Store Design Manager - WSS

Overview

This hybrid position will be located at our WSS office. Expectations for hybrid in-office schedule is three days a week, typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

The Store Design Manager leads the creative, technical, and strategic evolution of WSS store environments across new builds, remodels, and special initiatives. This role is responsible not only for executing design standards, but for challenging and advancing them — using insights from past performance, emerging trends, and new tools to shape the future of the fleet.

The ideal candidate is a creative problem-solver and independent thinker who knows when to push boundaries, when to simplify, and how to take calculated design risks that improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and long-term brand relevance. This role sits at the intersection of creativity, data, and execution — blending design intuition with real‑world constraints.

Store Design & Concept Development

• Create and evolve store design concepts that reflect the WSS brand identity and customer experience goals.
• Develop floor plans, fixture layouts, and interior design elements for new stores, remodels, and relocations.
• Balance creativity with practicality — ensuring designs support merchandising, traffic flow, shrink mitigation, labor efficiency, and maintainability.
• Use historical performance, store insights, and customer behavior to inform future design decisions, not just aesthetic preference.

Future‑Focused Design & Innovation

• Help push the WSS design organization forward by exploring new tools, technologies, and workflows, including AI‑assisted design, digital modeling, and potential digital twin applications.
• Evaluate how emerging retail, cultural, and design trends can be translated into scalable, value‑focused store environments.
• Partner with internal teams to test, pilot, and learn — bringing curiosity and disciplined experimentation to the design process.
• Challenge “the way we’ve always done it” while respecting what has worked and why.

Project Management & Execution

• Produce and manage design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and finish schedules.
• Collaborate with Construction, Real Estate, Merchandising, and Operations teams to ensure design intent is executed accurately.
• Review architectural plans, engineering drawings, and landlord criteria to ensure compliance.
• Conduct site visits to verify conditions, assess progress, and resolve design issues.

Vendor & Fixture Coordination

• Partner with fixture manufacturers, signage vendors, and material suppliers to deliver cost‑effective, scalable solutions.
• Maintain and evolve WSS design standards, fixture libraries, and material palettes — knowing when to standardize and when to flex.
• Continuously assess new materials, finishes, and technologies that can improve durability, cost, speed to market, and customer experience.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Merchandising to ensure product presentation aligns with design intent.
• Support Real Estate with site feasibility assessments and test fits.
• Present design concepts and project updates to leadership teams.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy while maintaining strong alignment across teams.

Success in this role looks like:

• Store designs that feel current, intentional, and differentiated, not generic Efficient, cost‑effective design solutions that support operational needs.
• Thoughtful risk‑taking that improves customer experience and brand perception without sacrificing execution.
• Design solutions that are cost‑aware, operationally sound, and scalable.
• A design function that is learning, evolving, and better prepared for the future than it was a year ago.

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in retail store design, preferably in multi‑unit or specialty retail.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, Sketch Up, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable tools.
• Working knowledge of construction processes, building codes, and ADA requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication,…