The posting
Cole Haan became an independently owned company again in 2013 and is growing rapidly in the US and abroad. We have earned a unique leadership position in the marketplace as a pioneer of goods that are as functional and versatile as they are crafted—most notably through our ZerøGrand and GrandSeries products. We are reinventing the world of modern footwear, handbags and accessories for consumers who seek style, versatility, and innovative comfortable function in their products.
The company’s worldwide headquarters is in Greenland, NH, with offices in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, Amsterdam, Dubai and sourcing offices in Asia. Cole Haan is sold in more than 600 retail stores globally, digital platforms around the world and within our department store and specialty retail partners.
We seek hard-working team members who are entrepreneurial-minded, solutions-oriented who accept and own accountability, model integrity, value individuality and diversity, encourage teamwork and inspire creativity.
TITLE: Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising – Wholesale & International (Retail Stores)
JOB MISSION: The Associate Manager, Visual Merchandising will report into the Senior Manager, Visual Merchandising – Wholesale & International (Retail Stores) and is based out of our New York City office location. This role is responsible for supporting the management of the customer journey through visual merchandising across Cole Haan’s wholesale and international retail stores, with a direct reporting line to the Sr. Manager of Visual Merchandising – Wholesale & International (Retail Stores). It ensures that seasonal product stories, brand initiatives, and merchandising strategies are executed consistently and effectively to elevate the in-store customer experience and drive sales.
The role at times may work closely with Buying, Planning, Marketing, and Store Operations to align messaging and maintain high brand standards across the fleet. It also supports field teams by providing training, tools, and clear visual direction approved by the Sr. Manager of Visual Merchandising – Wholesale & International (Retail Stores).
CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Visual Merchandising and Product Presentation - DTC Partners with Sr. Manager Visual Merchandising – DTC to create industry leading storytelling and innovative design solutions in partnership with Design Leadership and Brand Marketing. Research creative trends in both competitive and parallel markets and applies that knowledge to the development of forward-thinking design solutions for the Cole Haan brand. Anticipate and resolve creative challenges independently when needed. Contributes to the development and implementation of monthly floor sets, window displays, and promotional directives, with a focus on the full-price inline retail channel Partner with store teams and District Managers to ensure executional excellence and support store performance Regularly review store performance and visual execution, providing actionable feedback based on layout and business needs Contributes to the coordination and support of new store openings, remodels, and fixture installations—both in person and virtually—in partnership with cross-functional teams Contributes to the delivery of seasonal training and visual tools to store teams to ensure brand consistency and in-store excellence Manage the sourcing and distribution of props, signage, and other visual elements in partnership with Visual Operations Act as a brand ambassador, maintaining deep knowledge of store layouts, merchandising principles, and visual best practices Support and oversee key markets through in-person and virtual visits to provide training and elevate visual standards Collaborate with the broader Visual Merchandising team to support in-office and external initiatives as needed
- Vendor and Project Support: Assist in managing vendor partnerships to ensure the timely execution of visual merchandising projects, including: Supporting seasonal window installations (props, printed materials) Coordinating shipping, logistics, and deliveries for stores Helping with procurement of kit of parts, fixtures, furniture, bust forms, and visual elements for existing and new stores Supporting showroom installations across North America and with licensing partners
- System and Budget co-management: Assisting in managing databases such as global store lists, visual merchandising budgets, kit of parts and fixtures, and evergreen prop lists
- Assist in tracking the Visual Merchandising Department’s budget, including: Supporting the processing of invoices and reconciling purchases Helping manages vendor onboarding and Project Approval Forms (PAFs) Assisting in tracking spending and ensuring budget adherence
- 5+ years of visual merchandising experience in fashion, footwear, or retail
- Strong hands-on experience in in-store merchandising, with field and/or corporate exposure
- Strong ability to multi-task, work under tight deadlines, and manage time efficiently to meet the needs of our partners and consumers
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Management experience required; can be from either a corporate or retail environment
- Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
- Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills
- Ability to travel domestically and support physical installations as needed
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred
Base Salary/Hourly Range: From $80,000 to $100,000 annually*
Bonus Eligibility: Yes, eligible for annual target bonus based on company and individual performance
Benefits Offered: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Care, Health Savings Accounts, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Parental Leave, Holidays and Cole Haan Discounts
*Rate of pay dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience
This position is not available to be performed in Colorado.
