Visual Display Merchandiser - North West of England

Department: Commercial

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Field

Reporting To: Louise Williams

Description

The Visual Display Merchandiser (VDM) is responsible for delivering inspiring, brand-aligned visual merchandising in stores, with a focus on strong commercial execution and creative in-store displays & windows. Reporting into the Visual Display Merchandising Business Partner (VDMBP), the VDM plays a key role in implementing seasonal direction, window schemes, and in-store installations to a high standard. This role does not partner directly with Area Managers and instead works under the guidance of the VDMBP to ensure consistent visual standards and impactful customer experiences.

About Us

We’re a much-loved brand with an exciting future. Our Islanders are a diverse bunch of bright, talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions. This is what a career at River Island is like. And this is where yours starts.

What we can offer you:

💰 Generous 50% staff discount so you can treat yourself to the latest products,

🛒 Reducing Islanders everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more through the Retail Trust.

🎉 Various social events to socialise throughout the year.

🤎 Every family is unique, we support Islanders with all different family setups enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility treatment. We also work closely with the Retail Trust to create dedicated support for all our Islanders!

💕 Give as you earn scheme, a ‘Giver Island’ day each year and receive matched funding.

🎓 Support with upskilling through on the job training and qualifications. A succession plan if you want to progress.

☀️ 23 days paid holiday, exclusive of Bank Holidays. With the added option to purchase additional holiday twice a year for whatever the need!

Keeping You Safe

At River Island we are committed to the safeguarding of all of our employees regardless of age or job role. We will fulfil our obligation under the Prevent duty which seeks to stop extremism and extremist views from materialising in our business. We promote and encourage the belief in British Values- including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. To find out more, please visit www.gov.uk.

Our Island is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We will consider flexible working requests for all roles unless operational requirements prevent otherwise. To find out more about this interview process, check out our hiring process below.

Responsibilities

1. Coaching & Training

Coach, inspire, and upskill retail store teams to deliver high standards in windows & mannequin dressing/styling with a clear commercial focus.
Support VDMBP to ensure basic visual merchandising principles are well understood and implemented clearly to drive consistency.
Support VDMBP to build collaborative relationships across Retail to help drive visual capability and overall performance.

2. Visual Merchandising Execution

Deliver consistent visual merchandising standards across allocated stores, ensuring compliance with VM directives.
Tailor execution to individual store layouts while maintaining core brand integrity and message.
Use model stores and visual guidelines as a reference to ensure alignment with wider business expectations.
Support the VDMBP and store teams in creating visually commercial floor layouts and product zoning.

3. Display & Creative (In-store Installations)

Execute eye-catching window schemes and in-store displays in line with brand guidelines and seasonal campaigns.
Support visual installations during store openings, refits, launches, and promotional events.
Style mannequins and manage product presentation in a way that drives sales and brand identity.

4. Commercial Impact

Maximise commercial opportunities through impactful visual merchandising execution.
Ensure key product stories are clearly communicated through displays and layouts.
React quickly to trade reports and sales feedback by adjusting visual merchandising strategies accordingly.

5. Collaboration & Support

Work closely with the VDMBP and wider VM team to deliver consistent execution.
Support store managers and retail teams in bringing visual strategies to life.
Share feedback and insights with VM leadership to continually evolve best practices.

Previous experience in a visual merchandising role within fashion retail.
Strong styling skills and a good eye for detail.
Ability to coach, motivate, and influence store teams.
Commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity and business needs.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Flexible to travel across stores and work varying hours when required (e.g., store openings, refits).

About Us

Keeping You Safe

Responsibilities

About River Island