Divisional Program Manager Hybrid- Seattle, WA

Nordstrom•Seattle, WA

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Divisional Program Manager leads assigned programs and projects as the primary Store Planning partner to Design & Construction, Merchandising, Store and Regional Teams, and Brand Partners. The role drives workstreams from inception through in-store execution, building and carrying out integrated plans across multiple teams. It manages high-impact, high-risk, and complex programs; influences cross-functional teams; and navigates ambiguity and competing priorities while focusing on customer and business needs. The position is responsible for fixture and space planning in partnership with Visual Merchandising Planning and Design Teams, and for developing and maintaining Store Planning Standards, Fixture Catalogs, and Department Concepts. It owns tools and processes for organizing, tracking, and communicating project status, and continuously improves operating practices for speed and cost efficiency. The Program Manager identifies issues and changes early, drives solutions, reports status and mitigation strategies to leadership, defines project scope and priorities, and communicates trade-offs involving scope, schedule, and budget. The role also prepares and monitors project cost estimates, budgets, work orders, and cost reports, and serves as the primary contact for store and regional teams on store-specific projects. On-site project support may include fixture installations, floor sets, and merchandising.

Requirements

At least 3 years of project or program management experience with demonstrated successful program delivery within retail or a design-related field, such as architecture, interior planning, construction, vendor sourcing, or product development; alternatively, at least 5 years in corporate Visual Merchandising Management.
A degree in architecture, interior design, visual merchandising, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Strong organizational abilities and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
Ability to adapt personal tools and standards to the work.
Ability to balance design excellence with operational and budget constraints and to think strategically.
Proficiency in visual, written, and verbal communication, with strong negotiation skills.
Ability to travel up to 40% and work off-hours or weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Ability to understand construction documents, shop drawings, and architectural details and specifications.
Proficiency with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, Microsoft 365, Confluence, Coupa, and POMS (Purchase Order Management Software).
Experience with process improvement methods such as Six Sigma, Lean, or TQM.

Responsibilities

Lead assigned programs and projects as the primary Store Planning partner to Design & Construction, Merchandising, Store and Regional Teams, and Brand Partners.
Drive workstreams from inception through execution in stores and build integrated plans across multiple teams.
Manage high-impact, high-risk, and complex programs while influencing cross-functional teams and navigating ambiguity and competing priorities.
Lead fixture and space planning in partnership with Visual Merchandising Planning and Design Teams.
Develop and maintain Store Planning Standards, Fixture Catalogs, and Department Concepts.
Develop, maintain, and own tools and processes to organize, track, and communicate program and project status; improve operating practices for speed and cost efficiency.
Identify issues and changes early, drive solutions, and present status updates and risk mitigation strategies to leadership.
Identify and document scope of work and prioritize business needs in partnership with Design & Construction, ensuring requests are met and Store Planning Standards are maintained.
Communicate trade-off decisions on scope, timeline, and budget to merchants and leadership, including the timing and rationale for design choices.
Collaborate with peers and leaders, influence stakeholder expectations, and mentor others on the team.
Prepare cost estimates for CapEx project requests and financial Work Orders for assigned projects.
Monitor workstreams to ensure deliverables meet budget, timeline, and quality expectations.
Update cost reports accurately and on time, forecast spend, and explain variances.
Partner with Regional Leadership to develop project-specific budgets and prioritize work.
Serve as the primary contact for Store and Regional teams on store-specific projects, ensuring schedule alignment and store support needs are addressed.
Support projects on-site as needed, including fixture installations, floor sets, and merchandising.
Partner with the Install Planner on Purchase Orders and vendor logistics commitments.