Design Development Manager, Store Design

Abercrombie and Fitch Co. • Columbus, OH

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About The Position

The Design Development Manager, Store Design sits within the Store Design team and is responsible for sourcing and delivering innovative materials, fixtures, finishes, and solutions that bring new and first store concepts to life. This role partners closely with Store Design, Store Concept, Construction, and Global Procurement to ensure creative ideas are translated into executable, scalable, and brand-right physical experiences. This individual has a strong sourcing background, excels at vendor management, and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. They are organized, proactive, and an excellent communicator with the ability to manage multiple workstreams while supporting the evolution of our store environments. This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 9+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, preferably within retail, store design, construction, or a design-adjacent environment
• Experience supporting new development, concept work, or prototype-driven projects
• Strong sourcing and negotiation skills with a design-forward mindset
• Proven ability to build and manage strong vendor partnerships
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Clear, confident communicator who collaborates effectively across creative and operational teams
• Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working in ambiguity
• Team player with a positive, proactive approach

Responsibilities

• Design-Focused Procurement & Sourcing Partner with Store Design and Concept teams to support new and first store concepts, pilots, and prototype development from early ideation through execution
• Source, evaluate, and develop innovative materials, finishes, fixtures, and custom solutions that align with brand vision, design intent, budget, and timeline
• Identify emerging vendors, materials, and technologies to continuously evolve the store experience and push creative boundaries
• Balance creativity, quality, cost, and scalability when developing sourcing strategies for design-driven initiatives
• Vendor Management & Development Own vendor relationships throughout the new & first development lifecycle, including exploration, onboarding, sampling, testing, and refinement
• Act as the primary point of contact for vendors during concept development and early execution phases
• Manage vendor performance, timelines, and deliverables to ensure alignment with design expectations and project milestones
• Partner closely with Global Procurement to ensure smooth transition of vetted vendors and solutions from new & first development into broader rollout, when applicable
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Serve as a key connector between Store Design, Concept, Construction, Global Procurement, and Operations
• Translate creative design intent into clear sourcing requirements and vendor briefs
• Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities clearly and effectively to internal partners and leadership
• Organization & Process Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining clear documentation, timelines, and communication
• Support the development and evolution of processes that improve efficiency and clarity across design-focused procurement workflows
• Ensure sourcing and vendor activity aligns with company standards, compliance requirements, and procurement best practices

Benefits

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Associate assistance program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year)
• Seven associate wellness half days per year
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager