Job Description

Referred applicants should not apply directly to this role.

All referred applicants must first be submitted through Workday by a current Loblaw Colleague.

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust and making connections is valued \xe2\x80\x93 as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country\'s largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well\xc2\xae.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

Job Profile: Manager, Store Design - 15 month contract

Reports to: Director, Store Design

Job summary and mission:

This role contributes to the success of Loblaw Companies Limited by delivering outstanding store designs for all banners and businesses nationally. Store designs uphold customer experience and elevate brand design expectations while meeting budgets, schedules and operational requirements. The design manager works in close partnership with design peers and leadership along with cross-functional teams.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

Store Design

• Lead the development of store designs from concept to detailed design stage in accordance with the LCL design strategy.
• Creation of design solutions for various real estate formats including but not limited to mixed developments, free standing buildings, facades, existing store renovations, shop in shops, kiosks and alternative store formats.
• Creation of a range of relevant, innovative design solutions in response to changing timelines, project and workload demands while meeting aesthetic expectations and operational requirements.
• Demonstration and sharing of an in-depth knowledge of materials, construction methods, detailing, best practices in architectural design and interior fit-outs, millwork design, graphic design, lighting and acoustics.
• Lead the production and delivery of visual design packages, sketches and design intent drawing packages, graphics guidelines, signage key plans, fixture details, materials specifications and schedules that clearly communicate the design direction to peers and leadership, cross-functional partners, construction teams and external consultants.
• Deliver high quality presentations to peers, leadership and external stakeholders. Share design work on a daily basis with clear, logical and understandable verbal narrative and strong visual presentation materials.

Design Leadership

• Elevate LCL design quality and drive engagement in design reviews with consistent, thoughtful and relevant design commentary and critique.
• Elevate the design culture through the continuous research and sharing of design thinking, best practices, current and innovative industry trends, technologies, events and advancements.
• Build and maintain relationships across business functions and diverse groups, encouraging collaboration and creating connections to continuously improve the design organization.
• Lead design activities and engage with business units on market tours as needed to execute store designs that meet brand expectations.

Project Development

• Assess the scope of each store design project through review of surveys and real estate documents.
• Manage the development, production and delivery of design documents by external consultants.
• Execute store designs in collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize material and inventory levels, achieve fiscal goals and uphold corporate and global responsibilities.
• Review and approve shop drawings to ensure signage and fixtures are built to Loblaw design specifications. Review and approve prototypes in conjunction with business units and procurement prior to order placement.
• Provide clear, effective and timely communication of design direction and changes.
• Work with business units to ensure that design processes, practices and programs are aligned with company business goals and objectives.
• Prepare, communicate and educate client groups and design team on changes in policies and practices within the organization.
• Support the implementation of company programs to ensure the success of the company.

Summary of Experience

• Interior and architectural design experience in retail and hospitality design, working with design consultancies and/or development organizations. 6 - 10 years
• Demonstrated direct experience creating interior and architectural design concepts for a range of project sizes and varying complexity levels.
• Relevant experience leading design teams with decision-making authority and accountability, managing direct reports, budgets and external consultants.
• Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in the design discipline from a recognized educational institution.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General skills should include direct experience with:

• Management of a design team.
• Creation, management and delivery of design and construction documents.
• Management and co-ordination with vendors and external consultants, including architectural, interior, graphics, MEP and others.
• Highly effective communication abilities.
• Analytical skills, attention to detail and ability to execute multiple design projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to create innovative store environments by interpreting design objectives.
• Demonstrated understanding of industry trends, building and health codes.
• Demonstrated application of color, composition, graphics, materials and design principles and good 3D visualization skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate design vision in visual, written, and verbal formats.
• Knowledge of architectural details and specifications for construction document production.
• Knowledge of millwork standards, details and construction.
• Ability to travel 35% of the time within Canada and Internationally. Travel within a working day is frequent and absence from home overnight is sometimes required.
• Candidate must have a valid driver\'s license and personal vehicle.

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of the way we do business, and we focus our attention on areas where we can have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability and social impact is based on three pillars \xe2\x80\x93 Environment, Sourcing and Community \xe2\x80\x93 and we are constantly looking for ways to demonstrate leadership in these important areas. Our CORE Values \xe2\x80\x93 Care, Ownership, Respect and Excellence \xe2\x80\x93 guide all our decision-making and come to life through our Blue Culture. We offer our colleagues progressive careers, comprehensive training, flexibility, and other competitive benefits \xe2\x80\x93 these are some of the many reasons why we are one of Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Top Employers, Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Best Diversity Employers, Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Greenest Employers & Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Top Employers for Young People.

If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are looking for varied perspectives which include diverse experiences that we can add to our team.

We have a long-standing focus on diversity, equity and inclusion because we know it will make our company a better place to work and shop. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Please Note:
Candidates who are 18 years or older are required to complete a criminal background check. Details will be provided through the application process.

Loblaw