Design Manager - Retail

Gensler; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) and profit sharing

Bonus opportunities and stock options

Job summary

Gensler is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead large-scale retail projects and branch rollouts for financial centers. You will manage multiple projects from design through delivery, collaborating with the project team to ensure high-quality design and client satisfaction.

You will mentor junior staff, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure compliance with codes and brand standards while driving project profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design or Architecture required.
• 10+ years of project management in an architecture firm with retail experience.
• Experience managing retail rollouts, preferably for financial centers.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership to influence stakeholders.
• Desire to mentor junior staff and maintain client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead client relationships and coordination with internal teams and consultants.
• Oversee planning, design coordination, and implementation of multi-site retail rollout programs.
• Communicate milestones, risks, and deliverables to stakeholders.
• Develop schedules and budgets; manage staffing to align with brand standards.
• Ensure compliance with building codes, accessibility, and sustainability initiatives.
• Review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements; monitor project billing.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Client relationships

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Project

SketchUp

Job description

Description

At Gensler, we help companies innovate. We design spaces, services, and environments for organizations seeking new ways to provide value for themselves by fostering healthier, more effective workplaces. As an international full-service firm, we bring global resources, exceptional talent, and more than 50 years of experience to each project. For 35 consecutive years, Gensler has topped Interior Design Magazine’s "Top 100 Giants" List. We are searching for an experienced project manager to lead and oversee large-scale retail projects, with a strong background in delivering branch rollouts for financial centers. This role requires a successful track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously at various stages of design and delivery

At Gensler, we help companies innovate. We design spaces, services, and environments for organizations seeking new ways to provide value for themselves by fostering healthier, more effective workplaces. As an international full-service firm, we bring global resources, exceptional talent, and more than 50 years of experience to each project. For 35 consecutive years, Gensler has topped Interior Design Magazine’s "Top 100 Giants" List. We are searching for an experienced project manager to lead and oversee large-scale retail projects, with a strong background in delivering branch rollouts for financial centers. This role requires a successful track record of managing multiple projects simultaneously at various stages of design and delivery

Your Role

A Design Manager at Gensler works with autonomy to be responsible for the execution of a variety of retail project types and sizes and will lead all phases of projects. He or she will manage all phases of the project delivery and must have a working knowledge of this process with the ability to deliver the successful completion of a project. A Design Manager will collaborate with the project team and ensure a high level of design and client satisfaction, serving as the primary point of contact for the client on mentor junior staff to encourage a high level of design and ensure client satisfaction by being the main point of contact for the client in all work produced.

What You Will Do

• Lead the relationships with the client or internal client relationship leaders, contractors, agencies, as well as engineering and specialty consultants
• Lead planning, design coordination, and implementation of retail rollout programs across multiple sites
• Communicate project milestones, risks, and deliverables to client stakeholders
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and staffing plans to ensure high quality delivery in alignment with the client’s brand standards and operational requirements
• Ensure compliance with local building codes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability initiatives
• Manage expectations and approvals across multiple departments, including design, construction, facilities, and operations
• Prepare and review proposals, contracts, and consultant agreements
• Review internal project accounting documents and process draft project billing
• Participate in firm marketing, proposal writing, and project interviews
• Manage mid-size to large project teams, assign and monitor completion of tasks
• Mentor junior staff
• Participate in the coordination and document preparation for projects and provide quality assurance via review of project documentation

Your Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Interior Design or Architecture
• 10+ Years of Project Management experience in an Architecture firm, working on Retail projects
• Extensive experience managing retail rollouts, preferably for financial centers
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders
• Self-motivated to thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain long-term client relationships and a strong professional network
• Knowledge and experience in all phases of interior design / architectural projects
• Ability to provide excellent client service and assure project profitability
• Desire to mentor junior staff
• Knowledge of state and local building codes including accessibility
• Sustainable design experience, with a preference for hands‑on LEED project participation and accreditation
• Computer savvy with moderate or better skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project), and Bluebeam Revu, AutoCAD, and/or Revit.
• SketchUp, Photoshop, and other design software skills are a plus
• The base salary will be estimated between $107,000 - $148,000 plus bonuses and benefits, and contingent on relevant experience

Life at Gensler

At Gensler, we are as committed to enjoying life as we are to delivering best-in-class design. From curated art exhibits to internal design competitions to "Well-being Week," our offices reflect our people’s diverse interests.

We encourage every person at Gensler to lead a healthy and balanced life.

• Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, wellness programs, flex spending, paid holidays, and paid time off.
• We also offer a 401k, profit sharing, employee stock ownership, and twice annual bonus opportunities.
• Our annual base salary range has been established based on local markets.
• As part of the firm’s commitment to licensure and professional development, Gensler offers reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees.
• In addition, we reimburse tuition for certain eligible programs or classes.
• We view our professional development programs as strategic investments in our future.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer of choice. All aspects of employment decisions will be based on merit, performance, and business needs.

We do not discriminate on the basis of any status protected under federal, state and local law.

Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with federal, state and local law.

See also Know your rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal, the right to work, and E-verify program, as required by law.

Gensler endeavors to make gensler.com/careers accessible to all applicants. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us.

Regarding Gensler’s approach to recruiting new talent, we will never ask an applicant for sensitive or personal financial information during the recruitment process. We advise all applicants seeking employment with Gensler to review available information on recruitment fraud. Anyone who suspects that they have been contacted by someone falsely representing Gensler should email [e-mail].