Design Development Manager, Store Design at Abercrombie and Fitch Co.

Columbus, Ohio, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Jun, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

06 Mar, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Sourcing, Procurement, Vendor Management, Design Development, Negotiation, Concept Development, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Project Management, Process Improvement, Brand Alignment, Cost Management, Scalability, Communication, Organization, Proactivity, Solutions-Oriented

Industry

Retail

Description

Company Description Job Description The Design Development Manager, Store Design sits within the Store Design team and is responsible for sourcing and delivering innovative materials, fixtures, finishes, and solutions that bring new and first store concepts to life. This role partners closely with Store Design, Store Concept, Construction, and Global Procurement to ensure creative ideas are translated into executable, scalable, and brand-right physical experiences. This individual has a strong sourcing background, excels at vendor management, and thrives in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. They are organized, proactive, and an excellent communicator with the ability to manage multiple workstreams while supporting the evolution of our store environments. This job is located at our Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio. What Will You Be Doing? Design-Focused Procurement & Sourcing Partner with Store Design and Concept teams to support new and first store concepts, pilots, and prototype development from early ideation through execution Source, evaluate, and develop innovative materials, finishes, fixtures, and custom solutions that align with brand vision, design intent, budget, and timeline Identify emerging vendors, materials, and technologies to continuously evolve the store experience and push creative boundaries Balance creativity, quality, cost, and scalability when developing sourcing strategies for design-driven initiatives Vendor Management & Development Own vendor relationships throughout the new & first development lifecycle, including exploration, onboarding, sampling, testing, and refinement Act as the primary point of contact for vendors during concept development and early execution phases Manage vendor performance, timelines, and deliverables to ensure alignment with design expectations and project milestones Partner closely with Global Procurement to ensure smooth transition of vetted vendors and solutions from new & first development into broader rollout, when applicable Cross-Functional Collaboration Serve as a key connector between Store Design, Concept, Construction, Global Procurement, and Operations Translate creative design intent into clear sourcing requirements and vendor briefs Communicate project status, risks, and opportunities clearly and effectively to internal partners and leadership Organization & Process Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining clear documentation, timelines, and communication Support the development and evolution of processes that improve efficiency and clarity across design-focused procurement workflows Ensure sourcing and vendor activity aligns with company standards, compliance requirements, and procurement best practices What Do You Need To Bring? Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience 9+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or vendor management, preferably within retail, store design, construction, or a design-adjacent environment Experience supporting new development, concept work, or prototype-driven projects Skills & Attributes Strong sourcing and negotiation skills with a design-forward mindset Proven ability to build and manage strong vendor partnerships Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment Clear, confident communicator who collaborates effectively across creative and operational teams Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and comfortable working in ambiguity Team player with a positive, proactive approach Our Company Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs. The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com. At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities. Benefits & Perks As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F Co. is committed to providing competitive and comprehensive benefits that align with our company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward: Incentive bonus program 401(K) savings plan with company match Annual companywide review process Flexible spending accounts Medical, dental and vision insurance Life and disability insurance Associate assistance program Paid parental and adoption leave Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace Paid Caregiver Leave Mobile Stipend Paid time off and one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles and six work from anywhere weeks per year) Seven associate wellness half days per year Merchandise discount on all of our brands Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! Additional Information ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Responsibilities

This role is responsible for sourcing and delivering innovative materials, fixtures, finishes, and solutions to realize new and first store concepts, partnering with Store Design, Concept, Construction, and Global Procurement teams. Key duties include design-focused procurement, developing sourcing strategies, managing vendor relationships throughout the lifecycle, and ensuring creative intent is translated into executable physical experiences.