Visual Training Manager

POSITION TITLE: Visual Training Mangers
REPORTS TO: Sr. Visual Training Manager/Regional Visual Leader
STATUS: Full Time Exempt
SUPERVISES: N/A

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Visual Training Manager plays a pivotal role in driving brand consistency, customer engagement, and business success by leading AEO’s visual merchandising strategies in a designated market. Reporting to the Regional Visual Leader, you will lead visual merchandising execution across multiple locations, ensuring alignment with brand standards and business objectives. The Visual Training Manager possesses strong leadership skills, creative vision, and a strategic mindset to inspire and develop field leadership teams while responding to the dynamic needs of a competitive retail environment. As a Visual Training Manager you will embody our values by creating a positive and productive workplace culture acting as a role model for all associates.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads effective translation and execution of AEO’s merchandise vision, in partnership with Field Leadership. This includes ensuring teams understand seasonal trends and customer demand.
• Supports Field Leadership in managing the product lifecycle by advising and assisting with mapping, execution, and product management throughout the entire floorset process.
• Collaborates with the District Team Leader to review floorset maps, identify localized business opportunities, and support strategic decision-making.
• Provides targeted visual merchandising and coaching to Field Leaders; may assist with development plans.
• Empowers Field Leaders to make independent, quality merchandising decisions that elevate the in store presentation and experience; analyzes KPIS to assess effectiveness.
• Demonstrates expert level knowledge of product assortment and key items; stays abreast of current industry trends and relevant competitor visual strategies.
• Conducts regular market visits to evaluate floorset execution and sustainment; captures and shares photos and recaps findings with cross functional partners.
• Participates in Field Visual DOR to enhance effectiveness of visual merchandising tools and resources; optimize processes for Field Leaders to ensure seamless implementation of directives and strategies.
• Actively participates on weekly Field Visual and Regional calls providing valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.
• Develops and sustains key partnerships with Field Leaders, cross functional partners and Store Experience team.
• Partners with Store Team Leader and District Team Leader to interview Merchandise Team Leader candidates; takes an active role in shaping and implementing onboarding plans.
• Collaborates with cross functional teams throughout the New Store Opening process. Leads NSO initiatives in the market including associated training efforts for a successful opening.
• Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Merchandising, Marketing, or related field preferred.
• 3-5 years’ experience in retail management or merchandising.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, provide feedback, and manage performance in a dynamic and fast paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex and competing priorities
• Ability to thrive in diverse environments and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Must possess a strong understanding of the retail landscape
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with and influence field leaders and senior management
• Ability to think strategically, aligning decisions with organizational goals and objectives.
• Self-motivated with strong prioritization, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, planning and project management skills.
• Proficient computer skills - Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other technology preferred.
• Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team.
• Travel is required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Climbing ladders to re-stock and obtain merchandise
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to continually walk, frequently push/pull, occasionally bend/stoop/crawl/reach above shoulders/kneel

Get to Know AEO American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer with a portfolio of beloved apparel brands including American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.  Rooted in optimism, inclusivity and authenticity, AEO’s brands empower every customer to celebrate their unique personal style by offering casual, comfortable, timeless outfitting and high-quality products that are made to last. In addition to a robust e-commerce business, we operate stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with merchandise available in more than 30 countries through a global network of license partners.  At AEO, we believe in the power of our people and our brands. Our Better Together culture creates a mutual desire to succeed–inspiring our community to excel, while driving future growth for the business and associates. Through experience, exposure and education we empower associates to build their unique career journey. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access at AEO We remain committed to building an inclusive culture that is welcoming and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Please see more about our initiatives here. AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law. Applications will be accepted until the Apply Before date (if applicable), but may be extended based on applicant volume.