Sr. Manager, Retail Store Design & Development

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and highly organized Store Design & Development Project Manager to join our international headoffice in Hoofddorp. Retail is a new channel for HEYDUDE International with significant growth opportunities – exciting times to join the team! This role is pivotal in managing the end-to-end process of store design and construction for our Franchise Partner & (future) Owned & Operated retail stores. The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, familiar with working in a “start-up/corporate” environment, with a robust background in design, construction, and project management, ensuring our stores meet brand standards and are delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality.

What You'll Do

Project Management:

• Lead the full cycle of store design and construction projects from initiation to completion.
• Develop project plans, schedules, and budgets, ensuring all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Tender for contractors, coordinate with all vendors, and manage relationships with external stakeholders.
• Oversee the purchase phase and support the maintenance of already opened stores.
• Continuously monitor project progress, manage risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.

Communication & Coordination:

• Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead regular project meetings and calls with stakeholders, providing updates and progress reports.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including status reports and risk assessments.

Design, Development & Process:

• Translate HEYDUDE's brand guidelines into effective store design and construction plans. Play a critical role in further developing the concept and store experience.
• Ensure all design executions align with the latest brand standards.
• Coordinate with internal teams (Operations, Visual Merchandising, Merch & Planning, and Retail Marketing) and external partners (design agencies, vendors) to drive the store opening process.
• Provide guidance on the hand-over condition of premises during lease negotiations to ensure they meet HEYDUDE's standards.
• Develop and refine processes, tools, and vendor management strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the store development function.
• Engage in continuous value engineering to optimize project outcomes.

Vendor Management:

• Lead vendor negotiations, including service levels and exclusivity agreements.
• Coordinate with vendors to ensure adherence to project timelines, quality standards, and budget constraints.
• Manage the supply chain for brand-supplied materials, track vendor performance, and escalate issues as necessary.

Financial Responsibilities:

• Develop initial CAPEX projections and maintain strict control over project budgets.
• Manage purchase orders (PO) and invoice processing, ensuring financial accuracy and accountability.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts, implementing cost-control measures as needed.

Support & Collaboration:

• Partner and collaborate with Crocs Inc. & Crocs Brand Teams
• Collaborate with the VM team and Marketing for ad-hoc projects, refurbishments, pop-up stores, and closures.
• Provide support to the Store Design & Development team & agencies on broader projects as needed.

What You'll Bring to the Table

• Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in retail project management.
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously for an international retailer.
• Experience with franchise and distributor models.
• Proficiency in design software (AutoCAD, SketchUp) and project management tools (MS Office, MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with key stakeholders.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, independent, and collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time.