Manager, Retail Design and Visual Merchandising

Company: Universal Orlando
Location: Orlando
Posted on: March 19, 2023

Job Description:

Universal Orlando Resort believes in-person collaboration is key to our success. Many of our Team Members work in a hybrid capacity, contributing from the workplace a minimum of three days per week. Some remote opportunities are available within specific departments. There are also roles that require being on-site full time. You'll learn more about this during the application process.JOB SUMMARY: Manage the development of Product Presentation Strategies for UP & E Retail globally, with a focus on Universal Parks & Resorts. Accountable for VM displays and fixtures; from Retail and Design to Concept phases; providing 3D design renderings and attaining approvals prior to administering approved VM concepts to parks and/or project teams. Must work closely with UP& E business partners, Park Revenue Operators and VM teams, Universal Creative, Marketing, Brand Managers or Brand IP Holders as needed. Will drive process and project management of the VM Concept and Fixture Projects by establishing timelines, drive adherence to schedules, communicate updates, review and comment as needed through design development, fabrication and/or installation. An end goal is the development of immersive and experiential retail stores with branded product presentations that produce favorable emotional guest responses and deliver strong financial results. VM concepts must address the needs of the overall merchandise strategy to maximize financial performance and maintain our brand's creative standards.MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for the conceptualization and development of fixture and display designs in support of select projects:
  
  • Fixture development and assist in space planning for new stores and renovations; Symphony strategies, park events, or theatrical releases; Window display and interior visuals development for product launches; New Retail locations.
  • Develop fixture plans and bubble plans as needed on a project-by- project basis. Coordinate projects with UP&E product development partners, the park revenue operation teams, Universal Creative teams, and other UPR partner organizations as needed to create designs that enhance our retail experiences and address product strategies and regional or guest-specific needs.
  • Project manage VM design projects and fixture projects to ensure important deliverables are met:
    
    • Project status tracking and regular communication coordination. Work to keep others informed of project status.
    • Establish timelines and drive adherence to schedule.
    • Document final installations, sales information, completion photos.
    • Partner with Park VM teams or Universal Creative project teams providing VMSD and retail support as needed:
      
      • Review and comment of SD, DD, CD drawings as well as shop drawings of retail fixtures, utilizing Bluebeam Revu, Aconex software, and other means to ensure UPRGM Fixture Design Standards are met. Assist in follow-up and collaboration to find effective solutions to comments identified in the document reviews.
      • Advocate and promote the UPR Merchandise & Fixture Design Standards and Guidelines (Metric and Imperial versions).
      • Adjust any proposed VM concepts to meet any specific park needs. Assist in development of production and installation if necessary.
      • Develop and coordinate installation of vendor fixtures as needed.
      • Support sharing of best practices and specifications in projects globally:
        
        • Research, recommend, and promote new fixture materials, technologies, lighting, etc. to enhance retail stores globally.
        • Support presentation of best practices to all parks globally and archive them.
        • On-going development of UPR Global Merchandise (UPRGM) Fixture Design Standards and Guidelines:
          
          • Advocate for and manage the fixture standards and guidelines to ensure global compliance.
          • Fixture development for fixture design standards and guidelines documents, imperial, and metric (on-going development of them).
          • Manage archives of projects: all design drawings, creative documents, important correspondence, and art assets:
            
            • Solicit and gather relevant project information of various formats from different colleagues and organizations within all parks and external partners.
            • Keep updated on software required to manage the archive and share the documents.
            • Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
            • Performs other duties as assigned.EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design, or Industrial Design as well as graphic design skills.EXPERIENCE:
              • 5+ years Interior design or architectural firm, similar creative agency, or corporate VM experience;
              • or equivalent combination of education and experience.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
                • Proficiency in AutoCAD required as well as additional comparable 3D design software: Sketch-up, Revit etc. Proficient in Adobe Creative suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
                • Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
                • Passion and desire to be in the Retail design or Visual Merchandising industries, and in interest to collaborate with other creatives, intellectual properties, brand licensors, and product developers.
                • Detail oriented, keen aesthetic sense. Knowledge of furniture or fixture design, production or sourcing is helpful.Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & - 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE

Keywords: Universal Orlando, Orlando , Manager, Retail Design and Visual Merchandising, Executive , Orlando, Florida