Retail Innovation Project Manager

Retail Innovation Project Manager

The Retail Innovation Project Manager (RIPM) oversees the concepting, planning, production and execution of all In-Store structural projects, large-scale/complex campaigns, client critical/high profile In-Store initiatives and custom LAM Displays. This role involves managing client relationships and deliverables while serving as the key liaison between internal teams (design, administration and operations) to ensure timely execution of various deliverables, accuracy and consistency of information, and high-quality execution of all in-store graphic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management: Leads end-to-end project lifecycle for client critical, complex structural In-Store Point of Purchase (POP) opportunities and client sensitive/high profile campaigns including:

• Collaborating directly with the client on overarching project scope and expectations
• Delivering a highly detailed project scope and/or client brief to the In-Store Design Team
• Ensuring accuracy of design deliverables
• Participating in client store walks and prototype reviews and providing feedback and modifications to key internal stakeholders post-review
• Generating accurate and detailed project specifications for internal partners to accurately price, schedule, produce and ship campaigns
• Leading all Project Overview Meetings with various cross-functional internal teams

Facilitates Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with design teams, various administrative functions, operations, client and store operations to align on project goals, deliverables and accurate execution.

Leads Project Overview Meetings: Orchestrates and leads these cross functional meetings to ensure downstream awareness and success

• Design Kickoff Meetings:
  • Purpose of this meeting is to provide design with or utilize design for a client interview to ensure all details are provided for delivering accurate and impactful Creative Renderings, Structural Deliverables & Permanent Deliverables.
• Project Kickoff Meeting:
  • Proactive meeting to engage in-store business area leadership, for internal awareness and upfront solutioning. The goal is to drive successful execution on large-scale projects and ensure all business areas understand critical aspects of the project.
  • Outcome is to identify potential gaps in this discussion, to delegate and determine other breakout session meetings needed / collaboration prior to the job going live into production.
• Pre-Production Meeting:
  • Timely meeting for in-store business area leaders and key stakeholders to regroup on progress from the Project Kickoff. Production-relevant tactical discussions are had to ensure the Job Ticket and Plan reflect upfront R&D.
  • Outcome is to close the loop on any remaining action items, to ensure client expectations and internal standards are followed throughout the production process and materials ordered in.

Establishes Pre-Sale Timelines & Milestone Management: Works with internal stakeholders to develop and manage detailed project timelines and effectively communicating dates and deliverables to the client to ensure success. As an example, proactively providing a client with a "workback" schedule that aligns with their overall project scope and timing, including but not limited to:

• Design Timelines:
  • Conceptual Renderings (2-3 business days)
  • Prototyping (2-3 business days per round)
  • Specification creation (2-3 business days)
  • Estimating & Pricing (2-3 business days)
  • Instruction Sheet Creation (2-3 business days)
  • Production & Live Job timelines (per scheduling)
• Color Critical & HIgh-Profile Campaigns:
  • Establishes IOP Color & Substrate Testing Schedule(varies)
• Request Pricing: Orchestrates complete and accurate specifications to ensure proper pricing is established based on client expectations for store execution
• Communicate with clients and store teams: Facilitate design and complex-project kick off calls with client and/or store teams to ensure proper delivery, store associate installation, store execution and feedback on graphic materials.
• Conduit for Quality Assurance: Ensure final deliverables meet brand and quality standards

Job Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Design, Project Management, or related field Experience: 35 years of experience in project management, preferably in In-Store print production, retail or visual merchandising

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of In-Store print production processes, structural design, materials, and installation logistics
• High attention to detail
• Ability to create detailed project timelines and manage client milestones
• Proficiency in project management tools
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Identify and anticipate potential issues and develop contingency plans
• Time management with the ability to prioritize tasks while managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of retail environments, store formats and experience working with large retail chains or consumer brands
• Familiarity with temporary, semi-permanent and permanent displays and their respective production and installation requirements
• Ability to translate client goals into actionable plans and In-Store tactics
• Understand substrates, printing techniques and structural engineering for displays
• Adaptability to handle last-minute change or store-specific requirements with flexibility