Retail Project Manager

Overview

Placement Type:

Temporary

Salary (USD):

$70 - $73/hr

Start Date:

09.24.2024

Aquent's client is seeking a Program Management powerhouse to lead key workstreams focused on Store Openings and Store Concept Development. In this role, you will be responsible for managing end-to-end concept development and operational processes, driving successful store launches, and ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams. You will oversee the launch of major stores, including the upcoming London and Portland openings, as well as contribute to the development of a global tiering strategy. This position demands a strategic thinker who excels in program management, collaboration, and communication, with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee store concept development for major projects such as the London store (Aug '26 opening) and Portland store (March '25 opening). Develop workback schedules, manage dates and gates, and ensure seamless project execution.
• Serve as the central point of contact for all concept development workstreams, ensuring transparency, accountability, and collaboration across global and geographic teams.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and resource allocation for store openings and concept initiatives. Utilize Smartsheet and AirTable for project tracking.
• Proactively identify risks, develop mitigation plans, and ensure all stakeholders are aligned to address any potential challenges that may impact project delivery.
• Foster open communication between cross-functional teams, regularly updating stakeholders on project status, milestones, and risks. Facilitate meetings and deliver comprehensive recaps, reports, and strategic insights.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement best practices to enhance product development and store launch efficiency.
• Collaborate with customer support, testing, and vendor teams to ensure products meet quality standards, gathering feedback to drive continuous improvements.
• Collaborate with finance teams to manage project budgets, track expenses, and optimize resource allocation.

Key Accountabilities:

• Facilitate concept development for London, Portland, and Tiering Strategy projects, ensuring alignment across global and regional teams.
• Manage and report on project status using companies store tools and platforms, including Smartsheet and AirTable.
• Identify and mitigate risks across workstreams, providing regular updates to leadership on progress and key milestones.
• Track and forecast deliverables aligned with construction dates, maintaining a 30/60/90 day and 3-6 month view of key milestones.

Candidate Requirements:

• 5+ years in Senior Lead or Principal roles within retail program management, operations, or store concept development.
• Experience managing physical store buildouts, with a strong understanding of retail construction, design, and fixture installation processes.
• Experience working in highly cross-functional environments and driving clarity across partners.
• Proven ability to manage end-to-end retail project lifecycles, from concept to execution, while maintaining a consumer-focused mindset.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship management skills.
• Expertise in project management tools such as Smartsheet and AirTable.
• Proficient in presenting ideas and strategies, with experience using Keynote for storytelling and presentation development.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required. Advanced degrees or certifications in related fields are a plus.

The target hiring compensation range for this role is $70 to $73 hourly. Compensation is based on several factors including, but not limited to education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.

About Aquent Talent:

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium . More information on our awesome benefits !

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.