Lead - Design Manager, Real Estate

On; New York (NY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

On is seeking a Lead - Design Manager to drive end-to-end architectural design for new retail locations across the Americas, with a focus on franchise partners and premium store environments. You will translate global design strategy into locally optimized spaces and independently own layout execution on multiple concurrent projects.

Reporting to the Senior Lead - Retail Design Manager, AMER, you will collaborate with Construction, Visual Experience, Retail Operations, and IT to ensure seamless

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in architectural or premium retail design.
• Experience translating design guidelines into premium layouts for retail spaces.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% for site visits and reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design process for regional store openings from concept to build-out.
• Translate global brand guidelines into local, technically sound layouts.
• Deliver comprehensive design packages including 3D visuals and construction details.
• Review external architectural drawings for compliance with concepts and regulations.
• Coordinate with Construction, Visual Experience, Retail Operations and IT for coordinated execution.
• Manage communications with franchise partners, architects, and contractors to ensure timelines.

Skills

Architectural design

Premium retail design

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel flexibility

Tools

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

In short

As the Lead - Design Manager, you will drive the end-to-end architectural design workstream for new retail locations across the region, with a primary focus on franchise partners and high-impact store environments. Reporting to the Senior Lead - Retail Design Manager, AMER on the Real Estate team, you will independently own layout execution and technical design deliverables across multiple concurrent projects without direct reports. You will translate global design strategy into locally optimized physical spaces, partnering across a matrixed regional network to elevate On’s brand presence and community connection across the Americas.

Your Mission

• Lead the end-to-end design process for strategic regional store openings from initial spatial concept through final build-out


• Translate global design guidelines, brand values, and visual identities into premium, high-quality technical layouts tailored to regional real estate requirements


• Deliver comprehensive design packages, local including local design inspiration, zoning concepts, 3D visualizations, material sample boards, and formal approval presentations for internal leadership


• Review external partner architectural drawings to verify strict compliance with approved design concepts, landlord criteria, and regional building regulations


• Partner cross-functionally with Construction, Visual Experience, Retail Operations, and IT to ensure seamless, highly coordinated project execution across all store workstreams


• Coordinate communications with franchise partners, local architects, external design firms, and contractors to maintain execution quality and project timelines


• Monitor design execution milestones across multiple project timelines, proactively identifying underlying technical issues and balancing layout trade-offs to keep site openings on schedule

Your Story

• You bring 6+ years of experience in an architectural or premium retail design role, specializing in consumer-facing environments across diverse store formats


• You possess technical expertise in 2D and 3D design software, leveraging tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite to produce precise layout visualizations and construction details


• You show an innate ability to navigate ambiguity and operate productively when localized project parameters shift or clear paths forward are not predefined


• You are highly skilled at building collaborative relationships with external partners, franchise operators, and internal matrixed teams to drive cross-functional alignment on design deliverables


• You have a comprehensive understanding of how creative design concepts translate into physical built environments, including construction detailing and fixture development


• You are comfortable traveling up to 15% of the time across the region to conduct site visits, audit design execution, and support project milestones

Your Team

At On, Real Estate Development is about more than securing spaces; it’s about building the future of our brand. As part of the Finance team, we design, develop, and deliver global facilities for retail stores, partner locations, offices, and more. We see real estate as a strategic growth driver, blending brand storytelling with operational excellence. We don't follow traditional real estate practices; we build, grow, and empower teams to shape what's next. Within the Americas division, we operate as a highly collaborative, fast-moving team focused on translating global standards into premium, locally-resonant physical experiences.

What We Offer

On is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a work environment that is fair and inclusive, where all decisions related to recruitment, advancement, and retention are free of discrimination. Start date contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Typical cash compensation range for this position, inclusive of base + bonus: ($130,000 - $160,000). Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including experience, industry knowledge, qualifications, skill set, and location.