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REI is seeking an innovative Manager, Architecture to lead the architectural design team while delivering high-quality design documentation to execute projects within our fleet of stores. This role is responsible for managing store design activities in support of new store projects, renovations, and strategic initiatives. The Manager, Architecture is expected to drive the architectural design process to elevate the customer experience and differentiate the REI brand. This job contributes to REI’s success by implementing design standards, documenting program requirements, delivering construction drawings, and securing building permits for assigned projects. The Manager, Architecture oversees design phases for multiple projects simultaneously at varying stages of development working in partnership with cross-functional teams including Real Estate, Construction, Concept Design, Construction Procurement, Facilities, Store Operations, Visual Merchandising and Sourcing. Additionally, this role is responsible for fostering a culture of continuous improvement to deliver against the strategic goals for the Physical Place team.

This role requires thorough expert knowledge of store design practices. The ideal candidate applies advanced principles, theories, concepts, and strategic thinking and is able to teach, train, and lead others. They use significant expertise and high judgement to deliver against strategic organizational wide goals often working cross divisionally. They are able to effectively influence and negotiate solutions when the path forward is unclear, and they are able to make trade-offs when evaluating opportunity vs available resources. This role is responsible for managing internal and external resources. 

Functional Responsibilities:  

• Accountable for managing the team who is responsible for delivering design documentation and schedules for our portfolio of stores.  
• Responsible for ensuring the architectural design documentation meets REI project requirements, adheres to brand design standards and budget goals, 
• Responsible for quality assurance process with internal and external resources for final construction drawings. 
• Coordinates design documentation of the merchandise fixture plan and brand expression kit-of-parts to achieve a cohesive customer experience.  
• Maintains architectural prototype standards for exterior and interior design elements.  
• Oversees the design scope and schedules of external consultants. 
• Manages the consulting fees for entire portfolio of projects.  
• Collaborates with functional leaders to ensure program requirements are met and documented.    
• Provides design support during Construction Administration.  
• Advises senior leaders with decision support and prioritization of departmental strategies. 
• Provides clear, effective, and timely communication of design direction and changes to team members and/or consultants. 
• Develops plans, schedules, and prioritization for the Physical Place team in support of assigned projects. 
• Informs schedules and timelines with project teams and effectively communicates dates to meet all established deadlines.  
• Hires, develops, and coaches team members. 
• Responsible for resource management and project assignment for the architecture team.    
• Audits the output of the Architectural Design Team to ensure high quality work.  
• Responsible for managing the department annual budget for research and development along with operational business needs of the department. 
• Leverages experience and available tools to understand where gaps exist in project plans and propose solutions.  
• Store visits may be required to audit the implementation of design standards and to develop new design solutions.  

Qualifications 

• 8+ years of Store Design experience in complex retail environment.   
• 4+ years managing people directly or indirectly. 
• BA/BS in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field preferred 
• Extensive knowledge of the store development process including due diligence and site selection, concept and schematic design, construction documentation, and construction administration.  
• Fluency in reading construction drawings and communicating scope and design intent to internal and external stakeholders.  
• Experience with space planning as it relates to retail stores.  
• Fluency in relevant design software, including Sketchup, AutoCAD and Revit, Bluebeam, Adobe Creative Suite, and Figma. 
• Demonstrated skills in relevant software for effective management and tracking of projects, such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and Smartsheet. 
• Ability to manage geographically diverse teams delivering concurrent projects working remotely.  
• Advanced skills in establishing and maintaining budgets, schedules, and deadlines, prioritizing, and managing resources to accomplish goals.  
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail with experience working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.  
• Experience managing consultants and/or vendors and ability to articulate business impacts and decisions.   

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.