Manager, Design and Planning (12- 15 month Contract)

Holt Renfrew offers you an inspiring, fashion-driven environment with opportunities to learn and grow. From our incredible partnerships with iconic luxury brands, to our commitments to corporate social responsibility, you will be inspired every day.

A job at Holt Renfrew offers a competitive total compensation, a generous employee discount, pension, and health & dental benefits, tuition assistance, and continuous learning and development.

The Manager, Design & Planning manages the design and planning phases of designated projects. This role leads all aspects of the project up to the point of construction, including project design, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, budget management, technical direction, and vendor management. Through the close monitoring of designated projects, they ensure a high level of compliance with quality standards. This is a maternity leave contract for an estimated period of 12- 15 months.

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to) the following:

• In conjunction with the Director, Store Design & Planning ensures delivery of Store Design & Planning programs focused on all aspects of the project up to the point of construction, including project design, planning, scheduling, resource allocation, budget management, technical direction, and vendor management
• Finalize building designs, identification requirements and or define the scope of renovations for tender
• Identify and manage the elements of project designs and construction likely to cause disputes and claims, recommend solutions to mitigate risk
• Keep evergreen all applicable store foot prints including engineer designed performance industry standards and product innovation
• Understand municipal regional and provincial building maintenance requirements and provide guidance to stores to ensure compliance (e.g. waste, fire codes and safety)
• Develop, implement, manage, and report on programming such as design schedules and required approval meeting presentations according to the scheduling guidelines, ensuring they are well communicated and results achieved
• Lead the allocation and delivery of analytics to support effective target-setting, payroll management and operational audits
• Develop Creative Briefs and support development of AFE's required and business case for projects
• Design in-house relays and upgrade for minor renovations; oversee design for large scale projects
• Prioritize project/event/initiative implementations including critical paths, monitoring of progress, development of launch materials, communication and results tracking
• Lead and build internal and external relations that promote an effective and productive environment
• Create external team, develop objectives/goals for each and coordinates efforts between architects, interior designers and sub-consultants
• Work with external consultants/suppliers/vendors/landlords and internal teams (e.g. strategy, sales, marketing, IT teams etc.) to develop designs and manage locations that effectively support company strategy
• Takes the opportunity to champion specific projects
• Manage expenses within approved budget and achieve all expense management targets
• Lead, motivate, and retain a team of high performing employees that is capable of delivering results

The ideal candidate:

• Post-secondary degree in a related field
• 5-7 years of post-university work experience, including 2- 3+ years of people leadership experience
• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills with the ability to get things done
• Excellent interpersonal skills; a team player who is able to act as both a leader and an individual contributor as required
• Confident and effective communication (written & verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Is adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity and change
• Highly service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills
• Significant travel required
• Advanced AutoCAD/Revit experience required
• Passionate about fashion and luxury retailing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

The measures of success:

• Contribution to financial objectives
• Individual objectives linked to the achievement of department goals
• Feedback from internal and external clients

Holt Renfrew is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our future success depends on the perspectives and contributions of all our employees -- their diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences make our business stronger. If you are contacted for a job opportunity and require accommodation, please email careers@holtrenfrew.com and let us know so we can ensure you have an accessible candidate experience throughout the recruitment process. All requests are confidential and used only to meet candidate needs.