Divisional Program Manager Hybrid- Seattle, WA

Nordstrom • Seattle, WA

2d • $93,500 - $155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager leads assigned programs and projects as the primary Store Planning partner to Design & Construction, Merchandising, Store/Regional Teams, and Brand Partners. The role drives workstreams from inception through execution in stores, building and executing integrated plans across multiple teams. The role manages programs of high impact, risk, and complexity, influences cross-functional teams, and navigates ambiguity and competing priorities – always grounded in what matters most to our customers and our business.

Requirements

• 3+ years in project/program management with demonstrated successful program delivery within retail or design (architecture, interior planning, construction, vendor sourcing, product development) or 5+ years in corporate Visual Merchandising Management.
• Degree in architecture, interior design, visual merchandising, or related field (or equivalent experience); ability to understand construction documents, shop drawings, and architectural details/specifications, preferred.
• Strong organizational abilities; adept at managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines; able to adapt own tools and standards to the work.
• Ability to balance design excellence with operational and budget constraints; strategic thinker.
• Proficient in visual, written, and verbal communication; strong negotiation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Technical skills: AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, Microsoft 365, Confluence, Coupa, POMS (Purchase Order Management Software), preferred.
• Experience with process improvement (Six Sigma, Lean, TQM) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for Fixture and Space Planning, partnering with Visual Merchandising (VM) Planning and Design Teams.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining Store Planning Standards, Fixture Catalogs and Department Concepts.
• Develop, maintain, and own tools and processes to organize, track, and communicate program/project status; continuously improve operating practices for speed and cost efficiency.
• Identify issues and changes early and independently drive solutions; 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 the request is met and Store Planning Standards are maintained.
• Make and 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 through direct relationships, and mentor others on the team.
• Responsible for preparing cost estimates on CapEx project requests and financial Work Orders (WOs) for all assigned projects.
• Monitor work streams to ensure deliverables meet budget, timeline, and quality expectations.
• Responsible for timely and accurate Cost Report updates on all assigned projects, forecasting spend ahead and explaining variances.
• Partner with Regional Leadership in developing project specific budgets and prioritization of work.
• Serve as the primary contact for Store/Regional teams on store-specific projects – ensuring alignment on schedule and store support needs.
• Support projects on-site, as needed – including fixture installations, floor sets and merchandising.
• Partner with Install Planner on Purchase Orders (POs) and vendor logistics commitments.

Benefits

• Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources
• 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree