West Design Manager - Retail Design & Construction, Vice President

Citi•California, PA

About The Position

Design Translation & Development: Collaborate with internal and external design resources to guide design direction for new and existing retail projects and programs. Lead the preparation of presentation-level drawings, renderings, and technical solutions to influence and guide the creation of comprehensive design intent packages for retail projects. Lead the development of schematic design, design development, and construction documents for projects, including reviewing and approving highly technical design deliverables prepared by architects and other consultants. Influence the application of stated design principles and objectives by ensuring adherence to brand standards, retail store planning principles, and project programming. Collaborate with Design Innovation, Strategy and Standards Teams to strengthen and contribute to the management of North America design standards and methodologies to ensure a consistent approach to the delivery and design of branches nationwide. Collaborate with Project Management teams to develop comprehensive project plans that include scope, schedule, cost, quality, roles, responsibilities, communication, risk, and issue management. Collaborate with Project Management teams during project walks with senior management and stakeholders, to steer the design approach, providing insightful recommendations and influencing project outcomes from early stages, including real estate selection. Provide clear, effective, and timely communication for design direction and changes, identifying exceptions and proposing creative design solutions. Ensure the integrity of all design concepts and manage internal and external staff to ensure the best creative solutions and brand continuity. Direct design and technical updates for details and specifications to tighten and strengthen various retail and client-facing design formats. Proven understanding of expert level retail space planning principles, including baseline ADA and building code. Support the sustainability strategy by integrating design best practices for green retail building into design and construction projects Performing regular site visits to assess conditions and progress and provide feedback.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture or Interior Design, or a relevant field.
Minimum 10 years of consecutive professional experience in retail or hospitality design.
Minimum 10 years as a retail designer within a project team, coupled with 5-10 years' experience in retail construction and store development.
Hands-on experience at an active construction site, including punch listing projects, reviewing mock-ups/shop drawings, and providing immediate feedback.
Successful history of completing multi-million-dollar projects on budget and within projected timelines.
Proven understanding of expert-level retail space planning principles, including baseline ADA and building code.
Demonstration of strong design problem-solving skills, leadership, and adaptability when facing unique challenges.
Exceptional written, spoken, and presentation communication skills; ability to translate complicated design and technical information for diverse audiences.
Collaborator with the ability to manage strong personalities at all levels of the company, and ease in interfacing with senior management and external partners.
Ability to persuade and influence others through developed communication and diplomacy skills.
Ability to deal with ambiguity, quickly adapt to change, and support evolving business strategy and goals.
Strong critical thinking skills and strong meeting organization and facilitation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience on the owner side is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with internal and external design resources to guide design direction for new and existing retail projects and programs.
Lead the preparation of presentation-level drawings, renderings, and technical solutions to influence and guide the creation of comprehensive design intent packages for retail projects.
Lead the development of schematic design, design development, and construction documents for projects, including reviewing and approving highly technical design deliverables prepared by architects and other consultants.
Influence the application of stated design principles and objectives by ensuring adherence to brand standards, retail store planning principles, and project programming.
Collaborate with Design Innovation, Strategy and Standards Teams to strengthen and contribute to the management of North America design standards and methodologies to ensure a consistent approach to the delivery and design of branches nationwide.
Collaborate with Project Management teams to develop comprehensive project plans that include scope, schedule, cost, quality, roles, responsibilities, communication, risk, and issue management.
Collaborate with Project Management teams during project walks with senior management and stakeholders, to steer the design approach, providing insightful recommendations and influencing project outcomes from early stages, including real estate selection.
Provide clear, effective, and timely communication for design direction and changes, identifying exceptions and proposing creative design solutions.
Ensure the integrity of all design concepts and manage internal and external staff to ensure the best creative solutions and brand continuity.
Direct design and technical updates for details and specifications to tighten and strengthen various retail and client-facing design formats.
Support the sustainability strategy by integrating design best practices for green retail building into design and construction projects
Performing regular site visits to assess conditions and progress and provide feedback.