Project Manager - Store Planning

Location: New York, NY, United States

Position Overview:

Lead project initiatives to ensure successful delivery of retail and trade projects within budget, on schedule, and to the highest quality standards. The Project Manager for Store Planning and Construction must balance strategic thinking with hands-on management, focusing on clients, team members, and enhancing brand appeal. This role requires a collaborative, transparent approach, working closely with both central and local teams while embodying the core belief that people are the key to success and upholding values of creativity, innovation, excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning and Sales Growth:

• Develop comprehensive project briefs, schedules, and budgets in alignment with the Store Development Lifecycle and key milestones.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to finalize project briefs.
• Align with Store Design, regional, and market leadership on project milestones and timelines.
• Review and negotiate work agreements, and conduct initial site assessments.
• Provide insights on market conditions impacting project timelines and budgets.
• Adhere to critical project milestones and deliverables to secure approvals and funding.
• Adapt project lifecycles for quicker openings to support sales and market expansion.
• Utilize resources such as architects, suppliers, and general contractors to meet project schedules.

Project Execution:

• Oversee project schedules to meet all critical milestones, making adjustments as necessary.
• Manage internal stakeholders (Store Design, Procurement, IT, Security, Merchandising, Operations) and external consultants (architects, engineers), general contractors, and suppliers.
• Coordinate and manage drawing sets and milestones through all project phases, including schematic design, development, and construction documents.
• Use project management systems (Unifier, Coupa, PlanGrid, Microsoft Projects) for drawings, budgets, and purchase order management.
• Monitor project budgets, highlight risks, and engage in value engineering with Store Design if needed.
• Establish competitive bidding processes, contract administration, and project-related legal and financial controls.
• Manage monthly cost meetings to ensure adherence to budget, forecasts, and cash flow management.
• Close out projects within 90 days after store opening, ensuring all vendor and supplier obligations are met.
• Maintain strong relationships with contractors, consultants, designers, and internal teams.
• Oversee construction and ensure weekly OAC meetings are conducted and documented.
• Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely delivery of OFI goods.
• Manage change orders and overall budget reporting.
• Ensure high-quality construction and seamless store handover to the retail team, free of defects.
• Facilitate a smooth transition from store planning to retail operations.
• Travel as required for site visits during the project lifecycle.

Efficiencies and Continuous Improvements:

• Conduct post-opening audits with Store Design, Procurement, Store Planning, and Retail teams to identify improvement areas and implement changes.
• Support ongoing research and development programs with Store Design and Procurement, including project component prototyping.
• Identify and leverage regional/local resources, materials, and suppliers for cost and schedule efficiencies.
• Propose and implement efficiency programs in collaboration with Procurement and Store Design.
• Analyze standards, cost efficiencies, and supplier performance.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or Construction Project Management.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in store planning, design, or construction within a rapidly expanding retail environment.
• Experience in the luxury market.
• Proven ability to work effectively with vendors and consultants in the North American market.
• Strong communication and managerial skills.
• Willingness to travel approximately 35% of the time.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.

Compensation:

The hiring range for this position is $110 - 170k , depending on the candidate's skills and experience. Management positions are also eligible for bonuses.

This Project Manager position is based onsite in the New York office.