Sr Project Manager - Retail Designer

Citizens; Johnston (RI); Hybrid; USD 123,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizens is seeking a Retail Designer to lead branch design from concept to construction. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver high-quality, brand-aligned spaces that meet business objectives and customer needs.

The role emphasizes hands-on design leadership, cross-functional teamwork, and delivery excellence in a fast-paced environment. 40-hour weeks with a mix of in-office and remote work in Johnston, RI or Westwood, MA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, environmental design, or related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in retail, interior architecture, or related design fields.
• Experience managing external architecture/design consultants.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design for branch projects, from due diligence, programming, and test fits through construction documents and administration.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to align design with business objectives, brand standards, and customer needs.
• Translate performance data, customer insights, and strategic direction into compelling physical design solutions.
• Produce and review design documentation to ensure code compliance, technical accuracy, and design integrity across different project types.
• Manage the production and quality of construction documents; review and approve architectural, millwork, and furniture plans.
• Drive multiple complex projects concurrently, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-brand delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement across design standards, delivery processes, and customer experience outcomes.

Skills

Retail design experience

Leadership & collaboration

Clear design communication

Independent work & prioritization

Customer-focused mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, environmental design, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Retail Transformation’s mission is to create compelling, customer-centric branches that elevate our brand, inspire our colleagues, and drive business value. We bring our brand to life through physical environments that invite connection and reflect our deep commitment to customer experience. Partnering with teams across the organization, we deliver meaningful, innovative spaces aligned to our evolving retail strategy.

Description

Retail Transformation’s mission is to create compelling, customer-centric branches that elevate our brand, inspire our colleagues, and drive business value. We bring our brand to life through physical environments that invite connection and reflect our deep commitment to customer experience. Partnering with teams across the organization, we deliver meaningful, innovative spaces aligned to our evolving retail strategy.

As a Retail Designer, you will play a critical role in shaping Citizens’ branch environments. You will lead design efforts from concept through construction, collaborating closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to deliver high-quality, innovative, and brand-aligned spaces. This is a hands-on, results-driven role for an experienced and self-motivated designer who excels in cross-functional collaboration and project execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design for branch projects, from due diligence, programming, and test fits through construction documents and administration.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to align design with business objectives, brand standards, and customer needs.
• Translate performance data, customer insights, and strategic direction into compelling physical design solutions.
• Produce and review design documentation to ensure code compliance, technical accuracy, and design integrity across different project types.
• Manage the production and quality of construction documents; review and approve architectural, millwork, and furniture plans.
• Drive multiple complex projects concurrently, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-brand delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement across design standards, delivery processes, and customer experience outcomes.

Required Skills And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, interior design, environmental design, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in retail, interior architecture, hospitality, or restaurant design, including construction documentation and project execution.
• Proven track record managing external architecture/design consultants and delivering multi-site programs.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, ADA compliance, and construction documentation.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office.
• Excellent communication skills – visual, verbal, and written – with ability to convey design direction clearly.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment but know when to elevate or bring in others..
• Strong sense of ownership, urgency, and attention to detail, but with the humility to recognize when to seek input or guidance.
• Self-awareness and emotional intelligence—you understand your strengths, limitations, and how to work effectively with diverse teams.

To thrive as a colleague at Citizens, candidates must demonstrate a strong customer-centric mindset, exhibit persistence and resilience in the face of challenges, and embrace continuous learning to adapt and grow in a dynamic environment.

Hours and Work Schedule

(4 days in office, 1 day remote) Hours per Week: 40 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday Work Location: Johnston, RI or Westwood, MA

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $123,000-$159,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the budget, work location, and relevant skills and experience. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time‑away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.

Work Authorization

This role is not eligible for new employer sponsored or current H-1 B visa holders. Applicants, including current OPT, L and other visa holders, must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for new employer sponsorship for themselves or their spouses now and in the future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.

Why Work for Us

At Citizens, you'll find a customer-centric culture built around helping our customers and giving back to our local communities. When you join our team, you are part of a supportive and collaborative workforce, with access to training and tools to accelerate your potential and maximize your career growth.

Posting End Date: 10/16/2026