Overview:
The Manager, Visual Merchandising Production - Americas, is responsible for the planning and execution of activities related to production ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within budget and meet required quality/standards with flawless install. Key responsibilities include bidding multiple vendors to maximize budget efficiency, overseeing quality control with strict adherence to luxury standards and frequent communication as well as formal reporting on project progress, timelines, key milestones and resource allocation against budget.
Most importantly, this position will oversee production and installation of creative assets for new stores including façades and internal fixtures requiring thorough reviews of millwork CADS and close collaboration with internal stakeholders as well as external vendors to ensure proper engineering and execution of elements. The Production Manager will also act as a key collaborative partner to the Tiffany Landmark VM team as well as support production of special projects for the broader Americas network.
This role necessitates strategic vendor management with the ability to negotiate competitive rates and effectively communicate all creative, technical and logistical requirements. Strong organization and effective data management will also be essential.
The position is based in our New York office but will require travel for new store openings and supplier visits to ensure production quality and engineering are ready prior to final installations.
Responsibilities
New Store Openings
Cost optimization:
Continuously evaluate and optimize VM-related activities for new store openings, identifying cost-saving opportunities in the production and installation processes and negotiating costs with local vendors. Carefully review upcoming projects and relevant millwork CADs to validate proper engineering of all VM-related elements, working with Global and Americas leads to secure any missing details. Report on design inconsistencies to key internal stakeholders and local vendor(s) overseeing production and installation. Work with Procurement to draft SOWs and negotiate terms with local vendors to secure competitive pricing for long-term VM initiatives for new stores (campaign changeouts/installation). Manage scheduling and quality of projects throughout the entire process of planning, production, and implementation. Oversee VM initiatives onsite, ensuring that all installations are cost-effective and any potential budget overruns are proactively addressed. Frequent communication of overall project health to key stakeholders through formal status reports and meetings, sharing regular feedback and photo reports with NY head-office teams and business partners to maximize visibility.Cost tracking:
Meticulously track Global CVM expenditure for each New Store Opening to ensure CVM related costs stay within budgetary constraints. Send bi-weekly budget reports to market stakeholders to ensure alignment on budget.Data management:
Manage database of millwork shop drawings, renderings, and DD-sets from Store Planning and Store Design.Form Orders:
Support VM Manager on all NSO form orders using Store Planning millwork drawings. Facilitate form ordering process by serving as main point of contact for latest floorplans and millwork drawings and determining required form quantities per fixture. Optimize form ordering process for new store openings with a strong focus on cost reduction and form productivity, eliminating redundancies and reducing waste.Landmark
Proactively meet with Global CVM and Landmark VM leads to review Landmark projects. Establish a comprehensive calendar to accurately forecast timelines, key milestones, and resource allocation against VM budget. Establish ownership of the production process for Landmark related projects, initiating a competitive bidding process with multiple vendors to ensure optimal pricing while ensuring luxury standards are met. Oversee production and quality control for approved projects with corresponding retro-calendars to ensure timely and organized deliveries. Communicate with head office and Landmark VM leads on renderings, budget, production, vendor management and implementation.Regional
Lead production efforts for regional VM projects, special facades, and seasonal activations, coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality results while maximizing budget efficiency through competitive bids and economies of scale. In partnership with Americas VM Director, evaluate regional requests and forecast costs. Draft and communicate creative briefs to Global CVM for alignment and approval and develop action plan and timeline for execution. Initiate development and production process with local vendor(s) on approved designs, ensuring timely delivery, cost efficiency, and seamless communication with vendors and cross-functional teams. Serve as the in-house resource on VM production, working cross functionally with internal departments (events/operations/store planning). Apply a broad understanding of materials, engineering, and manufacturing processes to lift overall quality and final execution. Work with Logistics to coordinate deliverables to and from onsite location(s), prioritizing cost savings around freight and storage within tight deadlines. Contribute to the conceptualization and development of modular displays, tools, processes, and tactile execution to improve overall efficacy of regional programs.Required Qualifications:
5+ years’ experience in Visual Merchandising, with strong background in design and production (preferably in a global and matrixed environment) Advanced knowledge of technical design, standard quality means and materials in construction and millwork Proven ability to spearhead all operational and administrative aspects of VM with extensive Vendor management experience Strong communication skills and ability to present ideas through 2D drawings 3D rendering capabilities a plus Complete understanding of design drawings and store planning documentation Prior experience supporting new store openings Experience in budget management and strong business acumen Exceptional organizational, communication and negotiation skills Proficient in Adobe illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Sketch-up or comparable and Office Suite Ambitious, enthusiastic, and flexible Regular travel required Ability to travel internationally Basic knowledge of jewelry and jewelry display a plusThe hiring range for this position ranges from $107,100 - 151,200. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience.