Director, Planning & Project Strategy (Loblaw Real Estate)

Loblaw Companies Limited; Brampton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading Canadian retail company as the Director of Planning & Project Strategy. This role leads space planning projects, manages a design team, and drives strategic initiatives to enhance store design and customer experience. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in retail planning and project management, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in retail planning, design, project strategy, or design technology.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams and large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate space planning projects across all banners nationally.
• Manage a team of design technologists and planners.
• Develop strategic plans that support long-term growth initiatives.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Stakeholder Management

Leadership

Education

Post-secondary degree in Business

Post-secondary degree in Architecture

Post-secondary degree in Project Management

Post-secondary degree in Design Technology

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

Revit

Design Software

Job description

Come make your difference in communities across Canada, where authenticity, trust, and making connections are valued – as we shape the future of Canadian retail, together. Our unique position as one of the country's largest employers, coupled with our commitment to positively impact the lives of all Canadians, provides our colleagues a range of opportunities and experiences to help Canadians Live Life Well.

At Loblaw Companies Limited, we succeed through collaboration and commitment and set a high bar for ourselves and those around us. Whether you are just starting your career, re-entering the workforce, or looking for a new job, this is where you belong.

Job Profile:

Director, Planning & Project Strategy

Reports to:

VP, Store Planning & Design

The Director, Planning & Project Strategy is responsible for leading and coordinating space planning projects across all banners nationally. This role also oversees the internal design studio, managing a team of design technologists and planners responsible for project plans, fixture layouts, and design technology innovations. The Director plays a key role in shaping the organization’s future by identifying growth opportunities, optimizing planning processes, and ensuring cross-functional alignment to drive business success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and implement strategic plans that support long-term growth initiatives and align with corporate objectives and priorities.
• Synthesize insights from multiple business units to create action plans that enhance operations and overall efficiency.
• Influence senior leadership on decision-making by providing key insights, innovative solutions, and industry best practices.
• Lead industry research and competitive analysis to identify trends and emerging concepts that can enhance store design and customer experience.

Internal Design Studio Leadership & Innovation

• Lead a high performing design studio, managing a team of design technologists responsible for various aspects of projects by providing strategic direction, mentorship, and professional development.
• Produce detailed project plans and fixture plans for multiple store formats and scopes.
• Develop and maintain design technology innovations and standards.
• Ensure seamless integration of new technologies into the planning and design process.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes by leveraging technology, automation, and digital tools.
• Establish and enforce design best practices, workflows, and quality standards for all deliverables.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to introduce and implement advanced design software, visualization tools, and digital planning solutions.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation across teams.
• Define objectives, monitor performance, and provide coaching to enable success across departments.
• Stay updated on retail design trends, market research, and emerging technologies to incorporate innovative design elements into new store concepts.

Project Planning & Execution

• Lead the team responsible for key business operations, focusing on process optimization, governance, compliance, and executive reporting to drive efficient decision-making and business growth.
• Manage store planning and design from site selection to construction, ensuring budgets, timelines, and quality for new stores, renovations, and strategic projects across all banners.
• Work with planning and design leads to manage project inflow, including kickoffs for new stores as per site introduction from Construction Meetings.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams including Real Estate, Construction, Merchandising, and Operations to ensure project alignment with business needs. Set schedules and communicate deadlines effectively.
• Analyze site specifics, customer traffic patterns, and merchandising requirements to develop optimal store layouts, including fixture placement, product flow, and visual merchandising strategies.
• Provide input and approvals in architect & consultant meetings based on standards and site feedback.
• Ensure all store designs adhere to building codes, ADA regulations, and company brand standards.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives, committees, and strategic projects to provide key insights related to LRE.
• Create standards for layouts to optimize store productivity, minimize costs, and enhance customer experience.
• Drive continuous process improvements to enhance project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with governance, approval processes, and budgets.
• Lead project debriefs to evaluate successes and identify areas for future improvement.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment with business needs and communicate schedules clearly.
• Participate in landlord coordination meetings, ensuring adherence to design standards and timelines.
• Align strategic planning with operational priorities to improve customer experience and performance.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Post-secondary degree in Business, Architecture, Project Management, Design Technology or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in retail planning, design, project strategy, or design technology.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams, large-scale projects, and innovation initiatives.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
  • Proven ability to manage budgets, optimize resources, and drive innovation.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience in design software, digital planning tools, and automation is an asset.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with AutoCAD, Revit, and other design software is a strong asset.
  • Ability to lead change, work in a fast-paced environment, and drive execution.
  • Ability to think strategically and translate brand vision into tangible store designs.
  • Strong project management and process optimization capabilities.

Our commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact is an essential part of our business, focusing on Environment, Sourcing, and Community. We are dedicated to leadership in these areas and guided by our CORE Values – Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence – through our Blue Culture. We offer progressive careers, training, flexibility, and benefits, making us one of Canada's top employers and diversity leaders.

If your experience aligns broadly with the above, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to accessible environments and welcome requests for accommodation at any application or employment stage.

Please Note: Candidates 18+ are required to complete a criminal background check, details provided during the application process.

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