VM Implementation Manager

The Body Shop

When Anita Roddick founded The Body Shop in 1976, she had a vision. Business as a force for good – that’s us. Over 40 years later, we’re proud to be pioneering cruelty-free beauty every step of the way. We’re the original ethical beauty brand. We’ve got a thing for empowering people and enriching our planet. We’re all about keeping it real, in every way possible. Our activist roots remain a huge part of everything we do, from our iconic window posters to our vegetarian products to our infamous campaigns. We’re never afraid to stand up and speak the truth. We like to do things a little differently around here. 

The Body Shop is committed to generating positive economic, social and environmental impact. We’re fighting for what we believe in now more than ever. No holding back. Breaking the mould has always come naturally to us, and we need someone who’s not afraid to mix things up. 

Your role in a nutshell

The VM Implementation Manager is responsible for leading the practical delivery and execution of visual merchandising initiatives across the UK market. This role focuses on turning global visual direction into high-quality in-store implementation, ensuring new store openings, refits, campaigns, flagship activations and brand events are delivered on time, on budget and to the required standard. Working cross-functionally with retail, marketing, Global VM and store teams, the role ensures visual plans are effectively localised, communicated and embedded across all relevant retail formats.

More about the role

• Lead the implementation of visual merchandising initiatives across the UK market, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment with brand standards.
• Plan and deliver new store openings, refits, flagship executions and campaign rollouts, coordinating all visual elements including POS, props, print and installation schedules.
• Translate global visual merchandising direction into practical, market-relevant implementation plans for UK stores and other retail formats, including wholesale support where required.
• Manage end-to-end execution of in-store campaigns, ensuring all visual activity is delivered accurately, on time and in line with commercial and operational requirements.
• Conduct regular store visits to review implementation standards, identify opportunities for improvement and ensure campaigns and visual guidelines are executed correctly.
• Partner closely with the Global VM team and key internal stakeholders to support implementation of new concepts, with the UK acting as a lead trial market where applicable.
• Deliver high-impact visual execution for PR events, conferences and marketing activations where the brand has a physical presence.
• Coordinate and manage budgets relating to UK POS, print and visual activity, ensuring cost-effective delivery without compromising quality; negotiate pricing, service agreements and contract renewals
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with external printing companies; manage end to end relationship with vendor as main business POC & issue resolution
• Host regular business reviews and performance meetings with vendors to ensure meeting agreed requirements
• Create, adapt and communicate clear implementation guidelines to support store teams in executing visual standards that reflect the UK assortment and trading priorities.
• Train, coach and support store teams to build capability, consistency and confidence in delivering visual merchandising initiatives effectively.
• Work independently in a field-based capacity while maintaining strong collaboration with office-based teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor execution outcomes and provide feedback, recommendations and implementation insight to support continuous improvement.

What we look for

• Proven experience in visual merchandising, retail implementation or a similar delivery-focused role.
• Experience managing store openings, refits, campaigns or retail activations from planning through to execution.
• Strong project management, organisation and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Experience coaching and supporting store teams to deliver consistent visual standards.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how visual execution supports customer experience and sales performance.
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability and confidence managing budgets and implementation logistics.
• Self-motivated, proactive and comfortable working independently in a field-based role with travel.

Measures of Success

• Visual merchandising campaigns, store openings, refits and activations are implemented on time and to the required brand standard.
• Stores deliver consistent, high-quality execution of visual guidelines across the UK market.
• Implementation plans are clearly communicated and understood by store and cross-functional teams.
• Store visits and feedback demonstrate strong compliance, attention to detail and continuous improvement in execution.
• Budgets for POS, print and visual implementation are effectively managed and controlled.
• Stakeholder feedback from Global VM, retail and marketing teams reflects strong collaboration and reliable delivery.
• Store teams are equipped, trained and confident to execute visual merchandising initiatives successfully.
• Visual implementation supports commercial objectives, customer experience and brand presentation.

Talent Drivers

Leadership

Purpose

Collaborative Skills

Personal Conduct

Commerciality