Manager of Visual Merchandising, Design and Photography (San Francisco, CA)

We are seeking a Manager of Visual Merchandising, Design & Photography on a contract basis to support their business needs. This role works across many disciplines and is responsible for creative design, including Visual Studio photography, photo editing, and visual storytelling that supports the brand’s merchandising strategies. With a strong focus on graphic design and creative execution, the Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional partners to bring the Brand vision to life in stores. Responsibilities • Lead the graphic design and layout of monthly Visual Guide templates, store communication tools, and presentation decks • Develop visual mockups and 3D renderings to bring concepts and in-store experiences to life • Partner with the Director of Visual Design and Creative Services on collateral and prop design for Brand activations and product launches • Execute high-quality studio photography and photo retouching that aligns with brand standards • Translate merchandising strategies into compelling visual tools and assets • Maintain a strong understanding of design trends, photography techniques, and visual merchandising best practices • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Field Visual, Communications, and Translation, to ensure alignment and timely delivery of assets • Support production timelines and deliverables while ensuring consistency and quality across all outputs • Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and tools • Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment • Travel as needed to support store shoots or brand-facing projects Qualifications • 4–6 years of experience in graphic design, photography, and 3D rendering – ideally in a retail or visual merchandising environment • Strong portfolio showcasing creative design and visual storytelling skills • Expert in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and 3D rendering tools; and well versed in collaboration platforms like Figma, Miro, Airtable, and SharePoint • Experience preparing print-ready mechanical files, and collaborating with print vendors • Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment • Strong eye for detail, design trends, and visual curation • Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across teams and influence outcomes • Self-starter with a proactive mindset and a desire to innovate and improve processes