Vice President, Global Retail Creative & Design
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Work type: Regular (Full-Time)
Location: Orlando
Categories: Merchandise, UDX - Professional Generic
JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President, Global Retail Creative & Design is responsible for defining and leading the global creative vision for retail environments across UDX (Visual Merchandising & Store Design). This role drives the development of innovative, brand-forward store designs and visual merchandising strategies that elevate the guest experience, maximize commercial performance, and ensure consistency across all destinations.
This leader partners cross-functionally to translate business priorities into compelling, scalable retail environments while fostering a high-performing, creative organization.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Define and lead the global visual merchandising and store design strategy, ensuring alignment with brand, IP, and commercial objectives.
- Establish design principles, standards, and governance for store environments, fixtures, and experiential retail formats.
- Balance global consistency with localized creative execution across destinations.
- Ensure all strategies are grounded in operational, financial, and labor realities.
- Partner with Universal Creative and senior leadership to align on long‑term retail vision and capital planning priorities.
- Creative Direction & Experience Development
- Lead end‑to‑end creative concept development for stores, activations, launches, and seasonal programs.
- Oversee visual merchandising strategy, including windows, in‑store displays, graphics, and storytelling aligned to product cadence.
- Direct development of immersive, guest‑centric retail experiences that reflect brand and IP storytelling.
- Partner with Marketing, Franchise, and external licensors to ensure cohesive brand expression and narrative execution.
- Guide go‑to‑market creative strategies that align with target audiences and revenue goals.
- Execution, Delivery, & Operational Excellence
- Oversee end‑to‑end design execution and delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time, within scope, and to brand standards.
- Drive scalable, efficient execution models across global destinations.\
- Ensure creative concepts translate into clear, actionable deliverables for field and project teams.
- Maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and operational feasibility across all implementations.
- Financial Stewardship & Business Performance
- Lead creative decision‑making within established financial frameworks and capital plans.
- Own and manage annual operating budgets, ensuring fiscally responsible allocation of resources.
- Align design and merchandising strategies to drive revenue, guest spend, and overall retail performance.
- Partner with Commercial and Finance teams to evaluate ROI and optimize investment decisions.
- Define and monitor key performance metrics to assess effectiveness of retail environments.
- Leadership, Culture & Capability Building
- Lead and develop a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team of designers, visual merchandisers, and project leaders.
- Build a culture of creativity, innovation, accountability, and execution excellence.
- Provide coaching and mentorship across global and destination‑based teams.
- Drive organizational effectiveness, change management, and continuous improvement.
- Champion company values, inclusion, and a collaborative creative culture.
- Cross‑Functional & Enterprise Collaboration
- Partner with Retail Commercial, Operations, Entertainment, Marketing, Franchise, and Universal Creative to align on business priorities.
- Translate enterprise strategies into compelling retail experiences that drive engagement and revenue.
- Influence cross‑functional decision‑making and resolve competing priorities to achieve aligned outcomes.
- Foster strong relationships with senior leadership to support strategic planning and execution.
- Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor’s degree in creative, marketing, business, or a related field; MBA preferred.
EXPERIENCE:
- 12+ years of experience in visual merchandising, interior design, architecture, creative brand, and/or retail experience development, with a proven track record of driving growth and delivering results; Theme‑park or global retailer experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing managers or senior individual contributors.
- Experience supporting multi‑location retail, park, hospitality, or omnichannel environments.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience managing creative teams and cross‑functional projects.