Director, Financial Operations - Store Development

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.

Director, Financial Operations - Store Development

About the role
The successful candidate will lead the financial support functions related to the design and construction of all store locations, ensuring the process integrity, strategic planning, and financial discipline needed to support the company's portfolio growth and brand objectives.

Priorities include budget management for store design and construction projects, financial analysis & reporting, and helping to identify cost-saving opportunities and other measures to enhance overall expense efficiency.

The impact you can have

Financial Planning, Forecasting & Reporting

• Developing and managing financial plans and budgets for store design and construction projects.
• Conducting financial analysis and providing insights to support decision-making and optimized resource allocation.
• Developing and maintaining financial models to project future financial performance and support strategic planning.

Governance:

• Implementing robust cost management practices to ensure projects are completed within budget.
• Identifying cost-saving opportunities and recommending process improvements which will not compromise quality or delivery timelines.

Process Improvement:

• Streamlining financial processes and systems to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and timely execution.
• Overseeing the financial aspects of vendor contracts and agreements, ensuring favorable terms and compliance.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Leading and mentoring a team of financial analysts and support staff, to foster a high-performance culture.
• Collaborating with design, construction, and operations teams to ensure financial considerations are integrated into project planning and execution.

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in financial operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in retail or construction finance is highly desirable.
• Experience in Lucernex is highly desirable
• Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in financial software and tools, such as ERP systems and advanced Excel.
• Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements.

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: $150-170k*

• 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.