US Architect Store Planner

Sézane•Los Angeles, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Sézane is seeking a US Architect Store Planner to join their US Development Team. This role will be responsible for opening and maintaining stores across the United States. The position is based in Los Angeles and requires regular domestic travel. The role involves managing store and other physical brand projects from the delivery of Design Development/Construction Documents through delivery, ensuring plans, finishes, and fixtures stay on time, on budget, and true to brand standards. Responsibilities include coordinating the bid process, managing architects of record, contractors, millworkers, and specialty vendors, and overseeing construction coordination and management. The role also involves permitting and regulatory coordination, ongoing partnership and vendor management, cross-functional project management, and providing architectural support for existing stores.

Requirements

Professional degree in Architecture.
6-10 years of experience in US retail store planning, project coordination, and construction administration.
Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).
Strong grasp of retail construction methods, building systems, and US commercial building codes.
Established network of AORs, contractors, millworkers, and specialty vendors nationwide.
Hands-on experience managing retail build-outs, design teams, and construction crews on-site.
Based in Los Angeles; able to work from our West Hollywood office Mon–Wed (min. 3 days/week) when not traveling.
Able to travel regularly and considerably from mobilization to delivery of projects.
Track record managing fast-paced, high-stakes projects with cross-functional teams at scale.
Comfortable owning multiple projects at once with a small team.
Balance design intent with budget, schedule, and constructability.
Detail-oriented, organized, and always looking to improve.
Extremely hands-on and able to easily gear-shift between architecture, construction and relationship management mode.
Juggle multiple projects with ease and a no-task-too-small attitude.
See the big picture without losing sight of the details.
Stay cool under pressure and always have a backup plan(s).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual French/English is a plus, not required.

Responsibilities

Manage store and other physical brand projects from delivery of Design Development/Construction Documents from Store Design team through delivery, ensuring plans, finishes, and fixtures stay on time, on budget, and true to brand standards.
Review drawings, samples, and mockups closely, flagging issues early and driving them to resolution.
Coordinate bid process, source/evaluate contractor/millwork proposals, participate in contractor/millworker selection, and support contract negotiations in partnership with Global Procurement lead.
Source and manage Architects of Record (AORs), contractors, millworkers, and specialty vendors from documentation through mobilization.
Prepare and maintain as-built drawings through project completion.
Coordinate AORs, contractors, consultants, vendors, landlords, and internal teams throughout construction, resolving field issues and driving projects to successful completion.
Oversee day-to-day site operations, quality control, and compliance with approved plans and brand standards.
Build and manage project schedules, proactively flagging risks and implementing solutions to protect budget and opening dates.
Manage procurement, manufacturing/commissioning, delivery, and installation of all owner-furnished items (materials, FF&E, etc).
Lead project meetings, review and coordinate RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, change orders, and payment applications.
Manage budgets, review payment applications, and oversee closeout, punch lists, and handover to Retail Operations.
Act as on-site project lead through construction and installation, ensuring readiness for merchandising and opening.
Manage permits and regulatory approvals (signage, tenant improvements, landlord and municipal submissions).
Ensure compliance with building codes, ADA requirements, life safety rules, and landlord criteria.
Coordinate specialized approvals with outside consultants when needed.
Track permit timelines and liaise directly with landlords, municipalities, and permitting agencies.
Build and maintain strong network of AORs, contractors, fabricators, millworkers, and signage vendors across the US.
Identify and onboard market-specific consultants and vendors for future projects.
Support vendor selection and contract negotiations with Procurement and Legal.
Lead end-to-end project management of delegated retail stores & other offline projects, acting as the key liaison across design, legal, insurance, signage, retail, merchandising, shipping, and operations.
Manage schedules, budgets, and milestones to keep projects on time and on brand.
Lead communication on project progression with key internal teams (marketing, influence, retail, and events).
Share clear, regular reporting on timelines, budgets, and key decisions.
Provide ongoing architectural support for existing stores and special projects.
Coordinate maintenance, renovations, and store improvements.