Senior Manager of Retail Operations & Special Projects

Comme des Garcons•New York, NY

10d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Store Operations & Special Projects is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring operational excellence while preserving and elevating the company's distinctive retail experience. This position oversees the day-to-day operations of the business, leads strategic initiatives and special projects, and ensures that every aspect of the physical store environment reflects the company's standards of design, quality, and presentation.

Requirements

Must be proficient with Sketchup, Illustrator and InDesign
Advanced Microsoft Office Suite
Must be highly skilled with Microsoft Excel
Proficient in POS systems, RPro preferred but not required
Critical path mindset on approaching project management challenges
Ability to oversee vendors/partners/contractors
Excellent communication skills and an ability to liaise with all aspects of the business
Work with a high sense of urgency and be adept to prioritizing your time
Experienced and well-rounded leader with a broad understanding of retail business operations
Proven ability recruiting, building, and nurturing a positive team and work environment
5+ years of relevant project management and operations experience
Strong and resilient manager and leader across a cross-functional team
A highly motivated individual with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility and the ability to converse with all levels both internally and externally
Strong people manager with the ability effectively manage and partner with internal parties and external vendors of varying levels
Possesses exceptional organizational skills and strives for a high level of achievement with strong project management skills
The ability to prioritize and deliver against deadlines
Decisive, structured and organized, with a keen eye for detail

Nice To Haves

Experience in Luxury Retail Preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of all store buildouts, renovations, fixtures, and physical improvements, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
Oversee the execution of architectural and design plans, ensuring every detail is implemented accurately, to specification and within company regulations.
Serve as the primary liaison between ownership, architects, designers, general contractors, fabricators, and vendors throughout each project.
Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction progress, maintain quality standards, and resolve issues proactively.
Ensure all finishes, materials, fixtures, lighting, and custom installations meet the company's design standards and brand aesthetic.
Maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, and punch lists, ensuring timely completion of all work.
Coordinate installations for new brand spaces, furniture, art, and custom fixtures.
Partner with visual merchandising and buying teams to ensure physical spaces enhance the presentation of each designer collection.
Protect the integrity of the company's visual identity by ensuring every retail environment reflects the level of craftsmanship and precision expected by both clients and brand partners.
Identify opportunities to improve store functionality while preserving the design vision and customer experience.
Solicit and evaluate competitive bids for construction, maintenance, fixtures, equipment, and other operational projects to ensure the highest quality and best overall value.
Negotiate contracts, pricing, and project scope with vendors, contractors, and service providers.
Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising the integrity of the company's design standards, craftsmanship, or client experience.
Review project costs throughout all phases of execution, proactively addressing budget variances and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
Build and maintain strong relationships with trusted vendors and contractors.
Partner with the company's legal counsel to negotiate, review, and administer vendor, contractor, construction, and service agreements, ensuring contracts protect the company's interests and align with business objectives.
Coordinate the execution, renewal, and ongoing management of contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and company policies.
Work closely with insurance brokers, legal counsel, and leadership to maintain appropriate insurance coverage for all company operations, projects, and risk exposures.
Ensure contractors, vendors, and service providers maintain required licenses, insurance certificates, and compliance documentation before commencing work.
Identify operational and project-related risks and implement strategies to mitigate potential financial, legal, and operational liabilities.
Collaborate with finance and executive leadership to ensure contractual commitments, project expenditures, and insurance programs align with company budgets and risk management objectives.