JOB SUMMARY

This pivotal leadership role drives the strategic vision and execution of all store planning and design initiatives, directly impacting brand experience, operational efficiency, and revenue generation. The Director of Store Planning and Design spearheads the development and evolution of corporate-wide standards encompassing décor, facility design, design specifications, and fixture design. This leader is responsible for the comprehensive planning and delivery of design solutions for all new store constructions, remodels, special projects, and merchandise initiatives. This role also provides visionary leadership and direction to the Store Planning & Design Team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation and excellence. This includes direct management of all design team members, encompassing performance evaluation, clear assignment of responsibilities, and the cultivation of individual development plans to maximize talent and growth within the department.

This role requires 4 days in office and 1 day remote (Tuesday & Wednesday are required in-office days). This role is also located in St Louis, Missouri.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Team Development:

Provide visionary leadership and direction to the Facilities Design Team, fostering a high-performance culture focused on innovation and excellence. This includes direct management of all design team members, encompassing performance evaluation, clear assignment of responsibilities, and the cultivation of individual development plans to maximize talent and growth within the department.

Corporate Standards and Prototyping:

Champion the development, implementation, and maintenance of corporate design standards that reflect the brand identity and optimize the customer experience. Lead cross-functional collaboration efforts in the creation and refinement of store prototypes, ensuring alignment with operational requirements and merchandising strategies.

Project Execution and Delivery:

Oversee the end-to-end design process for all store projects, from initial concept development through final plan documentation. This includes managing workload distribution within the team, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets, and proactively addressing design-related challenges. Responsible for the presentation of store designs and prototype updates to the executive committee for corporate approval. Coordinates feedback from this committee to the design team and key stakeholders. Reports development progress of current, future and special projects to leadership.

Vendor Management and Strategic Partnerships:

Cultivate and manage relationships with all external design-related vendors, including architects, designers, and fixture suppliers. Continuously evaluate vendor performance, provide constructive feedback, and strategically identify and onboard new partners to enhance the design program's capabilities and innovation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication:

Serve as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for all store planning and design matters, fostering strong collaborative relationships with key internal stakeholders across departments such as Merchandising, Operations, Construction, and Marketing. Effectively communicate design concepts, standards, and project updates through compelling presentations to all levels of the organization, including senior leadership.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Interior Design or related field

• Minimum Years of Experience: 8 years or more

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge

  • Prototype development and management with an emphasis on grocery retail and food service industries

  • Construction Document production standards in relation to large and multi-project rollout programs

  • Advanced computer skills with a working knowledge AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, Microsoft and Google Office Suites

  • Knowledge of the grocery / food service industry latest trends, future state concepts and current standards

  • Knowledge of fixture and casework development and selection, material selection, signage / brand / graphic development, and food service / grocery equipment analysis and selection

• Skills & Abilities

  • Ability to lead large groups of individuals in their personal and professional development

  • Creative Design skills that are balanced with a technical knowledge of building material selection, construction methods, store planning design, code fulfillment, and grocery / food service industry retail operations and merchandising

  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills to influence a diverse group of merchants and management in order to build strong relationships

  • Strong presentation skills with the ability to present very technical information to large group of individuals with varying degrees of experience and knowledge in design

  • Analytical and detail-oriented approach to solving problems/challenges as they arise during daily work tasks and activities

  • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and shifting project priorities

  • Ability to negotiate with and influence internal and external stakeholders, vendors and suppliers

FORMAL POLICY SETTING

• Formally responsible for setting policies and procedures associated with one’s department or division.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Walking

  • Primarily Sitting

• Standing

  • Primarily Sitting

• Lifting

  • 25 to 50 lbs

• Travel

  • 0-25%

• Work Environment

  • 40 hours per week during office hours of 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Corporate remote work.

The above statements describe the job’s essential responsibilities and requirements.  They are not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be assigned to job incumbents.

Additional Requirements – Internal Candidates:

• Store/Facility Teammates: minimum of six months employment with Schnucks preferred.
• Store Support Center Teammates: minimum of one year employment with Schnucks preferred.
• Must be in good standing (not on a performance improvement plan or active discipline).
• If invited for an interview, must have manager approval based on performance.

Schnucks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.