DESCRIPTION

The Retail Transformation team is focused on creating 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 Branch Designer/Sr. Project Manager, 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. You will manage projects throughout its life cycle, ensuring on-time deliverables, cost control, and quality. On the front-end, you will analyze data to determine programming requirements that align with a digital- and customer-first mindset and develop test-fits that will define the colleague and customer experience. On the back end, you will manage the delivery of design and construction documents, ensuring accuracy and alignment with Citizens design standards. This is a hands-on, results-driven role for an experienced and self-motivated designer who excels in cross-functional collaboration and project execution.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead end-to-end architectural design for branch projects, from due diligence site reviews and branch programming through test fits and construction documents.
• 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 – including non-branch design programs and architectural design standards – ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-brand delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement across design standards, delivery process, and customer experience outcomes.
• Role involves frequent travel throughout the Citizens footprint.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

• 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, construction project management, 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 strategy and direction clearly.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment but know when to escalate or bring in others.
• Keen sense of ownership, urgency, and attention to detail, but with the humility to recognize when to seek input or guidance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Working independently and using best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services, project planning and execution which includes developing comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, and deliverables.
• Stakeholder management, which includes identifying and engaging with key stakeholder, to ensure their requirements and expectations are understood.
• Acting as a resource for colleagues with less experience, leading project times, providing guidance support and mentorship.
• Risk management and issue resolution which may involve solving complex problems, concerning project issues and conflicts, seeking resolution in a timely and effective manner.
• Project governance and reporting, which involves ensuring project compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead end-to-end architectural design for branch projects, from due diligence site reviews and branch programming through test fits and construction documents.
• 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 – including non-branch design programs and architectural design standards – ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-brand delivery.
• Champion continuous improvement across design standards, delivery process, and customer experience outcomes.
• Role involves frequent travel throughout the Citizens footprint