Director, Store Planning, Design, & Visual Merchandising
28 days ago
New Orleans
Job DescriptionOur 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.Visual Merchandising & Brand Experience, • 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.Construction & Facilities Oversight, • Lead vendor selection, negotiation, and management for architects, designers, contractors, millworkers, and FF&E providers., • Ensure all locations comply with brand standards.Team Leadership & Resource Strategy, • 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.Innovation & Strategic Growth, • 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.Qualifications, • 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.Benefits and Perks, • 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 allowanceSalary: $150k-$160k