Assistant/Associate Specialist, Store Concept & Design Operations

Job Description 

The Associate Specialist, Store Concept & Design Operations supports the core processes of the global store design team and its role in bringing brand strategies to life within our store experiences.  This person is focused on the effective communication and coordination involved with store planning at A&F, ensuring efficient execution of multi-branded design projects, maintaining alignment with branded team, and meeting store design objectives.

This process-oriented person must possess strong communication, prioritization, and organizational skills. They take initiative and ownership of tasks and follow through and  collaborate to creatively solve problems, react quickly, and swiftly adapt to changing priorities. In addition, this person is passionate about store design and has experience as a retail Store Designer or Space Planner.   

This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio.  

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Facilitate, support and project manage the Store Concept & Design planning and implementation of key global capital projects, branded store experiences, and new initiatives from conceptual design through sourcing and execution.
• Develop, evolve and maintain efficient processes that support the Store Concept & Design team in planning, implementing, and assessing successful execution for key deliverables.
• Support on-time completion of key milestones and project execution by tracking project schedules and design deliverables, identifying and quickly escalating issues, and strategizing solutions to maintain schedules while aligning with team workload.
• Facilitate projects with key partners across many functions to achieve key results and objectives.
• Coordinate and organize presentation needs for key meetings, working in Microsoft applications & Adobe Creative Suite
• Support Store Concept Design & Product Development teams in developing design solutions driven by internal and external customer insights.

• Support onboarding and training process for new team members and external partners.
• Occasionally design and project manage store specific projects or AutoCad projects (as needed).

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• 4-year degree, preferably in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design or related field.
• 2+ years of work experience in retail design, store space planning or similar role, additional experience in an operational role is a plus.
• Understanding of retail design principles, visual merchandising, and customer behavior
• Proficiency in design software such as Microsoft Applications, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software is a plus.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated & takes initiative with the ability to work independently, drive results, and comfortable operating in ambiguity on complex, large-scale projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with a team of diverse business partners, particularly surrounding the development of process and presentations.
• Energetic, positive, creative problem solving with a solution-based outlook.

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally-led, omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.  

Our Values 

Our corporate purpose of being here for you on the journey to being and becoming who you are, fuels our customer-led brands and our global associates. We lead with this purpose and always put our people first, which is evidenced by our Great Place to Work™ Certification, as well as being named a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality by the Human Rights Campaign. In addition to equitable compensation and benefit offerings, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, we offer a range of educational and engagement opportunities, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities.  

What You'll Get

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Associate assistance program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)
• Seven associate wellness half days per year
• Onsite fitness center
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU!

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER