Director, Store Design

About Leap:
Leap is building the world's largest network of branded retail stores – powered by data, systems and scale. The Leap Platform enables brands to deploy stores that work in concert with ecommerce more rapidly and at significantly reduced cost and risk. Leap brings modern brands to life with compelling, immersive customer experience and data driven operations. Our team is excited by the opportunity to power the next generation of leading consumer brands with a vibrant presence in local communities throughout the country. We're one of the fastest growing companies in the retail/ecommerce space - since launch we've powered stores for dozens of brands, and we're adding more brands and stores each week.

Come take this leap with us. Your ideas, thinking, and voice are wanted.

The Role:
The Director of Store Design is pivotal in shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of our retail spaces. This role is designed to work directly with our brands, oversee our designers and partner with internal stakeholders to deliver innovative and engaging store designs that enable business goals and great shopper experiences. By partnering with brands and our growth team, from onboarding all the way through store opening, the Director of Design will be key in ensuring we bring brands to life.

Role Location:
This role is based in New York.

Core Responsibilities:
Team and Functional Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop the store design team, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.
• Develop and implement retail design strategies that align with both Leap’s and Brand’s goals and objectives.

• Collaborate closely with the growth team during the sales cycle to engage potential brand customers with design discovery sessions, mood boards, renderings and space layouts
• Effectively sell and bring to life Leap’s design and development solutions

Design Oversight and Leadership

• Provide visionary leadership in store design, ensuring each project achieves brand expectations.
• Oversee all phases of store design projects, from sales cycle to design discovery to concept finalization in partnership with Project Managers to deliver New Store Openings.
• Ensure that all store designs are operationally strong and represent our brand customers while adhering to budgets and timelines.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate closely with the Growth, Merchandising, Onboarding, Project Management and Visual teams to ensure store designs support business objectives.
• Work with Platform Operations and Retail teams to enhance store efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive platform growth by integrating cross-functional insights and feedback into the design process.

Outcomes & Measures of Success:

• Successful completion and launch of new store designs that enhance customer experience and meet brand standards
• Deliver against monthly and quarterly targets for new contract signings with Store Design and Store Development solutions, in partnership with the Growth team
• Improve efficiency and effectiveness of design processes, from contract to execution, leading to timely and on budget project completions.
• Receive positive feedback from brands and cross-functional teams on collaboration and workflow improvements.
• Demonstrable growth in store performance metrics attributed to design enhancements.
• Maintain an engaged team.

Candidate Requirements

• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proven experience in store design or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects.
• Strong communication skills - ability to articulate vision and strategy to internal and external partners
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.

Candidate Preferences:

• Experience in retail design, particularly within a rapidly growing company.
• Strong understanding of current design trends and retail market dynamics.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience in B2B selling and business development for Agency or as a freelancer
• Previous experience in designing retail stores for both malls and street retail

Salary Range Transparency

A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range for this position is $145,000 - $160,000. All corporate roles are eligible for annual cash bonuses and equity awards based upon performance and other factors. Actual compensation offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level.

What We Offer
Leap offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes:

• Healthcare benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Hybrid work culture (NYC and Chicago office locations)
• Flexible time off (paid company holidays, unlimited paid time off, sick leave, parental leave)
• Access to company perks (commuter benefits, 401K, paid sabbatical, employee discounts at Leap stores, employee referral bonus, telecom reimbursement)
• Employee Assistance Program

Leap EEO statement

However you identify, whatever your path to get here; Leap celebrates diversity and is committed to maintaining a safe, rewarding and inclusive environment where Leapers thrive individually and as a team. In order to achieve our mission, building the world's largest network of branded retail stores – powered by data, systems and scale; we need to work hard to foster a diverse community to support the brands and customers we serve. These aren't just words, this is who we are. We know that our differences are what make our organization special and are paramount to our culture. Your age, skin color, beliefs, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, parental status, vet status, gender identity are valued.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity! Unfortunately, due to the high volume of inquiries received, we may not be able to respond to all applicants.