Design Manager

Miller Zell•Bentonville, AR

10d

About The Position

Leads strategic design program management and creative operations to drive performance, brand consistency, and business impact. This role bridges high-level operational excellence with hands-on creative leadership, managing complex multi-stakeholder initiatives while overseeing the development of retail design strategies, branding concepts, and account-based solutions. The Manager ensures that design governance frameworks and production workflows align with enterprise goals, maximizing resource efficiency and maintaining high standards of delivery excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year College, University, or Art School in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Retail Interiors, Architecture, Communications, or a closely related field.
15 plus years of experience in Retail Design.
Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop).
Proficient in various print production methods.
Experience working/ managing large design/ production projects in retail.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements enterprise-wide design strategies that align with business objectives and optimize performance across multiple product lines.
Establishes governance frameworks and standardized SOPs to ensure efficiency, accountability, and strategic alignment across all design initiatives.
Co-leads a unified creative and project management process to ensure the timely execution of projects within budget and schedule.
Oversees program budget allocation and resource management, balancing internal team capacity with the use of external partners and services.
Guides the creative process from intake to output, working with cross-functional teams to gather scope, brainstorm direction, and ensure technical accuracy in production.
Supervises and mentors design associates, fostering a positive and inspiring culture while ensuring staff adhere to established policies and professional standards.
Provides strategic guidance to design leadership on program performance, resource needs, and opportunities for operational optimization.
Acts as a diplomatic lead to resolve functional conflicts and navigate complex production or interpersonal challenges.
Coordinates strategic relationships with Engineering, Procurement, Account Management, and Production to maintain project standards and resolve technical production issues.
Serves as a senior-level contact and experienced presenter, managing client expectations and participating in high-level creative consultations.