Visual Associate - Store

Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma, Inc., together with its subsidiaries and the brands they represent, is the premier specialty retailer of high quality home furnishings in the United States, Canada and Australia. Known for their outstanding customer service, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, west elm and Williams-Sonoma are among the most iconic and well respected retail brands in North America. We market our products and engage our customers through three major channels — retail stores, catalogues, and the Internet. All our brands allow customers to design, furnish and decorate every room in the home — from the kitchen to the living room, bedrooms, nursery, home office, laundry room and even the hall closet.

Our West Elm and Pottery Barn Kids brand is now available in the UK, through Williams-Sonoma UK Limited. We believe our Company has limitless potential, driven by our associates and their imagination, passion and commitment. We provide an exciting and creative work environment, along with a variety of opportunities for professional as well as personal growth. Our associates receive a generous discount on products as well as a variety of benefits including, but not limited to a competitive pension plan, employee assistance program and service recognition gifts.

SUMMARY: Assist leadership and Visual Manager in developing and executing the visual inspiration for store merchandising. Execute action plans to ensure the store successfully meets visual merchandising objectives to drive sales and convey the spirit of the brand. Participate in all aspects of visual merchandising and display, collaborates with Visual Manager other team members to ensure flawless execution of seasonal floor sets. Inspire others to keep the store presentation relevant, fresh, and inspirational.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that all visual standards are consistently maintained and elevated within store.

• Interpret & execute visual inspiration to drive sales & convey the eclectic, creative & modern spirit of the brand.

• Ensure merchandising & displays are visually compelling to drive sales.

• Continually seek out inspiration, trends & ways to elevate product, decorating & styling expertise.

• Replenish the sales floor regularly & maintain visual presentation & displays.

• Participate in mapping and planning of seasonal floor sets with the Visual Lead and/or Assistant Store Manager - Visual.

• Execute floor set to reflect the inspiration, standards & spirit of the directive within required timeframe.

• Partner with Visual Lead and/or Assistant Store Manager - Visual to develop action plans to drive sell through and maximise the store’s inventory/ownership. Swiftly react to sell-through/inventory and increase profitability through visual merchandising.

• Train and inspire store team on the brand’s vision of visual merchandising standards and display.
• Foster an environment where all associates are treated with respect and diversity is valued, in accordance with our People First Philosophy.
• Uphold Company values of customer service and satisfaction, as needed assist in selling and service functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years working in merchandising, styling, visual art and/or craft role.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to interpret and execute merchandising from inspiration.

• Understanding of design, composition and aesthetics. Ability to maintain brand integrity through visual display techniques. Impeccable eye for detail.

• Strong artistic background in a variety of media

• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects.

• Ability to quickly adapt, develop and execute strategies successfully

• Ability to motivate, inspire and influence others

• Ability to lead self and others to achieve results

• Excellent communication, planning, prioritising and organisational skills

• Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time.*

• Availability to work within a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business; this will require evenings, weekends and holidays.

• Ability to lift and mobilise medium to large items, up to 30kg, while utilising appropriate lifting equipment and safety techniques.*

EDUCATION:

• GCSEs or equivalent experience preferred.

REPORTS TO: Area Manager

*Williams-Sonoma UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and would be happy to consider reasonable adjustments to accommodate a candidate with a disability.

**This position description is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities and can be changed without notice**