketing, merchandising, or related field preferred.
10+ years' experience within upscale/luxury gift, apparel/fashion accessory or home industries preferred
5 + years of directing or managing/supervising experience.
High-level experience understanding retail buying and/or sales
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Proven project management skills
Strong PC skills utilizing Microsoft Office software
Strong understanding of architectural drawing details
Excellent written, and verbal communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels across the organization
Collaborative, while able to influence and persuade
Strong team player with the ability to build and maintain good rapport with both internal and external customers to handle situations with confidence and tact
Exceptional organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, and concurrently manage multiple projects
Flexible, adaptable with the demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Ability to make decisions within guidelines and policies impacting a range of standard and non-standard matters
Able to solve complex problems with the ability to take a new perspective on existing solutions
Ability to apply best practices and industry knowledge to improve products or processes
High level of analytical thinking and attention to detail
Environment & Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Office environment. Utilizing an office desk – sitting, reading, listening, or speaking with the ability to move intermittently throughout the day
Ability to lift 35lbs and occasionally lift up to 55lbs
Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones
Frequent travel to visit direct stores and showroom setup shows as needed
Frequent overnight travel required (2-3 weeks per month)
Compensation & Benefits
$97K - $100K
Medical plan options including both an HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan
A no-premium medical plan for employee-only coverage
Dental
Vision
Flexible spending accounts
401K after a year with Match
Vacation immediately upon hire
Volunteer Time Off
Holidays
To Apply