Location:

Secaucus, New JerseyJob Summary:The Children’s Place is experiencing exciting growth, and we are looking for a Senior Director, Store Architecture & Construction, to oversee all aspects of retail store design and buildouts for The Children’s Place and Gymboree brands.
This role requires an architecture license/degree and significant experience in new store construction, focusing on delivering store openings on time and within budget. The Senior Director will report to the GVP, Head of Real Estate, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across the organization. The role is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Secaucus, NJ, under a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office (Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays).
In addition, this role requires travel to current store locations and on-site visits for construction projects and new store openings nationwide. As Senior Director, you will manage and oversee all aspects of the store design and construction process, ensuring successful project delivery, on time and within budget.
Responsibilities:

Key Accountabilities:

Design and Pre-Construction Phase:

Lead and coordinate the design phase with external consultants/architects and internal stakeholders, focusing on stores of the future.Develop preliminary project cost estimates, create and manage project budgets, and facilitate internal approval processes. Own the budget throughout the project lifecycle.Solicit proposals for services, negotiate fees, and work with legal on contract preparation. Source and select partners, including general contractors, millworkers, and vendors.Collaborate with Stores, Planning, Merchandising, and Creative teams to ensure construction plans align with and represent the brand effectively.Partner with Finance to ensure construction costs align with financial objectives. Proactively identify solutions to maintain the budget while achieving desired outcomes.Submit architectural plans and specifications to landlords and relevant city or county jurisdictions to secure necessary approvals and permits.Solicit, evaluate, and analyze bid proposals, making recommendations for contract awards.Monitor the Department of Buildings (DOB) permit application process to ensure timely approval and compliance.

Construction Phase:

Oversee all aspects of construction management, tracking progress against goals, timelines, and budgets.Provide regular status updates, report any variances, and develop action plans to keep projects on track.Review and assess all plans, drawings, and documents submitted by vendors and internal/external partners, ensuring alignment with budgets and schedules.Manage internal requests for change orders, ensuring proper approvals.Maintain a network of General Contractors (GCs) and trade professionals, conducting regular check-ins during the construction phase.Visit construction sites as needed, including pre-turnover walk-throughs and punch list walk-throughs at turnover.Handle other construction-related administrative duties as necessary.

Post-Construction Phase:

Collaborate with Store Operations and Landlords/Mall Management to resolve open punch list items and ensure timely closure.Submit all required post-construction documentation to landlords for closure and Tenant Allowance (TA) reimbursement.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture required.10+ years of experience in architecture and construction, with a strong background in retail-specific design principles.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with proven experience in project and people management.Demonstrated ability to take initiative and organize teams around competing priorities.Experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment.Client-focused with the ability to create alignment and drive results.