Director of Brand Environments (New York)

WHO WE ARE :

The FoundRae Collection is more than jewelry. The pieces are modern heirlooms, ones that allow the wearer to express something of themself to the world. The Foundrae collection is intended to become part of the wearer, a second skin, to be an expression of identity and of personal values.

The collection is founded on a lexicon of archetypal, mythological and classical symbols with the intention of inspiring the wearer to take the wisdom passed down through generations and apply that to one’s own life. FoundRae is a reminder, one we wear against our hearts or on our hands, of our capacity for change and growth. When you wear one of these pieces, you are announcing to yourself and to the world that everything you want and everything you want to be is already inside you - all you have to do is claim it.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: Director, Brand Environments

POSITION SCOPE: The Director, Brand Environments will be responsible for translating the FoundRae brand vision into new physical spaces. This will lead the construction project management, design intent and architectural planning of retail environments that reflect and portray the brand’s DNA. This role will collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure that each space is meticulously planned, executed, and aligned with brand standards and expectations from concept to completion. This role requires a strong blend of technical knowledge in construction management, architecture, creative design expertise and strong project leadership and collaboration skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner closely with Creative Director/Founder, Design team, and the Brand Leadership team to ensure the realization of specific design concepts and developments for each FoundRae space (retail, wholesale, offices and updates to existing formats) including fixtures, millwork and finishes as well as other details.
• Lead and manage all projects including coordinating timelines, budgets and resources. Track progress, manage risk and ensure all projects are delivered on time and to the highest standards.
• Act as the internal point of contact with external partners (construction teams and general contractors, interior design firms and architecture firms) to review design development and construction drawings to ensure accuracy and that design intent are met.
• Review and approve construction detail shop drawings.
• Troubleshoot any issues to keep the project(s) on track.
• Partner with cross functional teams to ensure alignment on all projects including new store openings
• Manage and oversee the punch list to ensure all details and specifics have been executed to completion for space turnover.
• Ensure that all store designs maintain consistency with the brand aesthetics ensuring the balance of design intent and functionality.
• Create and maintain all retail format guidelines and standards.
• Research trends, competitors, and innovative materials.
• Support facilities and maintenance of stores and corporate office as needed.
• Special projects as assigned.
• Counter sourcing and pricing for store buildouts as needed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Architecture or related area
• Minimum 8 years previous experience working within luxury retail/fashion experience highly preferred either in house/ design firm
• Understanding of construction processes, including documentation, timelines, budgeting, and project management
• Able to read and interpret construction drawings, technical documentation
• interior / architectural design drawings,
• Strong sense of design principles and understanding of permanent physical space design through a brand lens
• Able to manage multiple projects in various phases, meeting budget and timeline expectations
• Strong project management skills, with previous experience in project management software
• Strong organizational and communication skills and solutions oriented
• Proficient in Autocad, Adobe Creative Suite, Project Management Tools and Microsoft Office
• Able to travel approximately 25% of time as needed for site visits

The appointed candidate will be offered an annual salary between $125,000-150,000 an opportunity for a bonus, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including: medical, short and long-term disability, various paid time off programs, employee discount/perks and retirement plan.