Graphic Designer & Visual Merchandiser

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Producing any creative, design material on any branding or promotion activity.

Liaising with the marketing team and stakeholders to determine design requirements

Any other reasonable duties requested by line managers

Conducting research on current and future trends in event, design and lifestyle, and associated target market features

Meeting with business, sales managers and retail managers to discuss sales strategies

Identifying and sourcing props, fabrics, hardware and lighting

Maintaining a budget and negotiating with suppliers of visual materials

Working with architectural features of stores to maximise the available space and with marketing and designer to create visuals and PR plans

Creating visual merchandising packs to communicate visual guidelines including layout principles, visual dressings and signage - usually applies to those based in a head office

Visiting all sites for Japan Centre, Ichiba, Yokocho to coach in-store visual merchandising or sales teams to interpret the guidelines and training them in the execution of the visual concept

Assembling or dismantling visual displays in windows and in-store

Leading and motivating teams to complete displays to tight deadlines

Seeking feedback from colleagues and customers on the visual impact of displays and implementing changes.

Liaising with teams such as buying, design and marketing to create design themes and plans, often months in advance, including window and in-store displays, signage and pricing concepts

Making sure to look after shelf well stocked and correct visual

Producing regular seasonal POP using illustrator and photoshop and display correctly in-store

Planning and building up the concept for store visual and working with design team to achieve also maintain it

Maintain stock well for promotional tower and seasonal or key shelf

Checking and looking after restaurant display, window or any seasonal POP-UP display, decoration and installation

PEOPLE

Be a role model, setting an example to colleagues and acting with discretion at all times.

To be actively involved in all colleague related issues and to handle them in a professional manner.

Provide necessary leadership, planning and communication skills to ensure the timely delivery of self-set goals.

Together with the management team, devise and present Company goals and strategy to colleagues to ensure transparency and unity.

Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers, including consultants

Managing and developing colleagues, scheduling and supervising new team members

Determine team staffing needs and recruit staff if and when required

To understand the need for training and development of all colleagues.

Take a proactive approach in training colleagues on their responsibilities regarding Fire Safety, Health and Safety, Food Hygiene and Customer Service.

Responsible for all departmental induction training and on the job training for new members of staff and also newly promoted colleagues.

Through great and engaged leadership, ensure a High Performance Working (HPW) Team is built and reflected in performance standards.

Appraise colleagues (and managers) annually, providing a succession plan; performance managing colleagues as required.

OPERATIONAL

Conducting research on current and future trends in event, design and lifestyle, and associated target market features

Meeting with business, sales managers and retail managers to discuss sales strategies

Identifying and sourcing props, fabrics, hardware and lighting

Maintaining a budget and negotiating with suppliers of visual materials

Working with architectural features of stores to maximise the available space and with marketing and designer to create visuals and PR plans

Creating visual merchandising packs to communicate visual guidelines including layout principles, visual dressings and signage - usually applies to those based in a head office

Visiting Japan Centre sites to coach in-store visual merchandising or sales teams to interpret the guidelines and training them in the execution of the visual concept

Assembling or dismantling visual displays in windows and in-store

Leading and motivating teams to complete displays to tight deadlines

Seeking feedback from colleagues and customers on the visual impact of displays and implementing changes.

Liaising with teams such as buying, design and marketing to create design themes and plans, often months in advance, including window and in-store displays, signage and pricing concepts

FINANCIAL and CONTROLLING COSTS

Maintain Monthly Expenses Budget: keeping record of all expenses on a monthly basis; planning ahead on any projects and/or tasks .

Report Performance data via weekly/monthly/period reports as required – examine trend data and exceptional items, taking corrective steps in a timely manner

Record and report any ordering costs and cash loss

Skills Requested:

2 years of experience in a similar role

Good knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign

Microsoft essential software or Googleworks software

Ability to work on multiple projects and tight deadlines.

Accuracy and High attention to details are essentials.

Japanese language welcome