Manager, Visual Merchandising (India Franchise)

About the Role

The Manager, Visual Merchandising (VMM) plays a key role in driving the overall Gap Inc. franchise and wholesale business in India, working closely with Gap global cross-functional regional teams and collaborating with key franchise partners, including Reliance. India is a fast-growing market globally with multi-channels and formats, and this role is pivotal in sustaining financial performance, supporting the Gap brand grow beyond its 50 standalone stores and 200 shop-in-shops.

As a brand guardian, you will be focused on leading local store experience strategies and campaigns for Pan-India, whilst maintaining global alignment with the US brand. This role is office-based with no direct reports, however, the VMM is responsible for coaching the franchise partner and sub-partners to deliver locally relevant Visual Merchandising (VM) plans that meet global brand standards, applying strategic commercial tactics that drive in-season product performance and financial goals across all retail channels.

We’re looking for a driven and experienced professional a proven track record in managing the full seasonal product lifecycle from planning to launch and strong business acumen. You’ll bring deep expertise in multi-store and regional rollouts, champion local adoption of India-exclusive products, and contribute to store design and new store openings. If you’re an agile, organised problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at balancing multiple priorities with precision and energy, we’d love to have you on our team.

What You'll Do

• Manage all Gap VM responsibilities in India, driving brand relevance and revenue across multi-channel and format partners

• Define and deliver annual and seasonal VM strategies to fuel regional business growth objectives and support cross-functional strategic alignment

• Provide seasonal VM direction to franchise partners such as Reliance and their sub-partners to support seasonal launches across all channels, using window mock-ups, floor plans and in store marketing/signage investment strategies to drive local brand resonance

• Influence franchise partner in-season management actions, by providing visual solutions to improve financial and KPI performance

• Analyse KPI goals, assess how top stores are performing to targets, and collaborate with other departments to put commercial plans in place to achieve and improve long-term results in areas of need

• Validate, develop and launch new stores which meet product, financial and operational requirements, in partnership with Business/Commercial and Store Design teams

• Support the Senior Manager, Visual Merchandising by delivering organisational service level and project work, in line with Gap Inc. strategic priorities and LRP

• Partner closely and effectively with key internal stakeholders and Gap Inc. cross-functional peers: Marketing, Creative, Commercial, Store Design, Learning & Development, Product and Planning

• Build effective partnerships with multiple external franchise business partners, to influence strategic decision-making and execution, driving local campaigns that are in line with the global brand purpose and vision

Who You Are

• Extensive VM experience in a corporate setting (8+ years), with the ability to make strategic and planning decisions to drive maximum return on investment

• Operation within multi-channel (free-standing stores, shop-in-shop, wholesale) and format (family/combo, adults only, children only, outlet) environments

• Solid knowledge of international retail landscape, customer mindset and market sensitivities, with proven evidence of tailoring VM strategies to meet local customer needs

• Experience of working within a franchise/international structure and strong business acumen is essential. The role demands solid understanding of how functional practices and procedures integrate with and impact matrix functions and overall business goals

• Intermediate proficiency in design and layout software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDRAW or equivalent

• Ability to effectively influence and motivate at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally, with excellent communication and presentation skills

• Detail oriented with proven accuracy through self-motivation, accountability and strong entrepreneurial mindset

• A “can-do” attitude, strong collaborator and excels in building relationships as part of an extended cross-functional, remote team

• Excellent project management, planning & organizational skills with an ability to manage competing priorities effectively

• Fluent in both English and Hindi is essential

• Availability for regular domestic travel and occasional international assignments