Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987. Since its inception, the company has carefully cultivated a rich repository of products for skin, hair, and body, which are formulated with meticulous attention to detail and with efficacy and sensory pleasure in mind. Aesop operates across a global network of signature stores, counters, and online platforms, each reflecting a deep commitment to thoughtful design and meaningful human experience.
POSITION PURPOSE
The Visual Merchandiser Lead is a key creative and commercial leader within Aesop Taiwan's marketing team. This role is responsible for translating global brand directives into locally resonant visual experiences — ensuring that every physical touchpoint reflects Aesop's aesthetic standards with precision, sensitivity, and commercial intent.
This position requires both a sophisticated creative eye and a pragmatic, hands-on approach to execution. The VM Lead acts as a brand guardian, a team mentor, and a strategic partner to the retail and store design teams.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Campaign and Retail VM Management
- Interpret and translate DMI (Global) visual concepts into in-store VM installations that are locally adapted to Taiwan's cultural and business context
- Lead the full visual execution of all Marketing and CRM events, ensuring storytelling coherence across all store formats
- Oversee end-to-end management of all printed materials/ POSM, from briefing to production to installation, maintaining brand standards throughout
- Develop and execute in-store display strategies aligned with business priorities and seasonal calendars
- Collaborate closely with Retail Team and Retail Ops to facilitate smooth product navigation and support KPI achievement
- Analyse the performance impact of VM actions and translate insights into actionable recommendations for the next
- Champion and protect Aesop's visual identity and aesthetic integrity across all physical retail spaces in Taiwan
- Provide continuous oversight of in-store standards, conducting regular store visits and delivering constructive feedback to Retail Team and Office Management Team
- Act as the final point of quality control for all VM-related creative output, maintaining rigorous attention to detail.
- Validate and control all printed material from all departments; all visual display of all touchpoints
- New Store Opening/ Stores Renovation
- Lead VM preparation and execution for new store openings, including prop management, shelf planogram and official photography for PR use
- Work in close partnership with Store Design team to ensure VM implementation is aligned with architectural intent
and brand standards, even lighttouch in store : flower vase selection for example
- Team & Stakeholder Management
- Mentor, coach, and manage the performance of junior VM team member, fostering a culture of creative excellence and commercial awareness
- Work closely with Marketing project lead to manage VM budget with accountability and transparency
- Build and maintain relationships with local and international artists, suppliers, and creative collaborators
- Communicate effectively with Regional VM Manager, providing regular updates and creative alignment
KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience in visual merchandising, retail design, or a related creative field, ideally within premium or luxury brands or creative agencies
- Strong understanding of the retail commercial environment and ability to connect VM execution to business performance
- Proven experience working on international projects or across multiple markets
- Demonstrated experience in mentoring or managing a team
- Linguistic Versatility: Native-level fluency in Mandarin and business-level English proficiency — able to collaborate and present confidently with the Regional VM Manager and global teams
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, AutoCAD, or equivalent visual design tools
- Enjoy crafting and handmade objects
Advanced Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to hold firm on aesthetic standards while maintaining collaborative, constructive relationships with all stakeholders
- Genuine intellectual curiosity — a habit of engaging with design and art literature, staying ahead of global art movements, and briefing the team on creative insights
- A strong interest in or existing network within the domestic and international arts community
- Openness to feedback and resilience in navigating the subjective nature of aesthetics