Store Concept & Design Strategy Operations Manager

Job Description 

The Store Concept & Design Strategy Operations Manager is a dynamic leader who drives and refines store design and planning processes to create exceptional physical store experiences that resonate with brand strategies. This role is at the heart of multi-branded projects, fostering vibrant cross-functional collaboration, optimizing workflows, and ensuring flawless execution while managing budgets, timelines, architects, and consultants to achieve strategic objectives. This individual is a master at building strong relationships and maintaining high connectivity with various cross-functional partners across the brands and company. They are a versatile problem-solver, seamlessly transitioning between strategy, operations, and creative solutions. Moreover, they possess deep knowledge of all functions that touch the store ecosystem, including store operations, marketing, visual merchandising, product, real estate, and more. This person also supports store concept and design development, including new and first development and prototype evolution.

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

What Will You Be Doing? 

• Lead and refine store concept & design processes to deliver innovative and exceptional physical store experiences
• Drive store concept and design team strategy, including new and first branded initiatives, owned and operated prototype evolution, third party relationships, and supporting the real estate strategy
• Manage and maintain branded project timelines, deliverables, and milestones for store concept initiatives
• Serve as the primary point of contact for project tracking, stakeholder communication, and alignment
• Coordinate branded project intakes, prioritization, and resource allocation to balance team workloads
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across internal teams (e.g., product, visual, marketing, stores, real estate, construction) and external vendors
• Proactively identify and resolve potential roadblocks to ensure timely project delivery
• Develop and implement workflows and tools to streamline project management and operational processes
• Maintain project dashboards, trackers, and reporting systems for real-time visibility into progress
• Document and standardize best practices for project management and team operations
• Provide leadership updates on project status, challenges, and solutions
  Architect Management:
• Select and onboard architects and architectural firms based on project requirements and company standards
• In partnership with our Design Director, establish clear expectations and deliverables for architects, ensuring alignment with project goals
• In partnership with our Design Director, monitor and evaluate the performance of architects, providing feedback and guidance as needed
• Facilitate onboarding & training, regular meetings and communication between architects and internal teams to ensure project alignment and progress
• Manage budgeting and contracting processes for architectural and consulting services

What Do You Need To Bring? 

• BA/BS or related experience - 7+ years of work experience preferred, with proven experience in store design, planning, project management, visual merchandising, or related fields
• Creative thinking and innovation skills to develop unique and engaging store designs
• Proficient in PowerPoint and Excel; familiarity with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, 3D Modeling programs, project management platforms a significant plus
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills to foster strong partnerships across teams and stakeholders
• Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to oversee multiple complex projects
• Knowledge of all functions that touch the store ecosystem, including store operations, marketing, visual merchandising, product management, real estate, construction, and more

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