Store Design Manager

JOB TITLE: Store Design Manager

LOCATION: New York, NY

Company Overview:

Apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. Designed to be of the time and for the time, LifeWear is made with such modern elegance that it becomes the building blocks of each individual’s style. A perfect shirt that is always being made more perfect. The simplest design hiding the most thoughtful and modern details. The best in fit and fabric made to be affordable and accessible to all. LifeWear is clothing that is constantly being innovated, bringing more warmth, better design, and better comfort to people’s lives.

Position Overview

The Store Design Project Manager leads the end-to-end execution of retail store development projects across the U.S., ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and aligned with brand standards. This role partners with Real Estate, Store Development, and external vendors to manage all phases, from feasibility through final handover.

The position requires strong project management, technical design knowledge, and the ability to oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced retail environment while ensuring quality, compliance, and consistency across all store formats.

Responsibilities:

• Responsibility for store design management, controls schedule, cost, quality, etc.
• Develop store layouts, fixture plans, and construction drawing packages.
• Coordinate architectural, interior design, and engineering requirements.
• Review landlord criteria and local jurisdiction requirements.
• Manage Design work and project execution through all phases, from giving inputs on the feasibility of projects till the hand over to the store management team in US.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and ensure landlord handover conditions meet Uniqlo’s standards in collaboration with external project management firms and the real estate team.
• Ensure and review design and construction detailed plans and deliverables, including clear permitting processes and timelines. Leverage external project management firm throughout the process. Review MEPF consultant drawings for compliance with brand standards.
• Manage all design partners, with an external project management firm after evaluating proposals that include project plans, costs, and qualifications.
• Lead site walkthroughs through the entire project lifecycle, from initial feasibility study through final handover to the store team. Identify risks related to time and budget, resolve all on-site issues, and ensure perfect delivery.
• Ensure budget, timeline, quality, and safety are all delivered for each project.
• Work together with architect, GC and vendors to solve issues on site.
• Understand all local code requirements and make sure all vendors deliver accordingly.
• Execute final inspection working together with construction manager before handover to store operation team to ensure code requirement, UQ quality requirement and maintenance requirement is provided.
• Lead post-project analyses and discussions. Identify opportunities and strive for continual process improvement.
• Ensure timely PO approval and payment of all invoices, working with the Store Development Management Control team.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Frequent in person collaboration

Qualifications:

• Project management experience in design
• At least 5 years in a similar position, in the US retail industry or architectural design firm
• Knowledge in mechanical, electrical, fire fighting for retail environment.
• Prior training as a PM in the design industry is MUST. Certification of architect or PM preferred
• Ability to manage multiple projects at varying stages of complexity simultaneously
• Multicultural work experience and work background
• Understand the Uniqlo Customer and Positioning in the marketplace
• Sensitivity to aesthetic, quality architecture
• Solid understanding of flagship and standard stores requirements and solid experience in rolling out many stores simultaneously
• Knowledge of the US marketplace
• Results-oriented, outcome-ownership mindset
• Business and financial acumen
• Flexibility, Positive attitude and high energy
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Technical Skills

• AutoCAD (required)
• Revit (preferred)
• Bluebeam SketchUp
• Adobe Creative Suite

US Travel may be required: 25% - 50%.

Salary: $140,000 - $146,000* annually

**The offered salary or salary range is based on sever…