SUMMARY
The function of the Retail Development Project Manager is to support the execution of new store openings and existing store updates across our growing retail footprint. Reporting to the Vice President of Retail Development, this role plays a critical part in translating design vision into fully realized, high-quality retail environments. You will operate across pre-development, construction readiness, and store turnover—ensuring every project is delivered seamlessly, consistently, and with a best-in-class standard of execution. This role requires strong communication, proactive problem-solving, and a hands-on approach to bringing stores to life.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-Development & Project Coordination
- Lead and manage the pre-development process, ensuring alignment on timelines, deliverables, and critical path milestones
- Partner with Design and Visual Merchandising to secure complete design development packages in time to meet permitting and construction schedules
- Coordinate across architects, landlords, and local municipalities to manage permits, approvals, and landmark reviews
- Review architectural plans and shop drawings to ensure brand consistency across all locations, regardless of vendor or geography
- Oversee the coordination of signage, millwork, and technology packages, ensuring accuracy and readiness ahead of construction
- Identify opportunities to improve pre-development processes to drive efficiency and elevate final store quality
- Build and maintain strong vendor relationships to ensure priority service, cost efficiencies, and consistent execution
Construction Readiness & Execution Support
- Ensure all documentation, approvals, and vendor coordination are in place to enable a smooth transition into construction
- Support punch list management, plan reviews (prelims, check sets, finals), and ongoing project tracking
- Utilize project management tools (e.g., SiteRise) to monitor progress, maintain timelines, and communicate status updates
- Attend cross-functional and vendor meetings to ensure alignment and proactive issue resolution
Store Turnover & Openings
- Lead store turnover planning and execution, ensuring a seamless transition from construction to retail operations
- Coordinate with Fulfillment and General Contractors on store deliveries, installation sequencing, and site logistics
- Order and manage store-specific fixtures, décor, and furniture to align with design intent and operational needs
- Oversee on-site installations including lifestyle, plant, and finishing elements
- Travel to store locations to lead turnover execution, ensuring brand standards and operational readiness
- Partner with Store Managers post-turnover to communicate outstanding items and ensure timely resolution
Cross-Functional Communication & Continuous Improvement
- Act as the central point of communication between internal teams (Design, Fulfillment, Facilities) and external partners
- Proactively identify risks, delays, or gaps, and drive solutions to keep projects on track
- Communicate project updates, changes, and store readiness needs clearly across all stakeholders
- Identify recurring issues and partner with Retail Development to implement scalable solutions
- Provide feedback on materials, finishes, and design elements to improve durability, cost-efficiency, and long-term performance
- Partner with Retail Facilities to coordinate vendor services and ongoing store needs
- Support store teams by ensuring environments are delivered to brand standards and are fully operational at opening
COMPETENCIES:
- Exceptionally detail-oriented with a strong eye for design execution and quality
- A proactive, solutions-driven problem solver with a “can-do” mindset
- A clear and effective communicator who can manage multiple stakeholders and priorities
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with shifting timelines
- Highly organized and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously without sacrificing precision.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience in retail construction, store development, or project management
- Strong understanding of construction processes, permitting, and vendor coordination
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and external partners
- Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., SiteRise or similar)
- Willingness to travel 25–50% (typically 2+ trips per month aligned to store openings)
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the Team Member(s) of this position. Team Members will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the Team Member(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
