AKIRA is hiring: Visual Operations Manager in Orland Park
AKIRA, Orland Park, IL, United States
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women’s clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has expanded to 40+ stores across the United States and a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is positioned for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.
AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: other‑worldly customer service and fanatical, obsessive attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees is to act and think like an owner, a belief reflected across all areas of the company.
AKIRA Visual Operations Manager
Position Overview
As a Visual Manager, you oversee all visual and operational aspects of the store, leading a team of 4 to 20 individuals depending on size. This role combines creativity and strategy—you interpret sales data, design impactful displays, and craft visual stories that drive results. Success requires balancing artistry with analysis, taking decisive action through strategic merchandising to ensure both aesthetic appeal and sales performance.
Essential Functions
Independently prioritize in‑store merchandising tasks each day by assessing aesthetic needs, analyzing and incorporating weekly selling data.
Effectively execute all in‑store merchandising tasks according to company guidelines, including floor layout adjustments, rack merchandising, table displays, wall displays, accessory displays, sales floor and window mannequin styling, and promotional displays.
Communicate regularly with store management staff to ensure merchandising meets the needs of the business and aids in sales.
Partner with the leadership team to maintain standards throughout the store and participate in all tasks, including cleaning tasks when changing displays.
Complete daily and weekly visual and operations evaluations; summarize merchandising tasks and plan future actions to drive the business forward.
Elevate the customer experience by supporting sales: connecting customers to stylists and managing the floor, cash wrap, and fitting rooms to minimize wait times.
Support the leadership team by participating in all functions of the business, including talent recruitment and performance management.
Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of experience in visual merchandising.
Strong knowledge of fashion and current trends.
Efficient and quick‑paced, whether working independently or as part of a team.
Willingness to work early mornings and/or occasional late nights.
Excited to contribute to a dynamic and fun work environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
Flexible with scheduling, including extended hours when needed.
Physical Requirements
Move product, supplies, and/or boxes repetitively; ability to push, pull, lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including a 10‑12 hour shift.
Travel
Open to occasional travel to support other stores.
Benefits And Perks
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, flex transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We are committed to internal growth and providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Compensation
At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
Job Type
Full‑Time
At AKIRA, we believe in breaking down the barriers of the traditional retail experience and embracing the individuality of both our team and our clients. We are looking for extraordinary individuals who thrive on creativity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Join our team and become part of a culture that values diversity, fosters personal growth, and encourages out‑of‑the‑box thinking.
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AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: other‑worldly customer service and fanatical, obsessive attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees is to act and think like an owner, a belief reflected across all areas of the company.
AKIRA Visual Operations Manager
Position Overview
As a Visual Manager, you oversee all visual and operational aspects of the store, leading a team of 4 to 20 individuals depending on size. This role combines creativity and strategy—you interpret sales data, design impactful displays, and craft visual stories that drive results. Success requires balancing artistry with analysis, taking decisive action through strategic merchandising to ensure both aesthetic appeal and sales performance.
Essential Functions
Independently prioritize in‑store merchandising tasks each day by assessing aesthetic needs, analyzing and incorporating weekly selling data.
Effectively execute all in‑store merchandising tasks according to company guidelines, including floor layout adjustments, rack merchandising, table displays, wall displays, accessory displays, sales floor and window mannequin styling, and promotional displays.
Communicate regularly with store management staff to ensure merchandising meets the needs of the business and aids in sales.
Partner with the leadership team to maintain standards throughout the store and participate in all tasks, including cleaning tasks when changing displays.
Complete daily and weekly visual and operations evaluations; summarize merchandising tasks and plan future actions to drive the business forward.
Elevate the customer experience by supporting sales: connecting customers to stylists and managing the floor, cash wrap, and fitting rooms to minimize wait times.
Support the leadership team by participating in all functions of the business, including talent recruitment and performance management.
Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of experience in visual merchandising.
Strong knowledge of fashion and current trends.
Efficient and quick‑paced, whether working independently or as part of a team.
Willingness to work early mornings and/or occasional late nights.
Excited to contribute to a dynamic and fun work environment.
Excellent organizational, communication, and time‑management skills.
Flexible with scheduling, including extended hours when needed.
Physical Requirements
Move product, supplies, and/or boxes repetitively; ability to push, pull, lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including a 10‑12 hour shift.
Travel
Open to occasional travel to support other stores.
Benefits And Perks
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, flex transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We are committed to internal growth and providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Compensation
At AKIRA, we are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job‑related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
Job Type
Full‑Time
At AKIRA, we believe in breaking down the barriers of the traditional retail experience and embracing the individuality of both our team and our clients. We are looking for extraordinary individuals who thrive on creativity, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Join our team and become part of a culture that values diversity, fosters personal growth, and encourages out‑of‑the‑box thinking.
#J-18808-Ljbffr