Vice President, Global Retail Creative & Design

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:

• Vision Strategy & Design Governance
  • 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:

• Bachelors 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.

Your talent skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E)
At Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E) we transform iconic stories into products and experiences fans can wear play collect and enjoy every day. From the thrilling universe of Jurassic World to the fun of Minions and the timeless magic of Back to the Future we bring beloved franchises to life far beyond the screen.
Founded in 2016 UP&E combines the energy of a startup with the reach of a global leader. Our mission is bold yet simple: to take imagination beyond the screen through innovative products immersive retail and unforgettable theme park experiences. Partnering with world class licensees and creators we deliver toys fashion collectibles games and lifestyle products across parks retail and digital platforms worldwide.
Creativity technology and storytelling are at the heart of everything we do. As part of Universal Destinations & Experiences youll join a collaborative inclusive global team where every voice mattershelping us be an employer of choice for top talent and a partner of choice for retailers licensees and creators. If youre ready to bring imagination to life and create moments that matter your adventure starts here.
Join us and help create moments that matter.
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