What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Store Planning, Design, & Visual Merchandising position at EMERGING BLUE?
Job Description
Our client, an independent eyewear brand, is searching for a Director of Store Planning, Design & Visual Merchandising, to lead the strategic vision, planning, and execution of all physical spaces and experiences. This includes oversight of store design, construction project management, brand-aligned visual displays and merchandising, and cross-functional coordination to ensure brand consistency and high-impact environments across all locations. This role bridges creativity with operational execution, influencing how our communities experience our brand in person.
Key Responsibilities
Store Planning & Design
Our client, an independent eyewear brand, is searching for a Director of Store Planning, Design & Visual Merchandising, to lead the strategic vision, planning, and execution of all physical spaces and experiences. This includes oversight of store design, construction project management, brand-aligned visual displays and merchandising, and cross-functional coordination to ensure brand consistency and high-impact environments across all locations. This role bridges creativity with operational execution, influencing how our communities experience our brand in person.
Key Responsibilities
Store Planning & Design
- Lead the full store development lifecycle: site feasibility, layout planning, schematic design, permitting, construction execution, and post-mortem analysis.
- Lead a cross-functional team, including direct reports and managed vendors. Define the optimal balance between internal and outsourced resources to scale design and execution effectively.
- Guide architectural and aesthetic guidelines across new formats, including flagships, mobile, pop-up, and renovation projects.
- Develop and evolve scalable design standards, materials libraries, and fixture guidelines that reflect the brand’s unique identity.
- Develop and manage store build calendars, capital budgets, and project timelines.
- Conduct site visits to monitor construction quality, troubleshoot issues, and ensure brand fidelity.
- Establish seasonal and evergreen visual merchandising standards across all retail formats.
- Develop floor sets, window displays, and in-store storytelling strategies in partnership with Retail Merchandising, Brand, and Creative.
- Oversee VM training programs and toolkits to support consistent execution by store teams.
- Ensure brand standards and business objectives are met across all physical environments.
- Lead vendor selection, negotiation, and management for architects, designers, contractors, millworkers, and FF&E providers.
- Ensure all locations comply with brand standards.
- Build and manage a high-performing team of internal specialists and external partners.
- Define and implement a hybrid operating model that scales design and build functions efficiently.
- Set clear goals, performance metrics, and standards for internal and external contributors.
- Foster a culture of standards excellence, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Monitor trends in retail design, furniture, and materials to inform innovation.
- Pilot new store formats and experiential concepts in partnership with Retail and Brand.
- Create feedback loops to incorporate post-opening learnings into future rollouts.
- 7 years of experience in store planning, construction management, visual merchandising, or interior design, ideally in retail, hospitality, or experiential environments.
- Demonstrated success leading store development and design strategy from concept to execution.
- Advanced knowledge of construction, architectural, and visual merchandising.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative eye and high aesthetic sensibility.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software.
- Familiarity with CAD, SketchUp, and construction management platforms.
- Willingness to travel regularly for store visits and vendor/partner coordination.
- Competitive wage
- Group health plans: health, vision, and dental insurance
- Welfare benefits: life, AD&D, supplemental voluntary coverage
- FSA Plan & HSA Program
- 401(K) Investment Options
- Adoption Assistance, EAP, Commuter Benefits
- Paid Parental Leave
- Quarterly Cultural Spend
- Ongoing Training and Development, an Educational Allowance
- 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off accrual
- Employee quarterly frame allowance
Salary : $150,000 - $160,000
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