Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Visual Consultant

💰 $75,000 - $120,000

DesignMarketingRetailConsultingBrand Strategy

🎯 Role Definition

As a Visual Consultant, you are the architect of our brand's visual narrative. You will be instrumental in translating brand strategy into compelling, multi-channel visual experiences that captivate our audience and drive business objectives. This strategic and creative role requires a keen eye for design, a deep understanding of consumer behavior, and the ability to lead projects from concept to execution. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and product development, to ensure a cohesive and impactful brand presentation across all touchpoints, from in-store merchandising to digital campaigns.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Visual Merchandiser / Senior Visual Merchandiser
  • Graphic Designer / Brand Designer
  • Retail or Brand Marketing Coordinator
  • Store Designer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Visual Consultant / Lead Consultant
  • Art Director / Creative Director
  • Head of Visual Merchandising
  • Brand Strategy Director

Lateral Moves:

  • Brand Strategist
  • Customer Experience (CX) Manager
  • Marketing or Creative Project Manager
  • UX/UI Designer (with upskilling)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, conceptualize, and implement innovative visual merchandising strategies for retail environments, pop-ups, and trade shows to maximize product visibility and drive sales.
  • Create and maintain comprehensive visual standards manuals and guidelines to ensure brand consistency across all physical and digital locations.
  • Design compelling in-store customer journeys, focusing on layout, circulation, product placement, and interactive displays to enhance the overall shopping experience.
  • Conduct regular market research and competitor analysis to identify emerging trends in visual merchandising, retail design, and consumer behavior.
  • Lead the end-to-end design process for window displays, from initial concept sketches and mood boards to sourcing props and overseeing installation.
  • Collaborate directly with clients or internal stakeholders to understand their brand identity, business goals, and target audience, translating these needs into actionable visual strategies.
  • Present and pitch visual concepts, strategies, and post-project analyses to senior leadership and key decision-makers with confidence and clarity.
  • Manage budgets for visual projects, including sourcing materials, props, fixtures, and vendors, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within financial parameters.
  • Train and mentor in-store teams and other staff members on the effective implementation and maintenance of visual merchandising standards.
  • Analyze sales data, foot traffic patterns, and customer feedback to measure the effectiveness of visual initiatives and make data-driven adjustments.
  • Create detailed planograms and floor plans using specialized software to ensure standardized and optimized product presentation.
  • Partner with marketing and e-commerce teams to ensure a cohesive visual narrative between offline and online channels.
  • Oversee the sourcing, selection, and procurement of fixtures, lighting, mannequins, and other visual elements that align with the brand aesthetic.
  • Lead the visual direction for photoshoots, ensuring that product styling and environmental context align with campaign goals and brand identity.
  • Develop visual strategies for new store openings, including store layout consultation, fixture planning, and opening week execution support.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for external partners, such as architects, contractors, and print vendors, for all visual-related projects.
  • Drive sustainability initiatives within visual merchandising by sourcing eco-friendly materials and designing reusable display components.
  • Create compelling digital mockups and 3D renderings (using tools like SketchUp or similar) to help stakeholders visualize proposed concepts.
  • Adapt global visual directives for local markets, ensuring relevance while maintaining core brand integrity.
  • Plan and execute the visual presentation for major product launches and seasonal campaigns across all relevant channels.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist marketing and social media teams by providing visually compelling assets and direction for digital campaigns.
  • Contribute to the ongoing evolution of the company's core brand guidelines and visual identity system.
  • Partner with product development and packaging teams to provide expert input on product presentation and unboxing experiences.
  • Provide creative input and visual expertise during cross-functional project planning and strategic brainstorming sessions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for creating mockups, presentations, and print-ready files.
  • 3D Modeling Software: Strong skills in SketchUp, AutoCAD, or similar software for creating detailed store layouts and 3D renderings.
  • Planogram Software: Experience with JDA, Spaceman, or other planogramming tools to optimize product placement.
  • Project Management Tools: Proficiency in tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com to manage complex project timelines and deliverables.
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced skills in PowerPoint for creating impactful presentations and Excel for budget management and data analysis.
  • Visual Presentation: Ability to create high-quality mood boards, mockups, and client-facing presentations that clearly articulate visual concepts.

Soft Skills

  • Visual Storytelling: A natural ability to craft compelling narratives through the strategic use of imagery, color, space, and product.
  • Creative & Innovative Thinking: The capacity to generate original ideas and solve problems with a fresh, design-oriented perspective.
  • Communication & Presentation: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas persuasively to diverse audiences.
  • Client Relationship Management: A strong aptitude for building rapport, understanding client needs, and managing expectations throughout a project lifecycle.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect visual initiatives directly to broader business objectives like sales growth, brand loyalty, and market penetration.
  • Attention to Detail: An impeccable eye for detail, ensuring flawless execution in every aspect of a visual presentation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree or specialized professional certifications in design or brand strategy.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Visual Merchandising / Communication
  • Graphic Design / Interior Design
  • Marketing / Brand Management
  • Fashion Merchandising

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5-8 years of progressive experience in visual merchandising, retail design, or a related creative field.

Preferred: Demonstrable experience in a senior or lead creative role within a multi-store retail organization, design agency, or corporate branding environment is highly preferred. A strong portfolio showcasing a variety of projects (retail, digital, event) is required.

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