CREATIVITY IS OUR SUPERPOWER.It's our heritage and it's also our future. Because we don't just make toys. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire fans, entertain audiences and develop children through play. Mattel is at its best when every member of our team feels respected, included, and heard-when everyone can show up as themselves and do their best work every day. We value and share an infinite range of ideas and voices that evolve and broaden our perspectives with a reach that extends into all our brands, partners, and suppliers.
The Team:The American Girl Retail team is integral in providing lifetime memories to American Girl fans and their families. Our experiential retail stores provide shopping destinations like no other. This requires Innovation, Collaboration, and Execution from all who are a part of this division. Our in-store experiences range depending on location from Girl and Doll Salons, Full-Service Restaurants, Personal Shopping, Ear Piercing (Girl and Doll), hosting Parties/Celebrations to name a few. Expect a dynamic and fast-paced role where you get to make decisions that impact the team as well as our customers.
The Opportunity:The Visual Merchandiser Lead is located at our American Girl Flagship Chicago Retail Stores and reports directed to the Retail Merchandising Manager/ Visual Manager. This role is responsible for leading the visual team and executing compelling in-store displays and product launches according to company standards. This role ensures consistency across all visual presentations and supports cross-departmental goals by providing strong leadership, creative expertise, and clear communication.
What Your Impact Will Be:
Lead Duties
- Oversee visual staff to ensure completion of all assigned projects, maintaining high visual standards for windows, new product launches, floor moves, doll and display maintenance, and prop organization.
- Maintain regular communication with the corporate creative team to ensure timely receipt of graphic materials.
- Act as the department leader in the Visual Manager's absence-upholding standards, resolving issues, and ensuring projects and tasks are completed.
- Foster effective collaboration by communicating frequently with all divisions and department managers, insuring consistent understanding and execution of each department's unique visual needs.
- Relay company, store, and visual department information to associates promptly-including updates from store meetings, training sessions, and when necessary, actively seeking out missed information.
- Attend weekly store walks with Retail and Operations management to learn of merchandising adjustments needed based on business and selling trends
- Assist the Visual Manager with department bulletin boards and distribution of handouts or printed communications.
- Read and respond to emails daily, addressing immediate issues as required.
- Maintain the studio in an organized, safe, and neat condition.
- Oversee shipment and management of new product launches, supplies, and graphics.
- Complete all assigned tasks accurately and on schedule.
- Display flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the department and business.
Visual Responsibilities
- Install mannequin, doll, and window displays; disassemble mannequins using proper care and handling techniques.
- Comfortable working at heights and using ladders for installations.
- Prepare displays by ironing doll clothes, dressing mannequins, dusting display cases, and refreshing props.
- Install graphics and vinyl lettering per visual guidelines.
- Move and update fixtures and shelving (up to 60 pounds; fixtures up to 100 pounds), including relocating merchandise and fixtures as needed within and outside of sub-brands.
- Collaborate in the planning and execution of product launches and floor moves.
- Design new visual concepts in accordance with brand marketing strategy and promotions.
- Creatively assess spaces to develop visually appealing themes using props, mannequins, and merchandise.
- Show flexibility and receptiveness to input from the Visual Manager or corporate team throughout planning and installation.
Policies, Procedures, and Teamwork
- Uphold and adhere to all company, store, and department policies and procedures.
- Act as a team player and role model, demonstrating positive behaviors and leading by example.
- Support the business by assisting with tasks based on operational needs.
- Foster a friendly, positive workplace by displaying a smile and showing respect for customers and co-workers.
- Actively participate in store and department meetings.
Customer Service and Stocking
- Maintain a customer-first attitude-ensuring each customer feels valued and prioritized.
- Support front-of-house teams during busy times by assisting with bagging, stocking shelves, and merchandising walls as necessary.
What We're Looking For:
- 3-5 years of Visual Merchandising experience in a high volume, premium, fast-paced environment.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Highly creative with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to lift, move, and assemble merchandise and fixtures.
- Familiarity with visual design techniques, installation equipment, and safety protocols.
- Position requires frequent standing, lifting, ladder use, and occasional work at heights.
- Ability to work, a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support business needs.
Hourly:
The base hourly rate for this position is between$22 -$26.95.
**This range is indicative of projected hiring range, however base hourly rate will be determined based on a candidate's work location, skills and experience. Mattel offers competitive total pay programs, comprehensive benefits, and resources to help empower a culture where every employee can reach their full potential.**
Don't meet every single requirement?At Mattel, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace and a culture of belonging. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
How We Work:
American Girl is subsidiary of Mattel, a purpose driven company aiming to empower generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. We live up to our purpose employing the following behaviors:
- We collaborate:Being a part of Mattel means being part of one team with shared values and common goals. Every person counts and working closely together always brings better results. Partnership is our process and our collective capabilities is our superpower.
- We innovate:At Mattel we always aim to find new and better ways to create innovative products and experiences. No matter where you work in the organization, you can always make a difference and have real impact. We welcome new ideas and value new initiatives that challenge conventional thinking.
- We execute:We are a performance-driven company. We strive for excellence and are focused on pursuing best-in-class outcomes. We believe in accountability and ownership and know that our people are at their best when they are empowered to create and deliver results.
Who We Are:
American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT,www.mattel.com), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, MEGA and Polly Pocket, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences.Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
Mattel's award-winning workplace culture has been recognized by Forbes, Fast Company, Newsweek, Great Place to Work, TIME, and more.
Visit us athttps://jobs.mattel.com/andwww.instagram.com/MattelCareers.
Mattel is an Equal Opportunity Employer where we want you to bring your authentic self to work every day. We welcome all job seekers, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran and protected veteran status, disability status, and or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Pursuant to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
Videos to watch:
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Mattel, Inc.and Subsidiaries
Aug 08, 2025