Store Design & Visual Merchandising Manager

Overview

Squishable is a close-knit team of designers, artists, pop culture-fanatics, and lovers of all things adorable. Together we create the cutest, cuddliest, (and sometimes downright unusual) plush and lifestyle products in the world. With the millions-strong Squishable fan community cheering us on (and a lot of cupcakes, coffee, and karaoke) we make people say "a Our offices are in a sunny Soho loft in NYC, and downtown Washington DC.

Head of Visual Merchandising

Job Summary : We are looking for a Head of Visual Merchandising to help shape the look, feel, and flow of Squishable stores nationwide. This role owns the visual strategy, overseeing store layouts, seasonal presentations, and brand installations that bring the Squishable experience to life. This role combines strategy with execution, ensuring our stores are engaging, cohesive, and consistently aligned with brand standards. You’ll collaborate across teams, manage vendors, and lead a small team to maintain a great in-store experience across our growing fleet of stores.

This role requires 5–7 years of experience in store design and visual merchandising, including at least 1–2 years managing a team. Retail experience is required; toy or specialty retail experience is a plus. Candidates must be comfortable with up to 50% travel to Squishable stores nationwide.

Responsibilities

Drive retail visual strategy : Originate and advance the retail store design concepts and in-store experiences for a fleet of stores across the country, including new store layouts, seasonal presentations, specialty installations, and reacting to the changing needs of an evolving brand.

Lead brand-focused design execution : Create and maintain visual guidelines, store standards, and brand directives, ensuring consistency with brand identity and retail best practices.

Manage implementation across the fleet : Oversee the design of new store openings, remodels, seasonal refreshes, and ongoing execution, working closely with cross-functional partners, external vendors, and store teams. Provide guidance and training to ensure standards are consistently upheld.

Inspire innovation and trend adoption : Monitor retail, design, and cultural trends to proactively evolve Squishable’s in-store experience and keep the brand fresh, fun, and relevant.

Lead and develop a team : Manage and mentor a small team of direct reports, fostering creativity and accountability while building strong collaboration with store and HQ partners.

Execute hands-on implementation : Participate directly in bringing the visual strategy to life in stores—building fixtures, setting displays, and ensuring that design concepts translate seamlessly from plan to physical execution.

Requirements

5–7 years of experience in store design and visual merchandising management, with at least 1–2 years of experience managing a team.

Strong working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Google Suite, and related design tools.

Proficiency in SketchUp preferred.

Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills; ability to balance creative vision with operational execution.

Up-to-date knowledge of retail design trends and best practices, with the ability to apply them to a playful, brand-focused retail environment.

Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time and lift up to 40 lbs. unassisted.

Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time across the U.S. to support store openings, installations, trainings, and visual rollouts.

Benefits

401(k) matching

Dental Insurance

Medical insurance (100% employer paid option!)

Vision insurance

Paid time off (18 days of PTO per year, plus 2 floating holidays and 9 recognized company holidays!)

Generous Employee Discount

Work Location

Hybrid; must be comfortable commuting to the NYC office 4-days a week.

Equal Opportunity

At Squishable, Inc. we value, celebrate, and support diversity and inclusivity across our community and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skillsets. We do not discriminate against any applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

#J-18808-Ljbffr