POSITION TITLE:  Senior Director- Retail Design, Aerie Inc

REPORTS TO:  VP - Aerie Visual & Retail Design

SUPERVISES:  Retail Design

GRADE:  8

 

PURPOSE:

We are seeking a Senior Director of Retail Design to add to our dynamic in-house team, focused on the Aerie and OFFLINE brands. The successful candidate will lead and manage a group of forward-thinking designers in the development and rollout of new store design concepts and fixtures, maintenance of heritage design formats, and elevated brand experiences. Additionally, this position will lead presentations with the company’s senior leadership and cross-functional teams to gain executional alignment within the organization. Critical collaboration with our construction team and external vendors is also required to ensure the quality of new prototypes and designs.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Team leader – Manage the Aerie/OFFLINE retail design team Collaborate closely with the Construction team to develop design details Collaborate with our internal partners to develop new fixtures Collaborate with the fixture team to ensure consistent fixture quality Collaborate with the AE retail design team to ensure needs for all brands/locations are met Develop custom store designs for high profile locations that are on time and within budget Coordinate with the Real Estate team to evaluate new store locations and manage the feasibility process ● Collaborate with the International team to develop/modify store designs within the local parameters while maintaining key brand elements and principles Manage and direct outside consultants to ensure brand expectations are met Travel to stores to review effectiveness of the designs and quality of construction Develop team members to become future leaders Perform other duties as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum 10 years of direct progressive experience in retail design, branded architecture and experiential design with a major retail company or top design agency Bachelor's degree in Architecture or equivalent mandatory Knowledge of visual merchandising best practices, with proven experience in retail presentation Ability to hand sketch to convey design ideas and concepts quickly to leadership and business partners Familiarity with CAD, Sketch UP, 3D rendering, and Adobe Creative Suite Effective oral and written communication and the ability to interact with senior level executives Strong analytical & creative problem solving skills Proficient knowledge of Architectural Drawing details, and construction costs, means and methods Knowledge of Millwork and Retail Fixture standards and details Deep knowledge and understanding of latest global retail concepts and trends Dedicated and Inspirational Leader Strong Interpersonal skills Be comfortable and confident in bringing ideas to life in the built environment Acute sense of pop culture, retail, tech and design trends Ability to effectively present and communicate creative ideas and concepts to cross-functional teams Ability to work independently and manage a team Ability to multi task through aggressive schedules in a very fast-paced environment Strong background in driving accelerated timelines Demonstrate ability to proactively identify and escalate issues and process improvements Technical proficiency required to standardize fixture package - fixture detailing - and new fixture development

 

PAY/BENEFITS INFORMATION: Actual starting pay is determined by various factors, including but not limited to relevant experience and location. Subject to eligibility requirements, associates may receive health care benefits (including medical, vision, and dental); wellness benefits; 401(k) retirement benefits; life and disability insurance; employee stock purchase program; paid time off; paid sick leave; and parental leave and benefits. Paid Time Off, paid sick leave, and holiday pay vary by job level and type, job location, employment classification (part-time or full-time / exempt or non-exempt), and years of service.  For additional information, please click HERE. AEO may also provide discretionary bonuses and other incentives at its discretion.