Director, Visual Merchandising - Banana Republic Factory

About Banana Republic

Born from two California creatives fueled by their explorer spirits, Banana Republic has repositioned itself as a premium, experiential lifestyle brand for today’s modern world. ​​Designed for a life where anything is possible, we use the finest materials with the latest fabric innovations to create timeless, versatile clothing, jewelry, shoes and handbags. Through our home and art collections, we extend beyond apparel and are a part of our customers' lives at home.​​

We are creating memorable, immersive experiences online and in-store that build lasting relationships and solve our customers’ lifestyle needs.  ​​Our team is made up of passionate and curious storytellers who are pushing the boundaries to deliver consistent, quality product through an elevated customer experience.  Sound interesting? Join us as on the BR journey as we create what’s next.

About the Role

This position leads the Factory HQ Visual Merchandising teams and is responsible for the development and implementation of visual direction that drives the overall brand positioning and seasonal messages for Banana Republic Factory. This role is accountable to all VM strategies at the brand level and owns the decision making for the business.

What You'll Do

• Lead cross-functional collaboration with Global Brand, Design, Marketing, Merchandising, Digital, and Field teams to ensure visual execution & strategies are aligned with global brand positioning, evolving consumer insights, and operational objectives.
• Spearhead the alignment of assorting and store mapping processes, streamlining product assortment and key storytelling moments to drive clarity and efficiency ahead of the buying cycle. 
• Thrive at evaluating complex, dynamic situations, synthesizing internal and external data to prioritize, analyze, and validate strategic decisions that impact both short- and long-term business outcomes. 
• Champion adaptability and agile leadership, guiding high-performing teams through shifting business priorities and organizational change while maintaining focus, creativity, and accountability.
• Work alongside heads of design & merchandising during seasonal strategy and alignment to ensure compelling & cut through product presentations are balanced with financial business needs
• Partner with merchandising & allocation team on store distros & assortments
• Partner with creative marketing team to concept seasonal seasonal assets for windows & in-store, as well as promo messaging & placement
• Lead VM mapping process with team, ensuring big ideas & destination categories cut through in store set
• Leads monthly kick-off with VM team, as well as sign-off with leadership, and download of information to field teams
• Lead planning of new stores, conversions, and refreshes from flow & fixture placement to creative propping & marketing needs
• Manage fixture sourcing and rollouts with partnership from store design, procurement, and store operations.
• Develop new fixtures and display elements as needed with partnership from key cross-functional partners.
• Responsible for communicating any HQ VM directives in partnership with cross functional teams to drive business and inform field teams.
• Responsible for leading and developing high-performing Visual Merchandising teams at HQ and in the Field in partnership with Head of Stores.
• Develops and maintain Visual Presentation Standards.

Who You Are

• Minimum 7-10 years of experience required, including field experience
• 25% travel required
• Background in a fashion related industry preferred.
• Experience leading in brands in high growth modes and through stores transformation is a plus.
• Strong track record of driving results
• Strategic agility - can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans
• Strong command and presence – has strong leadership skills and a point of view
• Proven track record of building & developing highly effective Individuals and teams
• Must be highly organized and able to balance the creative and operational needs of the role
• Possess composure - remains cool under pressure and able to lead self & team to produce quality work quickly under deadlines. 
• Individual must be able to provide creative leadership; to inspire, and to identify and develop the talent within the team.
• Must be able to gain alignment on seasonal visual presentations with senior leadership team during walkthroughs and presentations.
• Must be able to build strong cross-functional relationships with all business partners including Store Leaders, Design, Merchandising, Marketing, Store Operations and Store Design.
• Must be able to develop and maintain a creative environment that fosters innovation
• Has a winning attitude that brings out the best in others

Benefits at Banana Republic

• Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees.
• One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry.*
• Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice.*
• Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay.*
• Employee stock purchase plan.*
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance.*
• See more of the benefits we offer.

*For eligible employees