Technical Design Manager, Retail Architecture

Aquent is proud to partner with a leading global specialty retailer renowned for translating distinctive brand visions into exceptional customer experiences. We are seeking a visionary and technically astute professional to join their team on a contract basis. This is an unparalleled opportunity to shape the physical manifestation of beloved brands, directly influencing how customers interact with retail environments worldwide.

Are you a seasoned architectural expert with a passion for bringing retail concepts to life? We're seeking a dynamic leader in **retail architecture and store development** to serve as a pivotal technical design professional, bridging the gap between creative vision and buildable reality. In this exciting contract role, you will be instrumental in ensuring that every new store, remodel, and special project not only meets stringent technical standards and code compliance but also perfectly embodies the brand's unique aesthetic. Your expertise will directly impact the quality, consistency, and constructability of retail spaces, making you a key voice in the evolution of physical retail experiences.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a critical technical architecture resource, guiding retail store projects from concept to completion.
• Translate innovative store-design intent into buildable, code-compliant, and technically sound solutions.
• Conduct thorough reviews of architectural deliverables, ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, and constructability.
• Drive the maintenance and continuous improvement of architectural standards, templates, and technical documentation.
• Provide expert guidance and oversight to external architects, consultants, and vendors, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Collaborate strategically with Store Design and Construction teams to proactively resolve complex technical design challenges.
• Coordinate seamlessly with cross-functional partners including Procurement, Visual Merchandising, IT, Loss Prevention, and Store Operations to ensure integrated solutions.
• Incorporate valuable insights and learnings from field operations and past projects to continuously enhance design standards and processes.
• Provide essential technical support across a diverse portfolio of new stores, remodels, shop-in-shops, and special projects.
• Engage in approximately 1-2 project site visits per month to ensure successful implementation and gather critical feedback.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Interior Design.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in commercial architecture.
• Demonstrated strong knowledge of construction documents and intricate architectural detailing.
• Comprehensive understanding of building codes, accessibility standards, materials science, and diverse construction methods.
• Proven experience in effectively translating abstract design concepts into concrete, technically executable solutions.
• Track record of successfully managing architects, consultants, or other external partners.
• Exceptional project-management and cross-functional communication skills, fostering collaboration and driving results.

Nice to Have

• Significant experience specifically within retail or store-development environments.
• Experience with multi-location or global retail rollout initiatives.
• Prior ownership of architectural/design standards or prototype documentation.
• Experience with Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) responsibilities.
• NCIDQ, LEED accreditation, or an architectural license.
• Experience working across a diverse portfolio of consumer brands.

Why This Role Matters

• Directly influence how recognizable retail brands are meticulously translated from design concepts into tangible, physical stores.
• Engage with a dynamic and diverse portfolio encompassing new store openings, strategic remodels, and unique special projects.
• Become a pivotal technical voice, fostering crucial connections between Store Design and Construction teams.
• Contribute significantly to the continuous improvement of architectural standards and processes across an entire retail portfolio.
• Tackle stimulating challenges that ingeniously combine elements of architecture, design, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer experience.