AVP, Store Design

About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, Chico's, Haven Well Within, Lane Bryant, LOFT, Soma, Talbots, White House Black Market. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

AVP, Store Design

About the role
The successful candidate will lead the conceptualization, design, and delivery of store layouts and environments for the company’s retail and outlet locations. This includes working with multiple brands and supporting partners to create customer spaces which are visually appealing, operationally effective and drive sales growth through an enhanced shopping experience.

Priorities include balancing short-term design priorities (to support portfolio growth) against long-term strategic initiatives, leading simultaneous projects across multiple brands and effectively managing within both shifting timelines and budgetary requirements.

This position will have full ownership of design up to & including architectural drawings! Will lead a team and the entire architectural process!

The impact you can have
Design & Delivery:

• Leading the creative direction and design vision for all store locations.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams including marketing, operations, and merchandising to align store designs with business objectives.
• Ensuring all locations reflect each brand’s identity and values through consistent design elements and aesthetics.

Financial Control:

• Developing and managing the design budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
• Preparing financial reporting and presenting budget proposals to senior management as needed.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Managing and mentoring a team of designers and support staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Building strong relationships with internal teams to ensure design projects align with merchandising, marketing, and operational strategies.

Trends & Innovation:

• Implementing cutting-edge design solutions that improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in retail store design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successful retail design projects, including a supporting portfolio of recent work.
• Strong leadership, project management, and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Blue Beam, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, etc. Knowledge of Revit is a plus.
• Knowledge of sustainability practices in design.

Benefits

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, & Lane Bryant (in store and online)
• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands
• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*
• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K)*
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Time off – paid time off & holidays*
• The target salary range for this role is: $150-185k*

• Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

Applicants to this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. We are not providing sponsorship for this position.

This position can be fully remote or can work in a hybrid model, with three days per week worked in our New York City (Times Square Tower) office location and two days per week worked remotely.

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Location:

Corporate ascena – Remote

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Hiring decisions are based upon a candidate's qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration and are made without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable law.

The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential duties of the position you are seeking or to participate in the application process please contact myHRSupport@ascenaretail.com. The Company will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified applicants or employees, unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operations of the Company’s business. The Company will not revoke or alter a job offer based on an applicant’s request for reasonable accommodation.