Manager, Store Design- International

Description

The International Design Manager is responsible for managing the design and delivery of retail projects across international markets, working closely with franchise partners, regional teams, external architects, and internal cross-functional partners.

The role manages projects across multiple store formats, including flagship stores, shopping center locations, outlets, new stores, relocations, remodels, and partial refurbishments. The International Design Manager is responsible for translating the company’s established design concepts and standards into successful, market-relevant store environments.

Working across a diverse portfolio of countries and partners, the role requires a strong understanding of retail design, excellent project management skills, and the ability to balance global brand consistency with the unique commercial, cultural, operational, regulatory, and site-specific requirements of each market.

The International Design Manager will manage multiple projects simultaneously from initial site assessment and schematic design through design development and construction, ensuring projects are delivered to the required design quality, timeline, and budget parameters.

Manage the design development and delivery of multiple international retail projects across a portfolio of markets.

Manage projects across all store formats, including flagship stores, shopping center locations, travel retail. New stores, relocations, remodels, and partial refurbishments.

Develop and manage schematic store designs in-house, translating established design concepts into site-specific solutions.

Take ownership of projects from initial site review and schematic design through design development, construction documentation, and project completion.

Ensure projects progress according to agreed design schedules, budgets, and established store tier parameters.

Proactively identify design, program, or technical risks and work with internal and external stakeholders to develop solutions.

Interpret and apply the company’s Design Standards Bible across international projects.

Adapt established concepts thoughtfully to individual sites while maintaining the integrity and key principles of the brand.

Understand when design standards should remain consistent and where flexibility is required to respond to local market, customer, operational, or site needs.

Produce and review store layouts, plans, elevations, design details, material selections, and design development packages.

Ensure the customer journey, merchandising requirements, operational functionality, and commercial needs are considered throughout the design process.

Work closely with the Design Concepts team as brand concepts and standards continue to evolve.

Develop strong working relationships with franchise partners, licensees, regional teams, and international stakeholders.

Act as a key day-to-day design contact for assigned international markets and projects.

Clearly communicate design intent, brand standards, project requirements, and feedback to partners and their appointed design teams.

Guide partners through the design review and approval process, providing clear and constructive direction.

Balance partner and market requirements with the need to protect brand consistency and design quality.

Support the preparation and review of design packages required for landlords, shopping centers, local authorities, and other approval bodies.

Manage and coordinate external architects, local architects of record, engineers, and specialist consultants.

Provide clear design briefs and ensure external teams understand brand standards and project expectations.

Review consultant drawings and submissions for design accuracy, quality, and alignment with approved schematic designs.

Coordinate with local architects to address building codes, accessibility requirements, local regulations, landlord criteria, and construction practices.

Maintain design oversight throughout the project to ensure design intent is carried through into construction.

Work closely with Real Estate during site assessment and planning to understand opportunities, constraints, and commercial requirements.

Partner with Construction to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and delivered within project timelines.

Collaborate with Procurement to ensure materials, fixtures, and…