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 is responsible for leading the design and planning phases of assigned projects, from concept up to the point of construction. This role oversees all aspects of project development, including design, scheduling, budgeting, technical director and vendor management. The Manager ensures projects meet high standards of quality, compliance, and efficiency. This is a 12- 15-month contract for a maternity leave coverage.

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

• Partner with the Director, Store Design & Planning to deliver comprehensive project plans covering all pre-construction activities: design, scheduling, budgeting, resource allocation, technical direction, and vendor coordination

• Finalize building designs, identification requirements and or define the scope of renovations for tender

• Identify and manage potential design and construction risks, propose solutions to mitigate disputes or claims

• Keep evergreen all applicable store footprints including engineer designed performance industry standards and product innovation

• Stay current on municipal, regional and provincial building maintenance requirements and provide guidance to stores to ensure compliance (e.g. waste, fire, and safety codes)

• Develop and manage project schedules, approval presentations, and ensure milestones are met and communicated

• 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 as required

• Prioritize project/event/initiative implementations including critical paths, monitoring progress, development of launch materials, communication and results tracking

• Foster strong internal and external relationships to promote a productive and collaborative working environment

• Assemble external teams, establishing clear objectives and coordinating 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 aligned with business strategy

• Manage expenses within approved budget, ensuring all expenses align with financial targets

The ideal candidate:

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field

• 5-7 years of post-university work experience, including 2+ years of people leadership experience

• Proven leadership and influencing skills with a track record of driving project success

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; collaborative team player

• Demonstrated adaptability, ability to navigate change with a solution- oriented approach

• Highly service-oriented with exceptional organizational and follow up skills

• Advanced AutoCAD/Revit experience required

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Passionate about fashion and luxury retailing

• Ability to travel within the GTA for site visits, at times to oversee work completed after-hours

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.