The Company

Patagonia is an outdoor apparel business like no other. Our mission is a big one: "We’re in business to save our home planet".

Staying true to our core values during forty-plus years in business has helped us create a company we're proud work for. Our values stay true to a business that was started by a band of climbers and surfers, and the minimalist style they promoted. The approach we take demonstrates a bias for simplicity and utility; build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to protect nature, not bound by convention.

We are a passionate bunch driven by the unconventional. We don’t want someone who can just do a job – we want the best person for the job. Yet we don’t look for “stars” seeking special treatment and perks. Our best efforts are collaborative, and Patagonia culture rewards the ensemble player while it barely tolerates those who need the limelight.

The Role

Based out of our Melbourne CBD store and reporting to the Head of Store Experience, the primary purpose of the in-store VM is to execute Patagonia Australia’s store identity and experience strategy through the implementation of the visual merchandising principles and directives.

Responsible for working across multiple stores, the in-store VM will implement visual design plans, merchandising and assortment strategies. They will be the in-store expert in elevating the Patagonia retail store experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Bring the Patagonia story to life; creating a retail environment that is innovative, unique, inspired, customer friendly, and reflective of the local community
• Support the VM team in implementing the merchandising directives set forth by the company (store identity and experience strategy)
• Lead new and current store visual design implementation
• Implement and maintain visual design, merchandising, and assortment strategies across allocated stores and outlets as directed
• Be the in-store authority for executing the store experience strategy, ensuring visual design, marketing, assortment, and retail operations are harmonious in implementation in-store
• Reactively merchandise product weekly and monthly to maximize sales and react to weather, trends, and inventory levels, utilising weekly merchandising reports to highlight top 20 products. This includes point-of-purchase displays and materials, push tables, toppers, and other select focus areas throughout the store
• Dress and style mannequins fortnightly
• Support cross-functional processes with retail operations, product and marketing to elevate the overall customer experience
• Gather feedback and input into assortment planning and category development to support store identity development
• Execute in-store marketing campaigns, VM visual design briefing, sourcing, deployment and communication/presentation in-store
• Coordinate the removal and install of seasonal campaigns
• Execute and continually evolve training tools to ensure store staff apply unified principles across all stores; deliver training, and support across stores as required
• Communicate to store staff on a daily basis regarding visual standards. Act as the store “liaison” for merchandising questions
• Stay up to date with VM trends, regularly review stores and provide any relevant feedback or ideation to the head of store experience
• Over time, analyse, understand, and refine processes related to VM execution to optimise efficiency and better meet the needs of business
• Work with the Head of Store Experience, Store Manager, Environmental Manager, and Marketing Team to develop and install localised environmental displays and customer communication to meet our visual standards

About You:

• Experience in a similar Visual Merchandising role with a multi-site retailer
• Passion for attention to detail with initiative and drive to achieve the best store experience standards in the industry
• High-level execution skills, with the ability to read and interpret detailed VM plans
• Communication – must effectively lead and be an open and concise communicator to all levels of the organisation
• Demonstrate strong people, problem solving, communication, organisational, time management, and multi-tasking skills
• Ability to give presentations and training to large groups
• Ability to work independently, positively handle conflict, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability and proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Ability to work odd hours and regularly travel on various transportation, including overnight stays
• Drivers licence and vehicle required
• Ability to deal with physical rigors of store set up (lifting and carrying, climbing ladders, moving product, etc.)
• Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of time

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package
• A company that is 100% focused on sustainability and the environment
• A company that is experiencing enormous growth and will nurture your development so that you grow with us
• Generous clothing allowance and discount

To learn more about who we are visit www.patagonia.com.au.

*Please include a cover letter in your application telling us about your passion for sustainability and the environment, and how you believe you could contribute towards our mission of saving our home planet. We'd also love to know how you spend your time in the outdoors!