Divisional Program Manager Store Design- Hybrid Seattle, WA

The Divisional Program Manager (DPM) leads all Store Design projects within assigned divisions, serving as the primary Store Design partner to Nordstrom Merchandising Group (NMG). This role manages projects from inception through execution, ensuring alignment across work streams and stakeholders—including executive leadership, internal teams, external vendors, brands, and consultants. The DPM plays a critical role in the shaping and implementation of the planning process to support divisional programs and initiatives. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Program Management 

• Provide specialized design services and support for assigned divisions, including store layouts, fixture planning, space optimization, and test-fit studies to drive business objectives.  

• Drive the development of store planning standards; integrate best practices and retail innovations to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.  

• Manage technical aspects of interior design (FF&E, millwork, finishes) and advise on remodels, new store concepts, and casework layouts.  

• Lead innovation initiatives, fixture/department reinventions, and document best-in-class design practices.  

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners to define scope, budgets, timelines, and deliverables; ensure timely execution and quality outcomes.  

• Develop tools and processes to organize, track, and communicate project status; continuously improve operating practices for speed and cost efficiency.  

• Supervise onsite installations and resolve project issues using appropriate resources. 

Project Management 

• Prepare and update order specifications and pricing for catalogs and collections.  

• Plan, facilitate, and execute projects and high-impact programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.  

• Provide clear updates on timelines, budgets, risks, and changes; coordinate with support teams to ensure timely deliveries and installations.  

• Collaborate with peers and leaders while continuously refining operational processes for efficiency. 

Financials and Budget  

• Partner with Regional teams (VM and Merchant groups) in developing annual and project specific program budgets. 

• Monitor work streams to ensure deliverables meet budget, timeline, and quality expectations. 

 CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Drive Results: Emphasizes the importance of achieving results; challenges poor outcomes or unproductive behaviors. Focuses on overcoming obstacles and delivering results through the team. 

• Builds Trust: Gains trust by showing consistency between what is said and what is done. 

• Communicates Effectively: Takes steps to ensure effective communication between individuals and teams.  Pays attention to others’ input and perspectives; ask questions and summarizes input to confirm understanding. 

• Decision Quality: Demonstrates an ability to make tough decisions and advance initiatives that may be unpopular. Integrates analysis, experience, and other inputs to make effective decisions. 

• Manages Complexity: Explores issues and uncovers the underlying issues and root causes. Determines the new information needed to solve problems and incorporates these concepts into the analysis. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 3–5 years in project/program management within retail or design (architecture, interior planning, construction, vendor sourcing, product development) or 5+ years in corporate Visual Merchandising Management.  

• Degree/diploma in architecture, interior design, visual merchandising, or related field; proficient in reading construction documents and shop drawings, preferred.  

• Strong project execution, organizational, and decision-making abilities; adept at managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.  

• Expertise in design communication (visual, written, verbal) and architectural details/specifications.  

• Ability to balance design excellence with operational and budget constraints; strategic thinker focused on continuous improvement.  

• Skilled in collaboration across cross-functional teams; strong negotiation and problem-solving capabilities.  

• Technical skills: AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Smartsheet, Microsoft 365, Confluence, Coupa, POMS (Purchase Order Management Software), preferred.  

• Experience with process improvement (Six Sigma, Lean, TQM) a plus.  

• Ability to travel up to 40%, work off-hours/weekends as needed.