Visual Assistant - Marks & Spencer

Job description / Role

Visual Assistant - Marks & Spencer - Deira City Centre

Marks & Spencer is one of the UK's leading retailers. A member of the Al-Futtaim Group of companies since 1998, the Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim franchise partnership currently operates 12 stores located in the United Arab Emirates, making the Yas Island our 13th UAE location. Marks & Spencer offers an extensive range of stylish, high quality products including womenswear, lingerie, menswear, kidswear, home, beauty, and food.

We are looking ro recruit a Visual Assistant to join our Marks & Spencer team in our new store openingin Yas Island Mall, Abu Dhabi.

In this role you will be responsible for:

* Accurately implement all company Visual Merchandising policies.
* Implement easy to shop store grids.
* Use the appropriate product handing techniques on different types of equipment.
* Implement well styled mannequins in line with the styling policy.
* Implement window display guidelines on time and on brand.
* Be aware of key business information e.g. sales information, store and company best sellers, weekly selling and marketing news and identify potential sales opportunities.
* Have a good understanding of the brand customer profile and how it may differ slightly between stores.
* Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of equipment and ensure its correct usage.
* Ensure decor is procured when appropriate and implement in line with decor policy and guidelines.
* Assist implement seasonal launches and events on time and on brand.
* Be aware of both store and company best sellers.
* Have an awareness of competitor activities and trends within Visual Merchandising.
* Work effectively and communicate regularly with store colleagues and VM Manager to ensure brand consistency.
* Deliver great standards of service to customers.
* Be prepared to work both on your own and as part of a team.
* VM checklist to be maintained and adhered to.
* Liaise with the Store Managers everyday for updates on VM processes / requirements / people

Requirements

To be successful in winning this role, you will be able to demonstrate:

* Bachelor's degree or a diploma in internal design, fine arts or other related area of study from an accredited institution.
* Ability to identify business opportunities and develop solutions
* Good English communication skills
* Proficiency in MS Office applications
* Ability to work under pressure
* Previous merchandising experience is an advantage

About the Company

Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.

The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.

The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.