Lead - Design Manager, Real Estate

Drives the end-to-end architectural design workstream for new retail locations across the region, with a primary focus on franchise partners and high-impact store environments. Reporting to the Senior Lead - Retail Design Manager, AMER on the Real Estate team, the position independently owns layout execution and technical design deliverables across multiple concurrent projects without direct reports. It translates global design strategy into locally optimised physical spaces, partnering across a matrixed regional network to elevate On's brand presence and community connection across the Americas.

• Lead the end-to-end design process for strategic regional store openings from initial spatial concept through final build-out.
• Translate global design guidelines, brand values, and visual identities into premium, high-quality technical layouts tailored to regional real estate requirements.
• Deliver comprehensive design packages, including local design inspiration, zoning concepts, 3D visualisations, material sample boards, and formal approval presentations for internal leadership.
• Review external partner architectural drawings to verify strict compliance with approved design concepts, landlord criteria, and regional building regulations.
• Partner cross-functionally with Construction, Visual Experience, Retail Operations, and IT to ensure seamless, highly coordinated project execution across all store workstreams.
• Coordinate communications with franchise partners, local architects, external design firms, and contractors to maintain execution quality and project timelines.
• Monitor design execution milestones across multiple project timelines, proactively identifying underlying technical issues and balancing layout trade-offs to keep site openings on schedule.

• 6+ years of experience in an architectural or premium retail design role, specialising in consumer-facing environments across diverse store formats.
• Technical expertise in 2D and 3D design software, including AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, to produce precise layout visualisations and construction details.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and operate productively when localised project parameters shift or clear paths forward are not predefined.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with external partners, franchise operators, and internal matrixed teams to drive cross-functional alignment on design deliverables.
• Comprehensive understanding of how creative design concepts translate into physical built environments, including construction detailing and fixture development.
• Comfort with travelling up to 15% of the time across the region to conduct site visits, audit design execution, and support project milestones.

• Typical cash compensation range for this position, inclusive of base + bonus: $130,000 - $160,000. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including experience, industry knowledge, qualifications, skill set, and location.

Within the Americas division, the team operates as a highly collaborative, fast-moving group focused on translating global standards into premium, locally-resonant physical experiences.