STORE PLANNING & DESIGN DIRECTOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Director of Store Planning & Design oversees the planning and design of store projects, ensuring alignment with brand standards and operational requirements. This role manages remodels, prototypes, and décor programs, delivering projects on time and within budget while supporting continuous improvement. The director collaborates with cross-functional teams, division leaders and external partners to execute projects on time and within budget, while promoting continuous improvement in design processes. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the development of store layouts and design solutions that optimize the balance between aesthetics, operational functionality, and cost efficiency, integrating insights from merchandising, division leadership, operations, and customer research.
• Coordinate planning and execution of remodels, new store openings, and décor refreshes ensuring timely and on budget delivery.
• Collaborate with merchandising, retail operations, retail divisions, marketing, engineering, real estate, and procurement leadership to align design initiatives and operational needs.
• Apply customer insights and market research to continuously refine design standards that enhance shopper engagement and reinforce brand differentiation in the marketplace.
• Lead and develop internal and external design teams, providing clear guidance, performance feedback, and fostering collaboration to uphold quality and consistency across all projects.
• Coordinate with external vendors, contractors, and technology providers to enhance design innovation, ensure quality standards, and optimize project delivery timelines.
• Supervise and coach direct reports in the performance of their duties; complete performance reviews and provide feedback to direct reports.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 10+ years of experience working closely with merchandising, procurement, or real estate teams in retail
• Experience as store planner or designer
• Experience in a project manager role with store design or construction
• Experience as a manager of store design or visual merchandising
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with operations, merchandising, real estate, construction, procurement, and external vendors
• Strategic thinking with the ability to create long-term design roadmaps and continuous improvement initiatives
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to drive projects from concept through completion while meeting timelines and budget targets
• High attention to detail with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

• Advanced degree
• Experience leading large-scale, multi-region retail programs (e.g., national rollouts, rebrands, accelerated remodel cycles)
• Experience working with large national retailers, grocery chains, or multi-unit environments with complex operational needs
• Experience leading teams in matrixed environments and influencing executive stakeholders
• Familiarity with sustainability standards, energy-efficient design, and environmentally responsible material sourcing