Store Design Manager

Overview

We are looking for a Store Design Manager to join our client’s home furnishing team!

The Store Design Manager is responsible for managing the design of our retail stores for all concepts, including, new stores, relocations, fixture design, franchises, shop-in-shops, remodels, and special projects. This role, in partnership with the Senior Design Manager and Vice President, Store Design will take each project from initial site identification by the Corporate Real Estate team through Design Development, project handoff to Project Manager counterpart, supporting the project through construction until completion.  
 
Responsibilities: 

• Manages store design for up to two brands 
• Reviews initial Real Estate transmittals for accurate information and effective communication 
• Manages initial space approvals and feasibility studies and reviews potential sites with Real Estate, Senior Design Manager, and Vice President of Store Development 
• Coordinates preliminary layouts and surveys with architects, engineers, and designer for Real Estate Committee approval. Prepares real estate committee package for each project for executive approval.
• Identifies sites with design challenges early and plans travel accordingly 
• Manages a network of external architects and consultants to meet cost, schedule, and quality expectations for each project.
• Holds a deep knowledge of brand design standards and maintains quality across all consultants, franchise partners, vendors, and respective business partners. Issue and track Brand design bulletins.
• Maintains up-to-date Brand Standards Guidelines, Real Estate Brand Book, and physical sample library.
• Collaborates closely with construction and procurement team partners to ensure projects complete on time and on budget.
• Serves as an architectural and design subject matter expert for business partners, including visual merchandising, IT, loss prevention, and store operations. Has a clear vision of design intent and ability to articulate this to non-technical business partners, providing customer service to help the designs meet the needs of each business partner.
• Prepares and presents design packages at the executive level.
• Partners with the finance team to analyze metrics for project performance for past projects and create business-driven store design goals for upcoming projects.
• Administers architectural drawings and files, physical samples, submittals, and presentations
• Works with Repairs and Maintenance on established brands
• Travels at least 25% of time 
• Transport materials and equipment and lift, move, and carry objects up to 25 pounds on a limited basis 

Criteria: 

• Bachelor’s Degree (in Architecture or Interior Design preferred)
• Minimum of 3 years in retail design
• Experience or knowledge of retail construction and schedules
• Experience and highly skilled in reading architectural drawings and plans, as well as detailed material shop drawings
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and MS Office
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of management
• Time management and project management skills
• Ability to work and thrive in a fast-paced and results-driven environment
• Strong presentation and negotiation skills
• Attention to detail, organization, and a passion for processes
• A passion for solving problems through design and a passion for retail
• Ability to perform work onsite in the San Francisco office

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $50 – $52/hour. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location. Additional benefits offered may include; medical health insurance and dental insurance, life insurance, and eligibility to participate in 401k plan with company match (if applicable).

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. 

Our talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits! 

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.