Senior Design Planner- Seattle, WA (Hybrid)

Job Description

NOTE: This position is offered as a hybrid role in the Seattle, WA area. You must work in office at the Nordstrom Seattle office a minimum of 3 days/week.

The ideal Visual Merchandising Planner is responsible for delivering innovative and well-planned strategies for our divisions that support product selling and brand standards to each specific customer base. This individual will be focused on creating strong partnerships with all key stakeholders including leadership to deliver and influence how Visual Merchandising drives business within each of the areas they support and to highlight Nordstrom as a fashion leader. A VM Planner should always be focused on driving volume while keeping the customer experience/journey top of mind.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

DEPARTMENT WORK:

• Develop, test and learn new merchandising ideas that are focused on current merchant divisional/department strategies as well as keeping relevancy for the customer.
• Be the expert within a supported division to influence store presentations that include: the customer journey, silent selling opportunities (fixture sets, merchandise presentation, mannequin styling), and training needs.
• Build strong relationships with all key stakeholders including peers, VM, store design, DMMs, RDs, buyers, merchant Program Managers, and Planning Director to drive new ideas that enhance the customer experience.
• Review business reports (Nsight, Tableau, End 2 End calendar, merchant decks) to inform decisions on new strategy proposals, driving current business needs with VM planning tools such as merchandise refreshes, as well as adding to planning team conversations to discuss how business data impacts call to action decisions.
• Develop new visual strategies and partner with key stakeholders to present to merchant teams to drive business.
• Focus on brand strategies and consistency while bringing in innovation to the company as appropriate, researching and understanding what’s happening within the industry to compare and contrast current operations.
• Research and review competitive landscape from other retailers to popular culture in order to stay on top of current and future presentations.
• Review operating practices and procedures, determine whether improvements can be made and work to implement changes as appropriate.
• Work with cross-div teams on signing, hangers, and sensors that range from influencing outcomes and driving store communications.
• Ensure store and/or department alignment on marketing editorial calendar while driving appropriate marketing messages to the customer.
• Build tools such as department linears to help merchant and allocations team have visibility in what every department in each store can hold in terms of stock.
• Take opportunities to use current fixtures in new ways to drive interest on the floors.
• Work with Store Design team on fixture needs, development of new concepts, and reinventing older concepts which may also include laying out fixtures differently.

FASHION EDUCATION/STYLING:

• Understanding of fashion trends and how they relate to the company commercial trends in each season to influence floor merchandising presentations including mannequin styling and training of VM teams.
• Drive fashion messaging through a corporate filter to the in-store visual merchandisers that support window and in department styling and aligns with company fashion and marketing direction.
• Create seasonal fashion videos that support inspiration as well as in-season fashion messaging.
• Create and update yearly Styling fundamental tools for VM MGRS to use to train their teams.
• Participate in regional trainings both in person and on calls to train styling concepts.

COMMUNICATION & TRAINING TOOLS:

• Drive and create new VM training opportunities whether in person or from the office, gather feedback and pivot as needed in the moment or for future trainings.
• Lead trainings, share knowledge, and provide guidance to support in-store VMs and DMs. This includes in-person training, leading remodels, new fixture installs, and conference calls.
• Drive monthly/bimonthly communication tools that are delivered to all company with a clear understanding on how to translate direction that is achievable in all doors.
• Research and resolve issues using appropriate resources.
• Manage all brand assets provided and communicate appropriately to the business, including multiple stakeholders.
• Partner with key brands such as Free People, Skims, Designer brands on persistent VM standards.
• Hold regular VM calls to highlight problem areas such as monthly Designer calls started in Fall of 2022.
• Maintain a strong understanding of available tools and apply effective approaches to tasks and initiatives.
• Yearly Department standards updates, and creating/updating older tools for training purposes.

BRAND LAUNCHES/ACTIVATIONS:

• Assist with building and maintaining communication tools for store executions by partnering with merchants or key brand stakeholders as well as store teams to gather information, request photos, coordination of installs, building packets and following up with troubleshooting as needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Customer Focus: Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions.
• Drives Results: Persists in accomplishing objectives, even under tough circumstances. Has a track record of successfully achieving priorities.
• Builds Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.
• Self-Development: Actively seeks new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Mindset: Is aware of how own work connects to broader organization strategy, spots trends and asks about the future issues that may impact work.
• Communicates Effectively: In both written and verbal forms that convey information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• Drives Vision: By ensuring there is a clear connection from day-to-day activities that match team and individual goals. Uses time efficiently and effectively to deliver results. Shows commitment to team through collaboration and positive, proactive communication.
• Manages Complexity: By identifying and staying focused on data that is the most critical to understanding problems and finding solutions.
• Decision Quality: Aims to make good independent decisions and takes appropriate action during urgent, non-routine situations.
• Has Courage: Makes progress despite ambiguity or a clear path.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Visual Merchandising management or equivalent required.
• Must be organized and have the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• High level of ownership, accountability, and initiative.
• Proven knowledge and experience in fashion trends, visual merchandising styling techniques and how they relate to specific customers.
• Ability to champion new ideas and drive vision from strategy to execution.
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in written form and build positive relationships to drive innovation and influence key leaders.
• Coaching, teaching and training skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on department and store needs.
• Ability to effectively build relationships with customers, peers and leadership.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organization and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Clear understanding of fashion trends and how it relates to a specific customer.
• Computer proficiency and comfortable learning new computer applications.
• Adobe suite experience (preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Must be able to use ladders and lift heavy items as necessary.
• Some travel will be required.

We’ve got you covered…

Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including:

• Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away.
• Life Insurance and Disability.
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources.

A few more important points...

The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job.

Nordstrom will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at

2022 Nordstrom, Inc.

Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs.

Pay Range Details

The pay range(s) below are provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different in other locations.

Washington: $80,000 - $132,000 annually. This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: