What are the responsibilities and job description for the Store Design Project Manager position at La Prairie Switzerland?
Role Purpose/Mission:
As the Store Design Project Manager, you will play a critical role in delivering Beiersdorf Luxury’s retail, spa, boutique, and wholesale counter environments across North America. This role holds direct project ownership of mid-complexity initiatives, while supporting senior leaders on high-impact programs. The role blends design development, project management and construction management supporting both La Prairie and Chantecaille brands. You will manage critical timelines, various product budgets, vendor relationships, technical documentation, and onsite execution to ensure projects deliver to brand expectations, operational requirements including P&L, and retail partner standards. You will ensure that each environment reflects brand luxury and precision - executed on time, on budget, and at the highest level of quality & compliance.
Main Accountabilities
Qualifications
Project Management & Ownership
Independently manage mid-high complexity retail projects including:
- New installations and remodels (including spas / facial rooms)
- Pop-ups, events, and special retail executions
- Counter updates
- On-going repairs and maintenance (low – high volume)
- Develop and maintain project timelines, budgets, and status reporting.
- Track milestones, construction phases, vendor deliverables, and closeout activities.
- Prepare and manage project documentation, approvals, and cross-functional communication.
- Identify risks, troubleshoot issues proactively, and escalate when necessary.
Design Development & Technical Coordination
- Support design development for toolkit and retailer programs (e.g., Sephora CA, spa concept).
- Review architectural drawings, shop drawings, and material specifications for accuracy and alignment with global brand guidelines.
- Coordinate with NA Leadership, Global SDVM and Retail Partners on design approvals and value engineering options.
- Ensure that all technical requirements, local regulations, landlord criteria, and brand standards are met.
Construction & Implementation Management
- Coordinate construction execution for assigned projects, including:
- General contractors
- Shopfitters
- Millworkers
- Union labor (when applicable)
- Monitor onsite work, flag deviations, and ensure installation quality.
- Support onsite execution as needed, including travel for setups, punch lists, or troubleshooting.
- Validate invoices, change orders, and budget impacts with accuracy.
Vendor, Retailer & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Act as primary point of contact for vendors, contractors, and retailers for assigned projects.
- Manage procurement of materials, fixtures, millwork, and brand elements.
- Partner closely with internal teams including VM, Marketing, Retail, Finance, and Supply Chain to align program requirements and execution.
- Maintain strong relationships with external retail partners to ensure smooth project approvals and timelines.
Reporting, Systems & Documentation
- Maintain accurate project records, schedules, and cost tracking in internal systems.
- Prepare regular updates for leadership on progress, risks, and budget status.
- Lead documentation workflows for design approvals, landlord submissions, and internal review cycles.
Education & Experience
- Min. 5 years of experience in store design, construction project management, architecture, or interior design.
- Experience managing construction or retail implementation projects preferred.
- Experience in luxury, beauty, or multi-brand retail
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management, or related field.
Technical Skills
- Strong understanding of construction processes, sequencing, materials, and project coordination.
- Ability to read and review architectural and technical drawings.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with project management tools preferred.
- AutoCAD and SketchUp experience are required
Competencies
- Highly organized with strong project management capability.
- Able to coordinate multiple timelines and stakeholders simultaneously.
- Clear communicator—verbally, visually, and in written formats.
- Proactive problem solver with strong attention to detail.
- Comfortable managing vendors, budgets, and timelines independently.
- Collaborative team player with a passion for luxury experiences and design excellence.
Other Requirements
- Local travel required (10–15%).
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000