Department Manager, Visual Merchandising

Location: 3232 Lake Ave Suite 1, Wilmette, IL 60091

The salary range (or base pay) for this position is $90,000 - $100,000, however, base pay offered may vary depending on location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Restricted stock units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

Overview: 

Wayfair is redefining the in-store experience for home shoppers and we’re looking for a passionate Department Manager of Visual Merchandising to help bring our brand to life. In this role, you’ll lead the visual merchandising team to create inspiring, dynamic store presentations that captivate customers and drive sales. You’ll partner closely with the Sr. Managers, General Manager, and the Home Office teams to shape and execute the visual strategy across all departments, from furniture to home improvement. If you’re energized by creative leadership, operational excellence, and building teams that thrive in fast-paced, high-growth environments, this is the perfect opportunity to make your mark.

What Does a Visual Merchandising Manager Do?

• 🎨 Lead Visual Storytelling: Drive the creative direction and flawless execution of in-store presentations—from seasonal floor sets to signage and props—across all departments.
• 👥 Build & Inspire Your Team: Recruit, train, and mentor a team of Visual Specialists and Leads who share your passion for design and operational excellence.
• 🔄 Own Visual Operations: Manage day-to-day visual team activities, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and alignment with brand standards.
• 🤝 Partner Across the Store: Collaborate with Sales, Logistics, Asset Protection, and Home Office Visual partners to ensure seamless merchandise flow and a unified customer experience.
• 📊 Use Data to Drive Decisions: Analyze sales and visual performance metrics to optimize presentations and adjust strategies in real time.
• 🏗️ Pioneer & Innovate: Lead the build-out of the visual merchandising team structure and processes to support Wayfair’s retail growth.
• 🎯 Champion Customer Experience: Make sure every visual element enhances the guest journey, inspires confidence, and reflects Wayfair’s commitment to relentless customer focus.
• 🧰 Manage Tools & Tech: Leverage technology and tools to improve team productivity and store impact.
• 🌟 Be the Visual Ambassador: Represent Wayfair’s brand values daily by fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

You’ll Thrive in this Role if You Have:

• 🎨 Visual Leadership Experience: 10+ years leading visual merchandising in high-volume retail or multi-unit settings, especially in home goods or related categories.
• 🚀 Creative & Strategic Vision: A portfolio that showcases your eye for design and ability to translate big ideas into consistent, compelling in-store experiences.
• 👥 Team Builder & Mentor: Proven success recruiting, coaching, and inspiring visual teams to deliver their best work every day.
• 📊 Business Savvy: Strong skills in analyzing data and KPIs to make informed decisions that boost sales and enhance visual impact.
• 🤝 Collaborative Spirit: Comfortable working across departments and with home office partners to align goals and drive store success.
• ⚡ Adaptability & Drive: Thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with a startup mindset and a passion for continuous improvement.
• 📅 Flexible Availability: Ready to support operations with a schedule that can include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• 🔧 Technical Know-How: Familiarity with Google Suite or similar tools, plus the eagerness to learn new software that supports your team.
• 💡 Customer-Centric Focus: You live and breathe delivering a retail experience that puts customers first — every detail matters.

Additional Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• 💪 Physical Activity: Frequent standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms; occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, and crawling.
• 🧎 Mobility & Movement: Frequent stooping, kneeling, and crouching throughout the day.
• 📦 Lifting Ability: Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50lbs regularly.
• 👀 Vision Requirements: Includes close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• 🌡️ Temperature Flexibility: Comfortable in environments with varying temperature conditions.
• 🔊 Noise Tolerance: Occasional exposure to moderate noise levels and physical activity.
• ⚠️ Safety Awareness: Minimal exposure to workplace or environmental hazards—must adhere to all safety protocols.

What are the Benefits*?

• 💰 Competitive Pay: Earn competitive compensation, with regular opportunities for performance-based increases and performance based bonuses.
• 🚀 Career Growth: Access professional development and advancement opportunities to help you grow with us.
• 🩺 Health Benefits from Day One: Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starts on your first day.
• 🌴 Time to Recharge: Start accruing paid time off immediately—because work-life balance matters.
• 💼 401(k) with Company Match: We’ll match up to 4% to help you plan for your future.
• 🎓 Tuition Reimbursement: Eligible after 6 months of employment—learn, grow, and get support along the way.
• 🛒 Wayfair Employee Discount: Save big on the pieces you love—plus get 10% off at our in-store restaurant 🍽️.
• 👶 Parental Leave Options: Choose from paid and unpaid leave plans to support your growing family.
• ✨ And So Much More: We’ve got more good stuff where that came from! Our full-time roles receive the full benefits package, while part-time or seasonal team members may have modified offerings. Your recruiter or in-store team can help with any questions!