Senior Manager - Store Design

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

Senior Manager, Store Design (KnitWell Group)

About the role
Reporting to the AVP of Store Design this position is responsible for supporting the store design strategy for new, conversion and remodel stores to ensure that all strategies are aligned with the business goals and objectives, manages the day-to-day planning activities supporting the development of all brands as they relate to the capital plan. Develop design processes in conjunction with the AVP of store design. Partners with internal construction, procurement, visual, marketing. operations and real estate teams. Leads and develops best practices initiatives. Primary contact for store design related issues with vendors and consultants, supports development of all new concept work with the design team and other internal partners.

The Impact You Will Have

• Lead and manage store planning/design activities for new and remodel stores, conversion stores and minor works projects.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders (Visual, Real Estate, Store Operations, Procurement, IT, LP and field leadership team) in the store development process.
• Manage and develop store layouts that are brand appropriate and operationally effective
• Communicate brand design intent and vision to internal and external business partners. Reviews, and approves all design plans with AVP Store design and VP Store Development. Leads plan review meetings with Visual and Operations.
• Develop and document store design processes and manuals and on-boarding documents
• Manage and develop new fixture designs and architectural details in partnership with the AVP. Review and approve shop drawings and ensures design intent is met and brand integrity is maintained.
• Track and manage store specific development timelines and ensures all landlord, local and state approvals are secured.
• Review the final architectural design drawings for each project to ensure plans and details are accurate and in keeping with brand standards.
• Develops creative solutions for store fixture layouts and prepares architectural plan and elevation proposals for internal review
• Manages external architects and vendors through the store planning process (via Lucernex/Procore) to deliver projects on budget and on schedule.
• Document best practices and implement on go forward basis

You’ll bring to the role

• Position requires 10 years related experience in Store Design, architecture and corporate environment.
• Bachelor’s in architecture / interior design
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities, able to manage a creative team
• Excellent ability to conceptualize spatial designs and architectural brand imaging.
• Must thrive in a fast-paced environment and work both independently and closely with others.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to plan, prioritize and multi-task.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills able to present to all levels of the business
• Ability to develop collaborative relationships with key Business Partners
• Specialty Retail experience preferred
• Excellent ability to create, understand and translate 3D space concepts into conceptual drawings. Ability to translate design strategy into unique and varied locations. Knowledge of architectural details and specifications.
• Proficient in AutoCAD & Sketch-up, MS Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, illustrator & Bluebeam Revu

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Talbots, Haven Well Within & Lane Bryant (in store and online)
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $120,000-140,000*

• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

This position works remotely. Occasional travel to a company office may be required.

NOTE: This role can also be hybrid, if based by one of our home offices: Times Square Tower (NYC); Hingham, MA; Columbus, OH or Ft Myers, FL.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

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Location:

Corporate ascena – Remote

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.