Store Design Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries•Arcadia, WI

About The Position

Primary Job Functions Manage and oversee retail design and construction projects including the creation of 2D and 3D architectural construction plans and design documents for both interior and exterior retail projects. Develop and execute design initiatives based on business strategies. Evolve the implementation of Ashley’s business strategies and design initiatives as applied to new and varied project types. Utilize and share extensive knowledge of the furniture retail industry as well as Ashley’s products, operations, and manufacturing to reinforce Ashley’s business strategies. Oversee the execution and adaptation of Ashley’s brand objectives into unique and varied retail projects, inlcuding project approvals, schedules and completion. Manage and delegate multiple complex projects, which include schematic design, design development, and construction documents for a diverse portfolio of projects with an average project budget of $100M annually. Coordinate cross-functional teams on the execution of multiple projects at different stages of completion and varying complexity to ensure that deadlines are met. Record and communicate project status to directors and executives. Prepare and professionally conduct meetings and presentations with internal teams and/or external clients. Regularly present to executive level management. Oversee the creation of budget estimates and approve cost-saving initiatives. Motivate the team to cut cost and waste out of the process. Analyze and track store design metrics to continuously improve and support business decisions. Establish working relationships with executives, internal cross-functional teams and leadership, and external clients to promote and ensure alignment with brand objectives. Responsible to resolve escalated concerns that occur at all levels of management and internal or external customers. Continuous quality and process improvement ideation to progress personal and department efficiencies and deliverables as applicable. Approve the selection of materials, finishes, fixtures, and signage. Coordinate and approve department travel. Travel to global retail locations and showrooms to lead team with onsite field verification and documentation to evaluate store condition, renewal state and conduct brand education. Travel to global retail locations and showrooms to lead team with onsite visual merchandising and store set up. Travel to global corporate office locations to collaborate with cross functional teams, facilitate meetings, and develop/train team. Make employment decisions and/or recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, pay adjustments, etc. Coordinate and manage the work of employees by directing members of the team to meet the area’s goals. Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being adhered to. Manage employee performance and assist employees in making improvements to their performance through coaching, mentoring and administering performance reviews. Recommend, plan and/or implement employee training and skill development activities. Audit, maintain and ensure employee time-keeping and absentee records are accurate. Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities. Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods and materials. Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions. Secondary Job Functions Maintain reliable attendance. Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education. Assist with training other employees and providing backup. Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.

Requirements

Bachelor degree in Interior Design, Architecture or related field or equivalent work experience, Required
6 years of experience in an Interior Design or related field preferably Retail design, Required
Additional 2 years Supervisory Management experience
8 years experience total
Exceptional 3D visualization ability and advanced knowledge of the elements and principles of design
Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit
Proven ability to create 2D and 3D design drawings and renderings as well as provide constructive criticism on team member projects
Expert understanding of architectural details and specifications as used in construction documents
Strong understanding of building and health codes and compliance issues
Strong understanding of design and construction costs
Experience with and advanced knowledge of retail operations
Expert knowledge and skills of visual merchandising
Strong project management skills
Strong attention to detail
Exhibit strong leadership skills to lead a successful team
Excellent interpersonal skills
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, brand management
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Work independently as well as in a team environment
Document management system
Maintain confidentiality
Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement
Handle multiple projects simultaneously within established time constraints
Proficient computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, internet
Perform under strong demands in a fast-paced environment
Work professionally with customers and co-workers to efficiently serve our customers, treating both with enthusiasm and respect
Display empathy, understanding and patience with employees and external customers
Respond professionally in situations with difficult employee/vendor/customer issues or inquiries
Occasional domestic and international travel in varying economic and social conditions. (Up to 50% of the time)
Flexible and willing to work extended hours when necessary.
Ethics and values
Integrity and trust

Nice To Haves

National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification, Preferred
Advanced experience in Photoshop, Sketch-up, and Enscape (preferred)
Advanced experience in lighting design (preferred)

Responsibilities

Manage and oversee retail design and construction projects including the creation of 2D and 3D architectural construction plans and design documents for both interior and exterior retail projects.
Develop and execute design initiatives based on business strategies.
Evolve the implementation of Ashley’s business strategies and design initiatives as applied to new and varied project types.
Utilize and share extensive knowledge of the furniture retail industry as well as Ashley’s products, operations, and manufacturing to reinforce Ashley’s business strategies.
Oversee the execution and adaptation of Ashley’s brand objectives into unique and varied retail projects, inlcuding project approvals, schedules and completion.
Manage and delegate multiple complex projects, which include schematic design, design development, and construction documents for a diverse portfolio of projects with an average project budget of $100M annually.
Coordinate cross-functional teams on the execution of multiple projects at different stages of completion and varying complexity to ensure that deadlines are met.
Record and communicate project status to directors and executives.
Prepare and professionally conduct meetings and presentations with internal teams and/or external clients.
Regularly present to executive level management.
Oversee the creation of budget estimates and approve cost-saving initiatives.
Motivate the team to cut cost and waste out of the process.
Analyze and track store design metrics to continuously improve and support business decisions.
Establish working relationships with executives, internal cross-functional teams and leadership, and external clients to promote and ensure alignment with brand objectives.
Responsible to resolve escalated concerns that occur at all levels of management and internal or external customers.
Continuous quality and process improvement ideation to progress personal and department efficiencies and deliverables as applicable.
Approve the selection of materials, finishes, fixtures, and signage.
Coordinate and approve department travel.
Travel to global retail locations and showrooms to lead team with onsite field verification and documentation to evaluate store condition, renewal state and conduct brand education.
Travel to global retail locations and showrooms to lead team with onsite visual merchandising and store set up.
Travel to global corporate office locations to collaborate with cross functional teams, facilitate meetings, and develop/train team.
Make employment decisions and/or recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, pay adjustments, etc.
Coordinate and manage the work of employees by directing members of the team to meet the area’s goals.
Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being adhered to.
Manage employee performance and assist employees in making improvements to their performance through coaching, mentoring and administering performance reviews.
Recommend, plan and/or implement employee training and skill development activities.
Audit, maintain and ensure employee time-keeping and absentee records are accurate.
Communicate company and departmental issues and goals and facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company-offered learning opportunities.
Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods and materials.
Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.
Maintain reliable attendance.
Actively participate in departmental meetings, training and education.
Assist with training other employees and providing backup.
Complete other assignments and special projects as requested.