Director, Store Design + Innovation

About the Role

As a Director of Store Design + Innovation, you will be responsible for leading the design process and managing both internal and external teams to deliver key initiatives for store design and brand experience, with a focus on retail innovation. You will bring creative solutions through design talent, brand knowledge, and retail design expertise, aligned with Gap Inc. business strategies. This position reports to the Sr. Director of Design and Creative Services.

This is a dynamic leadership role responsible for developing the future of store design, fostering a creative process, guiding decision-making, shaping brand experience, and establishing design strategy.

What You'll Do

• Champion design and act as a brand liaison, ensuring store environments are brand-appropriate. Oversee store design development across multiple brands.
• Develop store design concepts that align with brand and enterprise goals and strategies.
• Drive innovation through research and development of future-focused retail design concepts.
• Advocate for retail industry innovation and strengthen brand identity through design.
• Act as a brand ambassador, translating brand understanding into innovative concepts.
• Foster an environment that encourages innovative ideas and creativity, empowering teams to explore new concepts.
• Collaborate with Gap Inc. business partners, including leadership, marketing, visual merchandising, operations, architecture, engineering, tech services, and real estate.
• Support internal partners in integrating brand goals and requirements into store designs.
• Manage teams and processes, including direct reports, business partners, and consultants, to ensure creative and design objectives are met.
• Oversee all project phases from concept to construction, maintaining design integrity and brand consistency.
• Manage the design process, approvals, budgets, and timelines effectively.

Who You Are

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in architecture, interiors, experiential, and brand creative design, preferably with 5 years in retail design.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, or related field.
• Proven ability to manage a design team on complex projects of varying scale, budget, and scope, working independently and leading teams.
• Experience with high-speed visualization, concept generation, rapid prototyping, and innovation initiatives.
• Strong design skills with the ability to translate ideas into innovative retail concepts.
• Knowledge of architectural systems, materials, fabrication, construction, and code requirements.
• Excellent visual and graphic presentation skills, capable of creating conceptual drawings and leading design decisions.
• Proficiency in design software such as Generative AI, SketchUp, Rhino, VRay, Enscape, Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and Miro.
• Stay informed about industry trends and innovations in retail experience and design.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.