Store Design, Project Manager - Aesop (NYC, NY)

Dec 6

For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organization, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.

Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.

We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.

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POSITION PURPOSE

The position will focus on the project management of opening new locations and managing redesign of existing stores in the Americas region.

We are looking for a creative and resourceful individual to efficiently and effectively support our Store Design Division, Americas with the project management of new stores in the Americas region.

In this role you will be responsible to lead our project management activities such as survey prospective locations, draft and review design / construction plans. Lead tender process and monitor the construction budget and all relevant financial aspects (quotes, invoices etc.). You will be required to attend construction site meetings and take ownership of the delivery timing and budget management of each new site.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor budgets and construction schedules carefully using appropriate tools to achieve our objectives
Project manage creative solutions for street and shopping mall retail stores and also department stores
Project manage creative solutions for specialised projects including office spaces, temporary stores and projects in collaboration with other departments
Demonstrate exceptional multi-tasking skills, in order to bring multiple creative solutions to fruition and within expected timeframes
Manage the expectations of key stakeholders for each project – including design and commercial expectations.
Lead project management of stores and special projects that are assigned to an In-House or external Architect
Survey prospective locations, providing architectural and construction feedback to Aesop HO and also external Architects when needed
Participate in site handover along with Retail Property Manager and conduct an historical research on the building
Lead tender process, duties to include sourcing construction partners and value engineering process.
Monitor budgets and construction schedules carefully using appropriate tools to achieve the objectives
Drafting, review and approving of design & construction contracts
Ownership of the precise schedule to ensure deliverables and key steps of the projects are carefully respected
Design and document thoughtful and practical small-scope solutions in response to retail and maintenance needs
Conduct factory and local site visits to monitor ongoing quality and report progress back the Head Office
Monitor total CAPEX spend for projects with weekly reporting back
Attend site handover meetings, to ensure that conditions are as per signed Aesop lease agreement
Tender out assigned projects to builders and negotiate through the pricing process
Review shop drawings and ensure these are as per documentation approved by Aesop
Accept completed store from external construction team and complete detailed build defects list
Lead rectification process of all build defects, ensuring these are completed in a timely manner

Store Maintenance & Small Works

Design and document thoughtful and practical small-scope solutions in response to retail and maintenance needs

Reporting & Communication

Monitor total CAPEX spend for projects with weekly reporting back
Monitor timings of projects, ensuring these are running to schedule – reporting back
Communicating and project progress and outcomes
Manage internal stakeholder expectations with regards to assigned projects
Maintain interest and knowledge in the skin care, product and retail industries

Capacity

Seek partnership and long lasting relationship with local General Contractors to develop Aesop’s network of contractors
Frequent travel expected throughout Americas
Be autonomous, proactive, efficient. Drive for excellence and strong capacity to work under tight deadlines and pressure

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, or the equivalent experience with a focus on project management, execution, and construction.
Minimum 5 years progressive experience architectural project management
Experience in managing multiple stakeholders spread across markets in the Americas
Strong attention to details and design aesthetic
Hands-on, practical problem solving and process improvement skills and ability to complete tasks within set timeframes.
Ability to show initiative and proactively present and escalate ideas, suggestions, and problems to ensure outstanding results
Strong written, verbal communication, and presentation skills.

What's On Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $90,000-110,000

We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs.

Employee Benefits Include

Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
Access to employee assistance programs, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options.

Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognized and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organization. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.

Jasmine Hwang