Director of Store Planning

About the Company

Our client, an independent eyewear brand, is searching for a Director of Store Planning to lead the strategic vision, planning, and execution of all physical spaces and experiences. This includes oversight of store design, construction project management, brand-aligned visual displays and merchandising, and cross-functional coordination to ensure brand consistency and high-impact environments across all locations. This role bridges creativity with operational execution, influencing how our communities experience our brand in person.

About the Role

This role involves leading the strategic vision, planning, and execution of all physical spaces and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Store Planning & Design
• Lead the full store development lifecycle: site feasibility, layout planning, schematic design, permitting, construction execution, and post-mortem analysis.
• Lead a cross-functional team, including direct reports and managed vendors.
• Define the optimal balance between internal and outsourced resources to scale design and execution effectively.
• Guide architectural and aesthetic guidelines across new formats, including flagships, mobile, pop-up, and renovation projects.
• Develop and evolve scalable design standards, materials libraries, and fixture guidelines that reflect the brand’s unique identity.
• Develop and manage store build calendars, capital budgets, and project timelines.
• Conduct site visits to monitor construction quality, troubleshoot issues, and ensure brand fidelity.

• Visual Merchandising & Brand Experience
• Establish seasonal and evergreen visual merchandising standards across all retail formats.
• Develop floor sets, window displays, and in-store storytelling strategies in partnership with Retail Merchandising, Brand, and Creative.
• Oversee VM training programs and toolkits to support consistent execution by store teams.
• Ensure brand standards and business objectives are met across all physical environments.

• Construction & Facilities Oversight
• Lead vendor selection, negotiation, and management for architects, designers, contractors, millworkers, and FF&E providers.
• Ensure all locations comply with brand standards.

• Team Leadership & Resource Strategy
• Build and manage a high-performing team of internal specialists and external partners.
• Define and implement a hybrid operating model that scales design and build functions efficiently.
• Set clear goals, performance metrics, and standards for internal and external contributors.
• Foster a culture of standards excellence, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Innovation & Strategic Growth
• Monitor trends in retail design, furniture, and materials to inform innovation.
• Pilot new store formats and experiential concepts in partnership with Retail and Brand.
• Create feedback loops to incorporate post-opening learnings into future rollouts.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in store planning, construction management, visual merchandising, or interior design, ideally in retail, hospitality, or experiential environments.
• Demonstrated success leading store development and design strategy from concept to execution.
• Advanced knowledge of construction, architectural, and visual merchandising.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a creative eye and high aesthetic sensibility.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software.
• Familiarity with CAD, SketchUp, and construction management platforms.
• Willingness to travel regularly for store visits and vendor/partner coordination.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with CAD, SketchUp, and construction management platforms.
• Experience in retail, hospitality, or experiential environments.

Benefits And Perks:

• Competitive wage
• Group health plans: health, vision, and dental insurance
• Welfare benefits: life, AD&D, supplemental voluntary coverage
• FSA Plan & HSA Program
• 401(K) Investment Options
• Adoption Assistance, EAP, Commuter Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• Quarterly Cultural Spend
• Ongoing Training and Development, an Educational Allowance
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off accrual
• Employee quarterly frame allowance